A group of local fell runners enjoyed a very successful trip to Dumfrieshire recently where they competed in the Ultra Scotland event.

The race formed part of a series of ultra-distance races across the United Kingdom.

With 50 and 100-mile options available, the majority of the seven-strong contingent opted for the 50-mile option that included 2,400 metres worth of ascent, equivalent to almost four ascents of Snaefell from sea level.

Starting off in darkness at 6am from the St John’s town of Dalry, the Manx Fell Runners trio of Sam Jones, Orran Smith and Gary Kelly hit the front together and had gained a good lead over the chasing pack by the time they reached checkpoint one after eight miles.

Smith and Jones pulled clear in the stretch to checkpoint two (26 miles) with Kelly maintaining his grip on the final podium position and increasing hopes of a clean sweep of the medals.

Everything can change very quickly in races of this distance but the Isle of Man lads paced the race almost perfectly, with Ste Downward and Chris Reynolds also running very strongly inside the top seven placings.

Ultimately it was Jones who edged ahead of his clubmate to take a brilliant win in a course record time of 9hr 29min.

Smith was a little over 10 minutes adrift in second and Kelly pushed on in the latter stages to confirm his individual bronze and claim what must be an unprecedented 1-2-3 for Manx Fell Runners in off-island competition.

The fine performances continued with Downward taking fifth, Reynolds sixth and Chris Hancox 11th - all three stepping up to the 50-mile distance for the first time.

Celebrations were put on temporary hold though as Nikki Arthur was still out on course competing in the 100-mile race (involving 4,500 metres of climbing).

Smith continued his journey from the halfway point at Moffat to support Arthur as they headed out toward the finish destination of Galashiels.

The Scottish weather had started to turn though, with worsening conditions requiring the addition of warmer layers as the rain fell and wind picked up to near-gale force.

Much to the disappointment of Arthur though, the organisers made the difficult but sensible call to abandon the race at 73 miles, with the resident Scotswoman in fourth overall position and leading woman at the time.

Thanks to Charlie Whipp who performed an excellent job in providing logistical support to the runners; organisers GB Ultras and Orran Smith for sharing his experiences of race day.

Let’s hope that 2022 sees further success across the water and a return to a full and uninterrupted season of fell and ultra running.