Fishy Race At Bass Rock

8 APR2011

There has been consternation among Scotland's hill running community following the announcement of a "a unique hill race to take place on the Bass Rock on Tuesday, June 14. This event will be a race across the path on the rock which takes in the summit giving a distance of 2 miles and 600ft of climb."

The announcement made on April 1 continued: "Entries will be limited to 25 runners and will be allocated by ballot held on April 15. It is expected that this event will be popular so a waiting list with a further 10 runners will also be drawn. Please email bassrockrace@gmail.com stating your name, club, category (M/F/Vet) and mobile phone number. Sorry but no junior entries can be considered.

"Entries, including boat trip, will cost £8 and will be collected on the night. In the event of bad weather preventing the boat from landing on the rock the race will be re-arranged for the following Tuesday. If appropriate, athletes from the waiting list will replace those who cannot attend the re-arranged date."

The organisers provided further details: "The boat will depart from North Berwick harbour at 7pm. Additional clothing can be stored on the boat during the race. Full body cover (including a hat) must be worn during the race. There is likelihood that clothing will be soiled during this event. The path is suitable for trainers NOT studs. Competitors MUST keep to the path at all times to avoid the danger of disturbing birds' nests. Participants enter entirely at their own risk."

Bass Rock is administered by staff at the Scottish Seabird Centre in North Berwick who were alarmed to hear of a major disturbance when there will be over 150,000 gannets closely packed, and nesting.