The Ben Race

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03-01-2007, 12:28 AM
Marvin

The Ben Race

I'd like to start a new thread on the Ben Race, so here it is.
03-01-2007, 12:30 AM
Luv Shack

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marvin

I'd like to start a new thread on the Ben Race, so here it is.

Well Done!!!
Maybe I'll get an entry now?! Or perhaps I'll have to stick with the reserve list....
PS Ta very much for DVD....
03-01-2007, 02:06 PM
Madmick

Did everyone who I posted too get the DVD of the race, can't remember who I all posted too!!
03-01-2007, 02:23 PM
Stagger

I got mine and would like to say a very BIG Thank-you to you Mick.
I hope I shall beable to return the favor one day.

Happy New Year MIck
03-01-2007, 04:05 PM
Silly Big Fella

The Ben

Does the Ben usually fill up this early? Any particular reason??
03-01-2007, 04:13 PM
Madmick

No probs Stagger, enjoy 2007
03-01-2007, 07:26 PM
Fleeter

I'm entered,dont know why the hell i did mind :confused:
03-01-2007, 07:37 PM
Marvin

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silly Big Fella

Does the Ben usually fill up this early? Any particular reason??

I sent off my cheque on 14th January last year and got into the race (2006 one!) without problem.

Maybe the programme on BBC Scotland made a difference, although the balance between Scottish and English runners 2006-2007 looks similar.
03-01-2007, 07:59 PM
Iken Fityemean

Its pretty near certain that the Ben has never been "full" this early. The entry limit was reached very soon after the programme (race) was broadcast. I know that many experienced runners e.g. Ian Holmes had not put their entry in. (He'll probably get an entry as 1st Vet and 2nd overall this year). I dont know about you but running the Ben without the top runners does NOT appeal to me. I say this not because I would challenge them (last time I only scraped inside 3 hours) but that our sport needs the best for the rest of us to say that we ran with the best and it would only be a watered down spectacle if they weren't there.
This takes me onto my next point. This year I think there were 380 runners at the start line out of 500 "entries". Its the same most years. There is a thriving provisional enrty list BUT it relies on other runners who can't run for various reasons, letting the organisers know. This happens in some cases but clearly doesn't in the majority. Any solutions to this?
Well how about each club who has runners entered sending out e-mails from about April/May onwards to their members reminding them that if they are injured or not fit enough, then send off an e-mail to the organisers so that someone else can take their place.
03-01-2007, 08:08 PM
Marvin

A bit late for this year, but I think that if you just don't turn up, you shouldn't be allowed an entry for the following couple of years.
03-01-2007, 08:46 PM
mapper

Need to keep this thread going for just a few more months.

So who's in the race then? Simply add your name to the list.

Mapper
Tomsk
Alsoran
Martin
03-01-2007, 08:58 PM
Marvin

Need to keep this thread going for just a few more months.

So who's in the race then? Simply add your name to the list.

Mapper
Tomsk
Alsoran
Martin
Marvin
03-01-2007, 09:37 PM
The Famous Grouse

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marvin

A bit late for this year, but I think that if you just don't turn up, you shouldn't be allowed an entry for the following couple of years.

What we think and what the Ben organisers do are likely to be very different. However I promise that if I am injured again this this year I WILL inform the organiser as I did last year.......

The reason it fills up so early BTW for the uninitiated, is that its quite simply the most addictive race in the callendar. The message is simple, if you wanna run, enter early. Pity about Holmsey though and I bet they don't make an exception for him.
03-01-2007, 10:59 PM
slowcoach

Need to keep this thread going for just a few more months.

So who's in the race then? Simply add your name to the list.

Mapper
Tomsk
Alsoran
Martin
Marvin
slowcoach
03-01-2007, 11:05 PM
Stick

The Ben site says that the entry form for next year's (2008) race will be out mid-2007...before the 2007 race has run. That's gotta be the wrong direction for entries and surely having the entry forms out closer to the race will mean that fewer drop-outs (e.g through injuries ?) will occur.

The Ben Nevis Race Association do a really great job and the programme etc obviously needs production time but I think an even earlier entry form publication will compound the problem (of too high a proportion of no-shows). I do like the idea of temporary ban if "no show and no withdrawal note to BNRA" though.

Gotta say though that I've never run the Ben just cos the top-lads are there and whoever mentioned this just before is either a darned sight more competitive and up-the-front than me, or hasn't run the race(?). It's great to line up with Ian, Simon and the rest but I'd be there whatever. It's big and tough enough to worry about on its own without thinking (too much) that I'm going trip one of the leaders up when I'm still struggling to get to see the top:eek:

But...WHERE'S TOMSK? We're missing you old buddy. Your "for-ben-umite" list was going so well!

Haste ye back soon ya ol'womble!
03-01-2007, 11:07 PM
Stick

Gotta learn to type quicker...clearly! I'm in:)

Mapper
Tomsk
Alsoran
Martin
Marvin
slowcoach
Stick
03-01-2007, 11:32 PM
hairy legs

I'm in,all the big races fill up early.Just waiting to enter Snowden race.
Mapper
Tomsk
Alsoran
Martin
Marvin
slowcoach
Stick
hairy legs
04-01-2007, 10:55 AM
Madmick

I'm in too

Tomsk
Alsoran
Martin
Marvin
slowcoach
Stick
hairy legs
Madmick
04-01-2007, 11:40 AM
Stagger

I'm in too

Tomsk
Alsoran
Martin
Marvin
slowcoach
Stick
hairy legs
Madmick
Stagger
04-01-2007, 11:47 AM
mapper

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stagger

I'm in too

Mapper
Tomsk
Alsoran
Martin
Marvin
slowcoach
Stick
hairy legs
Madmick
Stagger

My name seems to have dropped off so I've replaced it ~ hope it doesn't mean I've been rejected from the race !
04-01-2007, 12:02 PM
Fleeter

Mapper
Tomsk
Alsoran
Martin
Marvin
slowcoach
Stick
hairy legs
Madmick
Stagger
Fleeter
04-01-2007, 01:10 PM
Silly Big Fella

Me too.

