I have been running on The Hebridean Islands for more than 30 years and probably have run at least 3 half marathons on the islands each year.
Many years ago it was decided to create what was known as the HEB 3,a series of island half marathons and your best 3 times would count to the HEB 3 championship. I was lucky enough to be awarded First Vet one year.
Most of the courses are hilly apart from Benbecula although that course is very exposed and if the weather is stormy which it has been many times the times suffer.
This year having turned 70 I decided that I would run all 5 half in the series and set myself a target of sub 2 hours for each race.
Things were going well even although the first 3 were on consecutive Saturdays,one rest week and then Barra and 7 days later Harris.They are both very demanding courses and I just managed to sneak under the 2 hours at Harris,only just.
I really enjoy the islands and I suppose the running is just one part of it.
The only possible down side if there is one is the 2,500 miles of driving in such a short time !!
Bruce Walker