Information

Gallop and Grind is a participation duathlon with the aim to raise sponsorship for Cancer Care in the Highlands.  In 2009 we hope to build on the success of the 2008 event.  Keep watching this space for updates. 

A Letter from Sharon

Hello everyone

I can’t believe that over a month has passed since Gallop and Grind took place at the King George 5th Park in Fort William!  I hope you have all recovered and are looking forward to next years event, now that all the sore bits will be a distant memory!  One friend told me however that it was her arms from the Strip the Willows at the ceilidh that was the sorest for a few days!

Seriously though I would like to reiterate my sincere thanks to everyone who gave up their time to take part in the event, which was an overwhelming success with 677 participants.  It was such a privilege being part of such an inspirational community event, driven by the commitment, dedication and enthusiasm of participants, marshals, volunteers, sponsors and spectators.  Any event is only as good as the people who commit to it and Gallop and Grind was driven by a community spirit that was undescribable and far surpassed any expectations I had!

As many of you will know prior to the event we set up a charity ‘Cancer Care in the Highlands’ in a bid to ensure Gallop and Grind becomes an annual event that will continue to support the care of cancer patients residing within the Highland area.  As such all sponsor money raised will go into this account and be split between both the Belford Hospital, Fort William and the Oncology Ward 2c at Raigmore Hospital.  Already both have come up with innovative ideas for using the money in order that it will impact significantly on the direct care both within the hospital and in the community in the long term.  The Cancer Care in the Highlands board of directors will however meet with both hospitals and report back to you with a clearer indication on how it will be used.

Now for the really exciting bit……………. Already we have £74,000 in the bank!  This again is a phenomenal amount and it is still coming in.  Once again I can’t thank everyone enough for their sponsorship and would love to write to everyone individually as a thank you.  Unfortunately this is not possible, so please accept my sincere thanks and gratitude to everyone who has contributed so generously and I assure you that monies will be put to good use and that through our board of directors supported by the expertise of No Fuss Events this event will continue to grow and thrive annually.

In the meantime anyone wishing to purchase last minute T-shirts or a copy of the DVD produced capturing the atmosphere of the day should contact No Fuss Events.

Anyone still to get sponsor money in should either send it to:Frances MacIntyre, 17 Glen View, Dalmally, Argyll, PA33 1BE or hand it in to McPhee and Partners Solicitors and Estate Agents, Aird House, Fort William.

Course

Race Routes

All routes start behind Lochaber Leisure Centre at start of Cow Hill Circuit.

1. Short Walk (approximately 3 miles)

Walk up path towards Sugarloaf until you reach the junction turn right along hillside under the pylons continue forward on this track until you reach a gate where you turn right onto Landrover track down to cattle grid and down Lundavra Road turning right along Union Road back to Leisure Centre.


2. Long Walk (approximately 5 miles)

Walk up path towards Sugarloaf until you reach the junction looking down onto Claggan, branch right along hillside under the pylons; continue forward on this track until you reach a gate where you turn left onto Landrover track (Peat Track); turn right at sign for Glen Nevis onto rough track; go through gate as path starts to drop and turn left onto bike track; follow this to junction where you are looking down onto Claggan; turn right and follow the path which will descend into Braveheart car park turn left at the car park and left again at the road, follow the road to walk back to the Leisure centre.
Please note there is still the option to walk the whole route which is approx 14miles in total.

3. Leisure/Sports/Elite Classes

Walk, jog or run as Route 2 to Braveheart Car Park; pick up bike at this point and cycle along forestry road continuing straight on towards the head of Glen Nevis for approx 4 miles up to just before the end of the forestry road, where the road forks, take the path down left and descend to a gate which will take you out at Achriabhach; go through Gate take a left and follow Glen Nevis Road back to Leisure Centre.


Which Class should I Enter?

Walk – either Short (3 miles) or Long (5 miles). Suitable for most people, and any ages over about 4 years old (unless there’s someone strong able to carry a youngster the last mile or so). A variety of surfaces including hill track, Landrover track, forestry road and tarmac. Walking boots or trainers advised and clothing appropriate to the day. Rough guide – 1.5 hrs for Short, up to 3 hours for Long.

Leisure – you’re reasonably fit but not competitive and might walk or jog parts of the Cow Hill section . You’ll cope with the 9-mile cycle. You’ll take time to enjoy the crack with other participants on the way round. Rough guide – less than 4 hours.

Sports – You are fit, you run, cycle, walk, etc on a regular basis and may compete in local events or other charity events or may be a member of a sports club. As such you understand the physical challenge involved in the run and the cycle. You’ll expect to do the route within 3 hours, although you might be running on empty by the finish!

Elite – You compete regularly and are comfortable with the physical challenge. You’re looking forward to setting a good time and competing against other participants you meet at running and cycling events. You’re aiming to break 2 hours.

Rules

1 Participants must be 15 years old on the day of the event. (please note any adult who wishes to be accompanied by a child is welcome to do so but has responsibility for the child.)

2 All riders must stay to the right of their lane at all times other than passing. Please be courteous to the other riders on the course, ride in a straight line and stay right.. There will not be a water bottle hand off on the bicycle course so participants should carry their own fluids.

3 All participants are reminded that a helmet is a statutory requirement for the cycle.

4 The event organiser reserves the right to alter or cancel portions of the event as deemed necessary for safety reasons.

5 Whilst we have not put a minimum amount to be raised we really do urge you to make a pledge to raise as much money as you can whether it be through friends, family work colleuges or indeed you may choose to ask a local business for support.

Sponsor money should be deposited within 14 days after the event. Please send all monies to Sharon Fraser, Gallop and Grind Charity, Innishail, South Laggan, By Spean Bridge, Inverness-shire, PH34 4EA. Telephone 01809 501 489. All cheques should be made payable to Gallop and Grind.

Aid Stations
There will be three main aid stations and marshal points, start Finnish area, Braveheart car park and the turn point on the Cycle.

There is a growing body of evidence that indicates reducing cancer risk can be achieved through health eating, maintaining a health weight and increasing physical activity of which this event initiative is a wonderful example.

Who's Coming

This is a list of entries for this event. If you think you should be here and you are not then let us know.

Solo Vet Female

1) doric  -  lorna mcintosh