Leg 3 - Mountain

Ben Nevis

At 18 miles long with a 4406ft ascent the Ben Nevis run looks rather daunting, without the added concern of not having had any sleep whatsoever from about 5:00pm the day before.

The previous section's sail not only included the beat up Loch Linnhe, but also a beat up the runners. That's what it felt like to Craig and Graeme, with sleep being impossible when every 5 minutes they were thrown from one side of their bunks to the other!

After a short delay while the guys put on their make-up, they emerge with South African Battle Flags painted on their cheeks (of their faces - thankfully).

"They're bigger than my battle flag." - JIM

Two rather tired runners disembark and are delighted to find the shore crew, that has by now grown to include their respective ladies, on the pier. The ladies, of course, are full of encouraging words like:

 "Not far now!!"

"It's almost over" - yeah right!!

But there's really nothing like the sight of a beautiful woman to make a guy feel like running up a mountain! (But do you think we could find any ... Oh! I see what you mean ... Lindi and Wendy. I'm with you now - Ed).

After the 'Corran Narrows Tacking Duel', Graeme and Craig set off at 1.20pm, just 15 minutes behind Midstream, making the mountain leg much more interesting with both team's runners facing another duel on the slopes of Ben Nevis.

The first four miles of the run are from Corpach Lock through Fort William and along to the visitors centre at the base of Ben Nevis. This is the best part of the run of course as it is flat and the legs are relatively fresh. Craig and Graeme are constantly buoyed by their support team who keep driving past them on the road and stopping at any convenient spot to cheer and encourage - what a team!!!

 The support team's final contact with the runners comes at the base of Ben Nevis, where Gareth gathers the energy to run alongside Graeme and Craig to relay vital tactical information; "Midstream are 17 minutes ahead and Hustler are only 15 minutes ahead, both going slowly so go get em chaps!!". The others shout and holler their support.

The first sign of a slight incline, and Craig and Graeme find out that they haven't quite recovered from the monumental task of getting up Scafell Pike and back. So, a slow uphill jog quickly becomes a brisk uphill walk, which quickly becomes a more sedate uphill walk. However, the pace must have been reasonably good as they quickly haul in team Hustler's runners (pedestrians) and have their sights on team Midstream about 300 metres ahead of them.

After negotiating a few large and slushy snow patches the runners eventually make it to the top. There is much celebration as the final peak is breached, NO MORE UPHILL, and as Craig and Graeme wander happily around the summit they notice a panicky team Midstream hurriedly getting their gear together.

This was to prove the decisive moment in TeamNoLimits tussle with Midstream.

Graeme and Craig, confident in the abilities, allow the Midstream runners to just get out of sight as they casually clip their passport control cards and refresh themselves. On the descent it turns out that Midstream knew of a shortcut that gains them at least 15 minutes at the base of Ben Nevis. It is a time that, despite all their efforts, Craig and Graeme can't make up.

The descent proves a little painful on the knees for both TeamNoLimit runners, and various mind altering drugs (neurophen) are taken to alleviate the hurt. At the base they again encounter their support team of Gareth, Jim, Paul, Andy, Julie, Wendy and Lindi.

Another uplifting moment, that gives the runners a boost for about 100m or so. After a quick swig of water it's 'make haste' as the runners are back on the flat and still keen to try and catch Midstream.

The last leg proves rather gruelling, but time is made up on the struggling Midstream runners. The other 3 team members are in place to join Graeme and Craig for the final 100m of the run that takes them over the finish line.

Yeehaa, Team No Limits first attempt at the Three Peaks Yacht Race was over - they made it!!

The champagne is uncorked and sprayed around merrily. The party can begin ...

… well the party does begin, but it takes only about 2 beers and a large meal to flatten the Sailors/Runners who had been beating up the Loch all night. The shore crew of Andy, Julie, Wendy and Lindi aren't far behind in the exhaustion department as they had not slept much either.

EPILOGUE

The following day, after wakening late the team have time to reflect on the Race.

It has been quite an amazing challenge.

10 weeks from the first phone calls from Jim, rallying the troops, to race start day.

The awesome task faced was underestimated by all, but the fact that the team faced up to these challenges and confronted them head on proves great spirit, and is evident in their 7th place overall from a field of 22 entrants (some of them professional sailors and runners).

A truly inspiring result for a first campaign.

Many friends have been made along the way, and the future challenge is to build on the team spirit and success, and branch out the teams achievements into other sporting avenues.