 NEWS
UPDATE: 2010 Results
AND: Phil and Mandy have now handed over the organisation after a most impressive innings, so watch this space.
The
Isle of Jura Fell Race is undoubtedly a 'classic' in every sense of
the word - being a true test of mountaincraft, athleticism and fell
running technique. It is one of the toughest challenges in British hill
racing - as shown by these course records:
Men
Mark Rigby, 1994. 3:06:59
Ladies Angela Mudge, 2008. 3:40:33
Veterans (o/40) Billy Bland, 1988. 3:09:36
Super-Veterans (o/50) Joss Naylor MBE, 1988. 3:48:43
Jurachs Mark Shaw, 2002. 3:53:24
Eilachs Donald MacPhee, 1993. 3:45:44
We
hope that this website will be of use to regular competitors as well
as providing inspiration and all the necessary information for first-timers.
This race could not exist in its current form without the support, infrastructure and facilities provided by the islanders and
our generous sponsors, The
Isle of Jura Distillery. Indulge yourself and visit their website
by clicking on the picture of the bottle of Jura 10 Year Single
Malt that you will find at the top of each page.
Best
wishes,
GRAHAM ARTHUR (Race Organiser)
The
video (above) is an interview with Donald Booth talking about the history
of the race. It was filmed at the 2007 event.
More
about the
Isle of Jura...
Beautiful
and Mysterious
Of all the Western Isles of Scotland, the Isle of Jura, though one of
the most beautiful, remains one of the most mysterious and least known.
Almost 30 miles long and 7 miles wide, Jura is the third largest of
the islands of Argyll, yet is one of the more inaccessible of the British isles,
requiring two ferries for vehicules. It does not even have its own airport! Only one road exists, following
the southern and eastern shoreline. The rest of Jura is wild and rough
, accessible only to stalwart walkers, sea kayakers and - hill runners. To most visitors the appeal of
Jura is threefold: scenery, history and wildlife. Sorry, fourfold: and malt whisky lovers.
Breathtaking
Views
The spectacular Paps of Jura, rising from sea-level to over 2,500 feet
are visible from the Argyll mainland some 16 miles away and provide
breathtaking views of many Hebridean Islands and even (on a very clear
day) the Isle of Man and Ireland.
Fearsome...
Jura is fringed by a rocky shoreline and deserted beaches of silver
sand with many caves and raised beaches. At the northern tip of the
island is found the fearsome whirlpool, Corryvreckan, occurring when
currents flowing from the mainland collide with the opposing ocean current
setting into the narrow strait between Jura and the Island of Scarba, and a submerged peak,
a natural phenomenon visible and audible from the shore.
Climate
It rains now and again in the Hebrides, but
the Gulf Stream brushes the islands and the climate is mild. Palm trees are often seen growing near ornamental gardens and hotels. May and June are the
the most reliable months for settled spells of fine weather.
Ancient
Heritage
Jura has been inhabited for about 5,000 years – a period spanning
the Bronze and Iron Ages, Viking settlements and Clan warfare. This
long history provides the visitor with standing stones, hill forts,
castles and deserted crofts. Christianity touched early; St Columbus’s
uncle, St Eaman, is buried in the graveyard of Inverlussa. The main
literary connection is that of George Orwell who wrote ‘Nineteen
Eighty Four’ while visiting Jura in 1948.
Wildlife
Abounds
The island was known to the Vikings as Dyr Oe – pronounced Joora,
meaning Deer Island. Today there are more than 5,000 red deer, outnumbering
human inhabitants by 20:1. Small wild goats abound on the uninhabited
west coast, which they share with the grey seal. Inland, the rabbit
is the commonest mammal, but the hare, stoat and otter may be glimpsed.
Around 100 species of bird have been noted, including the blackcock,
grouse, snipe and golden eagle inland, and many varieties
of seabird on the shore. The lochs and burns are trout-filled, whilst
mackerel, saithe and lythe are some of the sea-species caught
locally. |
