The Ben Nevis Race

[Fozzy42]

Bit of a strange time of year to ask this question, but do the organisers of the Ben Nevis assess applications based on times achieved in Cat A races, or do you just need to demonstrate that you do them on a regular basis?

I'm hoping to enter my first BN next year, but I'm very much plodder rather than whippet. Just wondering if that will preclude me in the ballot. Cheers

The organisers definitley don't just accept the fast lads (& lasses)
Its a cross section of all abilities, and providing you've done the correct qualifying category races its on a first come first served basis, and like mapper says it fills up pretty quick. If you miss first post on the Monday morning after enties open on the Sunday you've usually shit-out.

[ba-ba]

KEEP OFF THE GRASS!

http://www.scotsman.com/news/odd/ath...race-1-4204967

[wharfeego]

KEEP OFF THE GRASS!

http://www.scotsman.com/news/odd/ath...race-1-4204967

Definitely into a new era of fell racing; due to erosion shortcutting will be a thing of the past in many races that route over popular areas.
Looks like there will be many 'Ben Nevers' in future Ben races - meaning never been under two hours (stick knows what I mean ).

[Stagger]

For the last 2 races I have asked the marshal if I could run the path on my the descent only to be told the grassy bank descent was part of the route.

[Mike T]

The first time I did it you chose your own route down the Grassy Bank, the second time the "best way down" was flagged - I certainly would have gone down the path the second time if it was an option, but it did not appear to be. It is jolly steep and was very slippery by the time I got to it both times and I was on my bum repeatedly. One of my thumbs has been a different shape ever since.

[Stagger]

Has the race committee made and ruling on the grass bank?

[Alan Lucker]

https://www.facebook.com/TheBenNevis...056087772309:0
Looks like it's decided. Still wish I was doing it.

[Fozzy42]

First time for me doing The Ben this year, is this route change much of a difference? I mean will it make much difference to our overall finishing time compared to previous years? If so I presume new course records will have to start again from this year.

[BillJ]

First time for me doing The Ben this year, is this route change much of a difference? I mean will it make much difference to our overall finishing time compared to previous years? If so I presume new course records will have to start again from this year.

In my opinion it won't make a big difference to times. Especially when, like Mike T said, the grassy bank is slippery below tired legs.

[Stagger]

Poor old Kenny, when fastest route can't be run then a new record should be declared.