The Illuminator Preview

October 10, 2018

If you have never completed a head torch run before, you are in for a lovely treat. I love this run!!

I have completed the run twice, in two different types of weather … look ahead and dress accordingly. Running with a head torch shouldn’t be feared, it is a great way to get miles in during the dark winters nights. The best runs I have completed have been head torch runs… so buckle up you are in for a fantastic race.

The run starts in Aboyne outside the community centre (also finishes here). With the darkness descending the church and surrounding forrest are drenched in blues, purples and green lighting which builds to the atmosphere. The friendly volunteers direct you to “Racers” “Runners” “walkers” pens where you will start from.

The course starts on the long straight road heading over the river Dee before entering the trail at roughly 1km. Preview of the course terrain was important as I knew the first climb came at roughly 3-4km in lasting around 2km. It came. It was hard but the sound of the pipes in the middle of a pitch black forrest inspired the final push.

The trail opens up into more exposed running with some roughened stoney / rootie trails where foot placement is important… but the reward – look up and watch the silver snake of lights twist through the hill side lighting up where you go. There are some nice runnable trails here and some good down hills – be sure of your footing.

The path meanders down to a small river crossing which is jumpable and important to keep your feet dry for the return leg. This is probably the furthest away point of the course. Land Rover tracks lead you into the light zone… hot juice and flap jacks are the reward of the zoomy downhill section and gear you up for the homeward section.

The rest of the run meanders towards the 20km mark… I had earmarked this as the pinnacle of the run… a 1km climb. Again knowing this was coming allowed the mental preparation for it. Top tip – marching with the arms really helped to get up this hill effectively and efficiently! The top came and a long muddy down hill section takes you past “rest and be thankful” (where I was thankful but no time for rest :-)) onto the start of the course and down onto the road. The long straight takes you back under the finish arch to a well earned cup of venison soup. So grit the teeth, power up, relentless forward progress and the achievement is fantastic!!