Preparation

Credit: David Lintern

“Hope is no substitute for strategy” - Percival Everett

Preparation for a journey of this calibre cannot be taken lightly; any success is a consequence of meticulous planning, training and sound preparation, supplemented by several carefully selected pacers and an excellent support team. Luck is a factor too, but don’t rely on it!

Navigation

The Harvey’s map entitled “Charlie Ramsay Round” (map scale 1:40,000. 2.5cm to 1km) is consistent with the maps they already produce for the Bob Graham and the Paddy Buckley rounds.

These maps have proved to very popular and user friendly for contenders and their teams preparing and participating on these rounds.

The main advantage is that one will only require 1 map which will cover the entire round, whereas with previous maps you had to rely on 2 maps for complete Round cover.

All contenders, navigators, pacers and support teams should of course be familiar with the route and have thorough navigational skills to ensure they are not hindered by low cloud, mist, darkness or poor visibility.

Pacers and Support

Organising a Round attempt is a logistical challenge in itself, especially if travelling from further afield. Be mindful that once committed to a departure date and time, with your team briefed as to their roles and responsibilities, it may prove difficult to change your arrangements in the event of bad weather, illness or other circumstance.

Pacers should be carefully selected for their personal suitability and knowledge of their designated section. They should appreciate that their task is to travel on a scheduled pace carrying fuel and clothing for themselves and the contender. They must be capable of adjusting the pace to suit the needs of the contender. Chatty can be helpful, focused and positive is essential, to ensure that morale is kept high.

Their role is exclusively as part of a support team for the contender; they are not contenders themselves.

Transistion Area support teams should arrive well ahead of time to set up the station, be fully equipped and fully briefed.

Training

There is no substitute for a supportive, regular group of running friends. Join your local club!

Many find it useful to compete in a programme of hill races, designed to enhance speed, endurance fitness and appropriate fast manoeuvring skills whilst on the move.

This can be followed by trips to Lochaber for training on the key sections of the round, which will also facilitate route planning and final preparation.

It’s highly recommended that contenders and pacers are familiar with the route in the 1st instance. They must also have enough navigational skills to ensure they are not hindered unnecessarily by low cloud, mist, darkness or poor visibility. 

Schedule

Contenders wishing to attempt the round within 24 hours are advised to prepare a realistic schedule that will show estimated arrival times on each summit. Template schedules can be found on many forums and shared in hill running clubs, but relying on other people’s is a recipe for failure.

Your schedule should be specific to your own strengths and weaknesses, training and preparation, rest and fueling needs.

It should include also estimated Transistion Area arrival times to facilitate planning of the support teams at each location. The team at these areas should have everything in place and ready for a quick transition and departure of the contender onto the next stage of the challenge. Stoves on and water boiling, on cue, spare clothing and equipment laid out and ready.

Credit: Black Trail Runners/Inov8

Clothing and Equipment

A contender has a duty of care to themselves and their support teams; it’s essential to be prepared for the unexpected. Scottish Hill Runners Generic Safety Guidelines suggests participants consider their gear very carefully. In particular, it notes ‘…and any other items you deem necessary for your protection’. Building your experience in the Scottish mountains prior to the attempt will help guide as to what to wear and how to equip. If in doubt seek further training.

All that said…

  • A small 1st aid kit is recommended to include at least a broad roller bandage and some plasters.

  • A head torch for use during the night section. An additional head torch plus spare batteries are highly recommended.

  • A good watch to record arrival times and splits on each summit.

  • A mobile phone to keep in touch with base and to be used in an emergency. Be aware that signal is not always guaranteed.

  • Clothing is often changed at Transition Area/support stops, but it can be wise for your pacing team to carry an emergency bothy bag, extra layers… and of course you’ll all need a map and compass!

Food and Fuel

Your food intake on a journey of this nature will be enormous; there is no place for compromise (you cannot function on empty).

Each pacer should ensure that they provide adequate fuel for themselves and the contender. Food variety is essential, it must be interesting, varied and functional, i.e. stick with what you are accustomed to, as you must eat little and often throughout the 24 hours. Eating whilst on the move is something that facilitates keeping you on schedule.

Everyone must remain hydrated throughout the Challenge attempt. Knowledge of the location of water sources en route is essential and will determine how much fluid to carry during each section.