Scott Bradley finished the 50-mile Ochil Ultra, from Stirling to Perth across the Ochil hills, in 8:17:19. It had been years since he took part in an ultra distance event and he was delighted with the experience. Find out more about the inaugural Ochil Ultra.
Scott said: “Firstly I have to say a very well done to the organisers, and the supporters, of this new event. From registration, route signage, cheery marshalling at key points, to live results at the finish line and the GPS tracking it was all very impressive.
“The course was also great. I entered this event very nervously. It had been years since I last did an ultra, so I set off very conservatively and just tried to enjoy my day in the hills.
“My aim was to gain some confidence for future events. I had recently entered the GB Ultra C2C Scotland 2018 and I figured I had to start somewhere. The Ochil Ultra was my start.”
Scott reports that there was so much to motivate him during the race. He said: “The scenery was brilliant with the autumn colours and the views from Dumyat across the Forth valley with the sun rising were fantastic.
“When I got to CP1 at 10 miles (Tillicoultry) I was greeted by a fantastic cheer and a selection of home-baking that made me wonder why I’d bothered with drop bags.”
On the climb to the highest point on the course, Scott felt quite strong and he picked up his speed a bit. He then descended hard. He said: “I had no idea of placing and I was just enjoying my day and trying not to think about it.
“I knew I was slowly passing others but it wasn’t until just before CP3 (30 miles) when someone told me I was leading the race. I was so excited to be leading an ultra so, again, I ran quite conservatively to make sure I didn’t blow up. “
Scott wins the 50-mile ultra.
Unknown to Scott, behind him Nicholas Wolverson, who came home in second place a little over six minutes behind the winner, was putting in a strong effort.
Scott said: “I did get a bit of fright when Nicholas appeared by my side at CP4! At the time it felt like a punch in the face, but in retrospect it was fantastic because it forced me to race properly. All credit to him as he pushed me over the next couple of miles .”
At the start of Moncrieffe Hill, Scott made some distance, as Nichalas dropped to a walk.
He was delighted to cross the finish line first. He said: “I know the result would have been quite different had a few certain names showed up, but it was a really special day for me, even disregarding the result, because I enjoyed the journey from start to finish
“I didn’t have a low point and I don’t think I’ve experienced that before in an ultra.
“I am really excited about next year already and I hope to show off the Ochils to even more runners in the 2018 event.”
Read the Ochil Ultra race report.