Dan's the man to turn back time
A BIKE shop owner emerged victorious at this year’s Corrieyairack
Challenge, managing to beat his previous winning time by 90 seconds – despite a long-standing leg injury and being nearly 10 years older.
Dan Whitehead (38), who runs Ballater Bike Station, won the gruelling 43 mile duathlon on Saturday in a time of three hours, 18 minutes and 38 seconds – a minute-and-a-half better than his 2003 winning time.
The father-of-three was put out of racing temporarily in 2004 when his leg was crushed by some roof sheet metal he was moving while helping to build an extension to his parent’s house.
“I was unloading roof sheets and one fell on me. I had a few bad years and never thought I would run the Corrieyairack Challenge again, because it is a big, long run.
“I’m really pleased to have managed to win again and a minute-and-a-half faster and eight years older!”
Described as Scotland’s toughest mountain duathlon and now in its 19th year, the annual run covers 17 miles from Fort Augustus to Garva Bridge by Laggan climbing 2,350ft through the Corrieyairack Pass en-route, followed by a 26-mile bike ride to Kincraig and the finishing line at the village’s annual fete.
There was a total of 354 entrants on Saturday, who have so far raised £50,068 for the Speyside Trust, which runs the Badaguish Outdoor Centre by Glenmore, which provides respite breaks and holidays for those with special needs.
Mr Whitehead admitted the race was tough but said he has been biking and running for 20 years and he was able to tune into his auto-pilot at least some of the time.
However, he confessed running across the Corrieyairack Pass felt “like death” and he could not have won the race without the support of his fellow competitors.
“It was a lovely day, but the heat was certainly a factor. I had a really good strong feeling though which helped me to push the pace along.
“Even though there are a lot of people doing the race, it is easy to get isolated.
“But there was a big group that eventually went down to three, and then there was just myself and Highland Cross winner Robert Brooks by the time we got to Garva Bridge.
“The last four miles of the run to the bike transition are like death. They are straight roads that just go on and on and on. It is a real test of mental toughness.
“Having someone else there to run stride to stride with you makes it much easier.”
Andrew MacKenzie, Speyside Trust Director and Corrieyairack Challenge organiser, said once again there had been a really positive reception for the race – the main fundraiser for the trust.
“Having this local goodwill and support makes all the hard work worthwhile,” he said.
“Participants greatly appreciate the generous hospitality and we are all really looking forward to a very special celebration for our 20th anniversary challenge next year.
“The Corrie is recognised as one of the friendliest events in the country and this generates great loyalty and support from the competitors.”
Mr MacKenzie praised the genorisity of competitors and sponsors who had helped out despite the current economic problems.
He said: “In current economic times £50,000 pledged on the day is a real testament to the commitment and loyalty of our supporters.
“There are also important local economic benefits from the event. A total of 350 participants represents 700 visitors who stay two nights or more and have an average spend of £80 per person.
“Seventy per cent of participants travel from outwith the area and 96% only come for the challenge.
“The sponsorship raised supports Speyside Trust annual revenue expenditure which is over £500,000”
Mr MacKenzie added: “We are very grateful to local MSP Dave Thompson, who attended to present the prizes this year, and also to fellow local MSP Fergus Ewing, whose support has been instrumental in securing over £400,000 of Scottish Government and European funding for repair and preservation work to the Corrieyairack Pass.”