Mapper
Tomsk
Alsoran
Martin
Marvin
slowcoach
Stick
hairy legs
Madmick
Stagger
Fleeter
Silly Big Fella
04-01-2007, 05:39 PM
Iken Fityemean

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stick

Gotta say though that I've never run the Ben just cos the top-lads are there and whoever mentioned this just before is either a darned sight more competitive and up-the-front than me, or hasn't run the race(?). It's great to line up with Ian, Simon and the rest but I'd be there whatever. It's big and tough enough to worry about on its own without thinking (too much) that I'm going trip one of the leaders up when I'm still struggling to get to see the top:eek:

I mentioned it and I'll still be in the last third of the field. I have run the "Ben" before and after the race said I wouldn't be doing that again! But I will be there this year. Races like the Ben are all about atmosphere, and brilliant venues with fantastic scenery and we continue to go back for all these things and more. (Best weekend away in the runners calendar) The top runners contribute as do the organisers with their slick organisation, venue etc etc. and the rousing send off from the pipe band is in a class of its own. But I still feel that if the elite runners are missing then part of that atmosphere is also missing.
04-01-2007, 06:33 PM
The Famous Grouse

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iken Fityemean

and the rousing send off from the pipe band is in a class of its own.

Spoken like a true scotsman!
04-01-2007, 07:51 PM
Iken Fityemean

1 Attachment(s)

Och aye laddie! An jist fer those that wid like a wee reminder.http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-...is2006_132.jpg Even Holmesy stops fur a wee drink on the way doon past Red Burn alang wi a,body else. http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-...is2006_191.jpg Oh and Brett old boy there's no more than 20 odd K in these clips.
04-01-2007, 09:56 PM
Steph

And me...

Mapper
Tomsk
Alsoran
Martin
Marvin
slowcoach
Stick
hairy legs
Madmick
Stagger
Fleeter
Silly Big Fella
Steph
05-01-2007, 06:53 PM
Gromit

S'funny I don't see Wallace's name down and I 'm sure he entered in September :confused:
06-01-2007, 11:59 AM
clodhopper

I'm in

Mapper
Tomsk
Alsoran
Martin
Marvin
slowcoach
Stick
hairy legs
Madmick
Stagger
Fleeter
Silly Big Fella
Steph
Clodhopper

Time 2005 2hr 20ish
2006 2hr 50ish
target for 2007 <2hr :eek: does this make me certfiable?
06-01-2007, 01:55 PM
daz h

put me on im in:)
06-01-2007, 02:34 PM
Marvin

Quote:

Originally Posted by clodhopper

Mapper
Tomsk
Alsoran
Martin
Marvin
slowcoach
Stick
hairy legs
Madmick
Stagger
Fleeter
Silly Big Fella
Steph
Clodhopper
daz h

This minimum of 10 letters in a post is a pain!
07-01-2007, 01:59 AM
Pike

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marvin

This minimum of 10 letters in a post is a pain!

It will stop Penguin racking up a huge post count simply by replying "True" to everything :D
07-01-2007, 10:05 AM
brett

5 now!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marvin

This minimum of 10 letters in a post is a pain!
07-01-2007, 11:08 AM
clodhopper

Quote:

Originally Posted by brett

5 now!

Cant you make it 3 so JJ can say

WOT
07-01-2007, 05:33 PM
Joliver Jim

Wot??

Quote:

Originally Posted by clodhopper

Cant you make it 3 so JJ can say

Quote:

Originally Posted by clodhopper

WOT
07-01-2007, 05:34 PM
Joliver Jim

Ah right. That's the way to do it.
07-01-2007, 07:05 PM
Tomsk

Marvin, well done for re-opening this thread. Good to see it back. Going to take some to keep it going until September !!!!
Glad to see that the list of forumite entries is groing.

Keep the thread going !!!
07-01-2007, 09:01 PM
theNoor

Quote:

Originally Posted by Madmick

Did everyone who I posted too get the DVD of the race, can't remember who I all posted too!!

Mick-oi!

Thank you tres muchos.

DVD arrived. It is grand. I have watched it twice already.

Still don't want to go and do it though.

Too much steep, fast doonhill for me!
07-01-2007, 09:28 PM
gaz77

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marvin

A bit late for this year, but I think that if you just don't turn up, you shouldn't be allowed an entry for the following couple of years.

YES i do too! i heard 3 lads at the pub saying that there couldnt be bothered to race
07-01-2007, 09:44 PM
Marvin

Quote:

Originally Posted by gaz77

YES i do too! i heard 3 lads at the pub saying that there couldnt be bothered to race

Shame. Thoughtless - probably didn't appreciate how much demand there was for their places, or that there was a mechanism to allow someone else to take their place.

Mind you, the number of participants has been pretty consistent over the last few years at 350 to 400 hasn't it? The organisers probably rely on a high rate of attrition. How congested would it be if 500 did take part?
07-01-2007, 10:22 PM
grifter

If you think about it its quite a clever way of raising more revenue as runners pull out who have paid somebody else takes their place and pays again !
The earlier the entries become available the more chance of people pulling out.

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