THE CAPE WRATH

CHALLENGES

A Totally Unique Experience

May 11th to the 17th 2008

Thursday   Day 4  The John Walker Target Zero Balnakeil to Faraid Head Beach Run.

This is an innovative suggestion introduced by our new sponsor John Walker. Every entrant, in either distance, will predict their time. Competitors completing the distance in a longer or shorter period will have the time expressed as a positive or minus from their prediction, expressed as zero. The closest to Zero wins. Everybody has a chance! Strict rules will apply. No watches or timing devices are to be carried by runners and observers must not communicate times to runners - or the runner will be disqualified. Every participant will receive a lapel badge memento.

The origin of the name Faraid Head is probably Norse rather than Gaelic/Celtic for Farao meaning a dangerous or difficult location, indeed old maps spell it Faroe Head. With the storms that abound in this area ships of all periods - both ancient and modern - would most certainly have said it was an aptly named (and feared) part of the coast. The headland is a place of remarkable contrasts. To the east lie the dramatic and rocky cliffs – home to thousands of birds including puffins. To the west lie two glorious sandy beaches and dunes, an area of such splendour and uniqueness that it has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).  

 On the outward route we will stay on the beach and pass around the headland onto the second beach.  At end of this beach we will come off at the winch, right onto the single track tarmac road.  Turn left and follow this (uphill) to the end to reach the Trig Point on the cliff edge from where one can see the north face of the Cape and the lighthouse. On return proceed back through the dunes to the end of the "First Beach" and run along the sand to the finish

Post race- refreshments will be available in the golf clubhouse or Balnakeil Craft Village- located on the right about half-way back into the village. There are two cafes here and it is a good opportunity to have a look at some of the craft activities based here.

  Comment and safety

• Wear running shoes. Could get damp on the beach.

• Runners will be checked onto beach at Balnakeil, at the Trig Point turn and again at the Finish

• First Aid will be based at Balnakeil Church car park

This is a relaxing and fun event. Children from the local primary school and their teachers will be joining in. Competitors can dress up and treat the event in  a spirit of amusement.

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