An early start, a drive to Stirling, registration, coffee and some last min carbs then we were off.

The prerace briefing brought a few late route changes thanks to cows, stubborn farmers and Gleneagles Golf Club.

As planned, I started easy, but somehow found myself leading by the first corner out of Stirling Uni. By the time I looked back near the top of Dumyat Hill, I couldn’t see anyone chasing me. Quite unbelievably, that remained the case all day.

It wasn’t all smooth going. I took a few tumbles early on, mostly on slippery descents, plus one particularly muddy effort where my legs sank knee deep and sent me sprawling through a Christmas tree plantation.

The original plan had been to run easy to checkpoint 3, then try to catch whoever was ahead on the more runnable later sections. Getting the early lead changed that. I could hike the bogs and hills, keep an eye out for course changes, and know that if anyone challenged for the lead I could switch gears.

Luckily, that never happened, so I settled into the day and took in the amazing views over the Ochils. There was plenty of wildlife for company too: jays and crossbills flitting across the path, buzzards and kites overhead, rabbits lazily hopping away as I approached and, best of all, a family of red squirrels. Not bad company for a day spent mostly alone.

It stayed dry and sunny, and I gradually started to overheat. I still haven’t quite got the electrolyte/gel combination right, so at each 10 mile checkpoint I was gulping water and dousing myself to cool down.

Louise and Coda managed to meet me at checkpoint 4, where I changed into road shoes and discovered I’d most likely sacrificed a couple of toenails on my left foot to the wet ground and repetitive pounding.

The final climb up Moncreiff Hill was the last of the day, and by then I’d started overtaking runners in the 30 mile race, which gave me a welcome boost.

Coming down into Perth there were a few more course changes, then it was onto the long, flat final section,

about five miles along the River Tay.

Crossing the finish line was mostly a feeling of relief after spending the day half-expecting to be chased down. It was great to see the family waiting there too. Getting to spend a whole day running in the hills is a privilege, and one I only have because of the support they give.

Then I was handed a shiny plate to add my name to alongside the previous winners, which brought on a healthy dose of imposter syndrome. I’m still not entirely convinced my name belongs on it, but I’m very chuffed it’s there.

A few falls, plenty of bog, a family of red squirrels, a couple of lost toenails and somehow a win at the end of it.

All in all, a grand day out.