Barrathon

Coordinates: 56°57′18″N 7°29′42″W / 56.955°N 7.495°W The Barrathon is an annual half marathon which takes place on the Isle of Barra, which is the southern most inhabited isle of the Outer Hebrides in Scotland. The Barrathon was initially a single event to mark the millennium, and a chance to raise some money for charity at the same time. The Charity was MacMillan Cancer Support.

Year Finished Fastest Time Fastest Runner Remarks
2000 37 1:21:06 Simon Axon
2001 46 1:25:51 Simon Axon
2002 64 1:18:08 Terence Coyle
2003 89 1:15:37 Stuart Gibson
2004 87 1:16:23 Graham Beal
2005 98 1:22:16 Brendan Bolland
2006 114 1:13:13 Paul Freary Previous course record
2007 129 1:14:25 Jamie Reid
2008 156 1:21:44 Benjamin Kemp
2009 167 1:19:33 Graham Beal
2010 162 1:16:27 Phil Mowbray
2011 227 1:15:00 Jamie Reid
2012 250 1:20:53 Andrew Laycock
2013 242 1:13:13 Neil Renault Official course record
2014 241 1:18:28 Ray Ward

Route

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.

The course was officially measured in 2008 by dion_networks on behalf of Scottishathletics and meets the minimum distance for a half marathon. The official record is over the measured course.

Fun Runs

There is also a "Fun Run" which is 3 miles. Runners must be 11 or over. Additionally, there is also a "Junior Fun Run" which is approximately 1 mile. The Junior Fun Run is for runners aged 4–10.

External links