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Name
of Race: Isle of Barra Half Marathon
Location:
Isle of Barra
Distance: 13.1
miles
Month Held:
July
Number of
Participants: 200
Website:
Isle of Barra Half Marathon
Information:
Initially the
half marathon was set up as a one-off event to mark the millennium but its
popularity among the running fraternity has ensured its continuity. The aims
of the Barrathon are multi-faceted: promoting health and fitness within the
Community; encouraging social inclusion; boosting the local economy and
raising funds for charity, to name but a few. It is important to note that
the Barrathon Committee is a non-profit making organisation. Costs
associated with organising the event are in the region of £2000. Competitor
entry fees provide some contribution to costs, but they also include the
Scottish Athletics Federation fee for unaffiliated runners and a charity
donation to Macmillan Cancer Relief. The shortfall in organisational costs
is met by the generous donations of a number of businesses who recognise
that their investment will generate additionality. It is also important to
note that the event could not take place without the support of an extensive
team of enthusiastic and hard-working volunteers who give of their time year
after year. That community spirit is one of the key factors endearing the
event to so many visiting runners.
The Barrathon route is a clockwise circuit of the island,
following an undulating course, the lowest point being near sea level and
the highest point being just under 350 ft.
The route starts in Castlebay at about 60 ft falling quickly to sea level
before rising to 100 ft around the 1 mile mark. The next 0.5 miles is mainly
downhill and then the course undulates between sea level and 50 ft until the
4 mile mark.
From mile 4, the course climbs gradually as the route starts to head east,
peaking at around 170 ft just past the 5.5 mile stage. The next 1.5 miles
see the route drop back to sea level as the 7 mile mark is approached.
From miles 7 to 9, the route starts to work its way round the east coast of
the island over a number of short, small climbs ranging from 50 ft to 90 ft.
This is quickly followed by a downhill 0.5 mile and a gently undulating
course to the 10.5 mile mark. From here the route climbs steeply to 340 ft
at the 11.5 mile stage.
The route offers some respite with a mile long descent followed by a short
but sharp climb of approximately 40 ft before a fairly steady run to the
finish point in Castlebay.
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