GRANT JEANS, winner, Scottish 100km champion 2010
(photo by David Bauchop roadrunpics)
North Inch Park in Perth will always hold fond memories for me as it is where I won what I hope will be the first of many Scottish 100 km championships. In my opinion, there cannot be many all-road courses on which a runner will have a better opportunity to set a PB, provided said runner is well prepared and injury free.
Running laps instead of point-to-point might not be to everyone’s liking but there are several advantages in doing so. Runners can get a clearer picture of their expected time which is important for those competing to win, aiming to obtain qualifying times or set a PB.
For runners who have not run the route before, there is no chance of getting lost. The one and a half miles (I think it is 1.48 miles or 2.38 km to be precise) per lap is a perfect distance so that all runners going at various different paces will be spread out. The path is more than wide enough to accommodate competitors and anyone else who might be out for a stroll or cycle in the park. The scenery is also very nice with the River Tay flowing beside the course and the facilities at the Bell’s Sports Centre are very good.
Organisation is fantastic, with Adrian and the Sri Chinmoy team and the staff from Run and Become in Edinburgh doing a great job along with Scottish Athletics and the many helpers who kindly give up their time to make the event possible..
I would highly recommend that anyone looking to debut at 50 km or 100 km make Perth on Sunday the 27th of March their first experience of the distance. There really cannot be a more suitable race in which to do so.
William Sichel.Scottish and GB ultra distance international (photo: David Beauchop roadrunpics)
I like running at Perth because:
1. Beautiful location with convenient transport access
2. Good road surface and generally pretty flat except for one short sharp rise each lap.
3. Good support and excellent crew area with easy access to anything and everything you might need.
Why do I love running ultras on loop courses?
a. There are many more opportunities for support - physical, emotional and nutritional - as you are never far from other runners and your support crew. This can make a big difference to your performance and can’t be matched on point-to-point courses.
b. The history of the events and the distances, is a major feature of these standard events for me. The first 24 hour race was in 1807, the peak of 6 day running was in the 1880’s. Taking part in these events makes you feel part of the history of the sport and your performance is another brick in the wall that is ultra distance running.
PAUL HART (Scottish international and former 100km champion) photo by David Bauchop roadrunpics
Of all the ultra distance lap courses I have run, Perth is by far the most scenic. Running on the long straight section next to the River Tay it is easy to get your mind into a 'zone' and the time and distance soon pass by however tired the legs feel.
There is no doubt that running an ultra lap course also challenges your mental toughness far more than a point to point course. You may have the physical strength but have you got the mental strength to see the race through? To run well in this race will challenge more than your running ability.
The distance of each lap at 2.38Km gets the right balance between being long enough so that you focus on your running and get into a rhythm during each lap, and short enough that you can see your support crew when you feel you need to.
Having achieved both my 100K and 24hr PB's on this course I would have to consider this my favourite ultra lap course!
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