Long-distance runner Steve Pyke’s attempt at the munro record failed early this morning, as bad weather put paid to his chances of completing the ascent of 31 munros in 24 hours.
Glen Affric
Swan-Scot
The Staffordshire Moorlands AC member pulled out after completing 21 of the peaks, suffering from the effects of cold and a soaking in the unseasonably bad weather. Despite having to abort the record attempt, the runner – known as Spyke – was said to be in good spirits.
The failure of the munro-bagging bid means the 20-year-old record of Jon Broxap stands. He ascended 28 munros in the same area as Spyke’s attempt, Glen Affric and Kintail.
Spyke had the misfortune to choose a weekend which, despite having the shortest night in the year, also saw a huge Atlantic depression sit slap over southern Scotland, bringing gales and rain to the area to the North of it.
By the end of the third of four stages in the run, Steve and his support team had fallen behind schedule and decided to end the attempt.
The runner is believed to be on his way home for, presumably, a well earned rest.
Guest
23 June 2008Awesome effort from Spyke, but the weather on the N Shiel ridge was truly awful. 30 - 40 mph wind, heavy rain, slimy rocks and wet grass (I know - I was there!). With time haemorraging away, the end was inevitable. Spyke couldn't have maintained a good enough pace over the Affric ridges heading into that easterly wind.
Yiannis
23 June 2008Spyke looked really strong in the first section. The weather was good. At 11pm I was on Ben Attow recceing the start of the fourth section and the weather was turning foul. The wind was gusting and I could see the rain falling on the North Shiel Ridge where Spyke was at that time. I watched the torches making slow progress along the last hills of that section and new that the weather would defeat us.
Kirbstones
03 July 2008Hi. I was the bloke you passed on top of Sgurr na Sgine. I camped by the lochan and every time the wind and rain woke me I thought of you struggling on. Well done for getting so far.