Mountain Marathon With Added Ceilidh

A quick heads-up for anyone looking for a challenge in the next couple of months in the shape of the Haglöfs-supported Highlander Mountain Marathon 'somewhere in the north of Scotland' on 10/11 April, 2010.

The format is traditional mountain marathon stuff with pairs of runners navigating their way around a two-day course and collecting points along the way. You need to carry you own food, shelter and basically be totally self sufficient.

The two things that mark the event out, says Haglöfs, are that it's beginner friendly, thanks to a range of classes with courses set up to cater for everyone from raw novice through to hardened fell animals and the mid-way camp.

What makes the latter special is a mid-way marquee complete with hot food, traditional Scottish music and, erm, 'ceilidh dancing', though how many of the competitors will be up for it remains to be seen. There is a final attraction, you may get to see the OM editor hobbling around looking desperately lost and wondering why his legs no longer work properly.

The exact location is traditionally kept secret until a few days before the event taking place, but it will be within two hours drive from Inverness and it's a fair bet that the scenery will be absolutely stunning. What's more, it's early enough to dodge the midgies.

Looks like a cracking event. Full details at www.highlandermountainmarathon.org.uk