On Sunday 21 April dozens of horses and their riders will line up above Loch Ness against a similar number of runners in the region’s second annual Man vs Horse Challenge.
The event is a unique opportunity for athletes and equestrians to compete over a 26km course against a spectacular backdrop of stunning Highland scenery.
Starting from the Whitebridge Hotel the runners will be piped out at 11.00am and the horses will set off in staggered starts. The race follows a linear route which covers sections of the Trail of the Seven Lochs and the South Loch Ness Trail.
Fair Haired Lad’s Pass
Competitors will climb up the challenging ‘Corkscrew’ beside the stunning crag of Dun Deardail before tackling the ‘Fair Haired Lad’s Pass’, which will lead them on a dramatic descent to Loch Ness.
The race will finish at the home of the hosts, Loch Ness Riding, at Drummond Farm in Dores. Horses will be vetted to make sure they are in good shape at the finish and runners as well as riders will be restored with tea and cakes!
This will be followed by the prize giving where the Jacobite Warrior perpetual trophy will be presented to the fastest overall competitor. The winners in each class will receive a keepsake quaich and medals and rosettes will be presented to all runners and riders.
50% of all profits (including sponsorship) will be donated to the Teenage Cancer Trust as the event’s chosen charity this year, and the other 50% will go to the South Loch Ness Access Group to help continue its work in the area.
Entry forms for runners and riders can be found at http://www.doresonlochness.co.uk/man_versus_horse
