About the race

The Challenge

To complete the 53 mile “Fling” course along the Southern part of the West Highland Way from Milngavie to Tyndrum within the appropriate time limit. In addition to the solo runners, there are club competitions, and a four-person relay race. All runners must be 21 years old or over. The “Fling” is designed to be run unsupported. The organisers will distribute drop-bags prepared by the runner and labelled with the appropriate race number along the route at the checkpoints. Labelled kitbags will be taken to the finish at Tyndrum, and buses, which must be booked and paid for in advance, will transport participants back to Milngavie Railway Station. However, if participants wish to have a support team or runner there is no prohibition from doing so.

Club Competition

There is no limit to the number of runners representing any given club. The times of first three (M or F) solo runners from each club will be aggregated to give their club’s time, and therefore runners only need to enter as individuals, indicating the relevant club on their entry form. Should any club wish to enter more than one (M or F) team this, and the designated runners, must be made clear.

Entry Form and Closure

The Entry Form can be downloaded here (pdf or doc). Entries close at midnight on the Tuesday prior to the race.

Start and Registration

The start will be at Milngavie Railway Station. GB grid reference NS 555 744

6am All Female & Male Super-Vet solo runners (registration from 5am)

7am Male & Male Vet solo runners (registration from 6am)

8am All Relay Teams (registration from 7am)

Race Numbers

Race numbers will be posted on the “Fling” website after entry closure at midnight on the Tuesday preceding the race. Each runner will be given a numbered wristband at registration and must wear it during the race. Relay teams will be given a set of four bands with the appropriate team number.

Checkpoints

Water and drop-bags will be available at the following checkpoints;

Milngavie (start) NS 555 744

Balmaha (after 19.8 miles) NS 420 909

Rowardennan (after 27.2 miles) NS 359 986

Inversnaid (after 34.3 miles) NN 336 088

Bein Glas Farm (after 40.9 miles) NN 321 168

Tyndrum (finish – after 53 miles) NN 327 306

Relay Handovers

The relay legs and handover points are;

Milngavie – 12.6 miles – Drymen NS 481 888

Drymen – 14.6 miles – Rowardennan NS 359 986

Rowardennan – 13.7 miles – Bein Glas Farm NN 321 168

Bein Glas Farm – 12.1 miles – Tyndrum

Weather Conditions and Maps

Runners are expected to dress according to the prevailing weather conditions, and those unfamiliar with the route should carry a WHW route map. Thumbnail maps of the start, all the listed checkpoints, relay changeover points and the finish may be viewed here. Maps

Sweeper Runners and Support Cars

Sweeper runners will remain with the back of the field throughout the race. Support vehicles will be at each checkpoint to transport fatigued or injured runners back to Milngavie or on to Tyndrum.

Time Limit

The race will close at Tyndrum at 9pm, which means that Female and Male Super-Vets must complete the course within 15 hours, and Male and Male Vets must complete within 14 hours. Thus, for safety reasons, no Female or Male Super-Vet runner will be allowed to continue past Bein Glas after 6pm, and no Male or Male-Vet runner will be allowed to continue after 6.30pm.

Race Control and Changing Facilities

Race Control will be in the Tyndrum cottages, which also provide changing, showering, and basic cooking facilities for runners.

Prize Giving

All runners who complete the “Fling” will receive prizes to mark their achievement. In addition, trophies will be presented to the individual overall (M, & F) and class winners (MV, MSV, MSDV, FV, & FSV), and to the winning “Fling” club champions (M & F), and the winning relay teams (M, Mixed (2M/2F), & F). The Prize Giving will be held at the finish line at 5.45pm.

Cottages and Buses

The Tyndrum cottages are available for rent overnight (£30 double or £20 single room) on the Saturday of the race for those who would like to spend the evening in Tyndrum for some rest, relaxation and craic. Buses (£10 fare) are organised to leave Tyndrum for Milngavie at 6pm and 9pm on Saturday evening. Cottages and buses can be booked via the entry form.

History

The following video gives a brief insight into the history of the race.

John Kynaston's video of the 2007 race.


	RACE!