12/08/2023 – Oh what a day crewing on the Devil O’the Highlands ultra. I’ve run this twice and decided this year to volunteer instead. Came up the night before and stayed at the West Highland Way Sleeper bunkhouse in Bridge of Orchy ScotRail Station. So cool actually sleeping in the station. 5am start! Aim was not to wake the other 8 people sleeping but sure we sounded like two elephants stomping around. Down to Tyndrum and the start with an impromptu Happy Birthday for Yan. 6am, horn goes and they are off….
Now first real crew duty of the day. Off to Bridge of Orchy to assist with the water stop. Aim of refilling water, making sure they dibbed (or dobbed) in and checking on runners. Despite the rain everyone was in good spirits and was lovely to see so many people I know taking part (and of course all the other runners). Job done, back to bothy to pack my stuff and try explain to some people walking the WHW that there are folk running it today. They were in awe.
Now up to the finish at Fort William and time to don another yellow jacket along with my sweeper chum Becky and take up carpark duty to stop cheeky folk trying to park where they shouldn’t. Next it was time for us to head up to Lundavra to reverse sweep down to Kinlochleven and back. We checked on all the runners and even handed out hugs to those that needed it. By this stage the legs were tired and a friendly face was definitely needed. The weather was very mixed but views stunning. Once we met the KLL sweepers we turned round and headed back to Lundavra. Luckily we met them at the top of the climb from KLL and didn’t need to go all the way down. Every single runner was putting their all into the race, a bit like the midges trying to eat everyone! I ended up wearing two waterproof jackets and trousers to keep warm and try. After 3hrs we were back at Lundavra. Drive back to the finish and time to warm up and have some lovely food. I chatted to loads of runners and caught up with friends. Felt weird not being the one hobbling around but so nice to be able to support everyone. Well done everyone, crew, runners, family and friends
