I was wondering if anybody out there had taken part (or had knowledge) on the run section of “The Celtman” course. The 42km run route appears to be predominantly off road with the 2 major challenges being The Munro’s on the route ( and their associated loose footing). With the road sections also in mind what would you recommend in terms of footwear for the run section?? I was thinking of wearing trail shoes (Kinvara TR’s)…Do you think these would be “man enough” for the challenge?? Would I be better thinking of something else. I have never run in this area so any advise is welcomed. Tyrone
I did Celtman in 2012, fantastic race pal, you’ll love it.
The first part of the run is mainly trail with some road (T2a - T2b), for this section I recommend trail shoes (I use salomon speed cross) from T2b over the mountains… well it can depend on conditions… If very dry you can get away with good trail shoes that are handy on rock, other wise you may consider trail shoes that can handle wet rock (I used inov8 roclites), the boulder fields need to be seen to be believed…you don’t want to be on them when they’re wet and greasy without a decent tread.
Once off the mountains it’s a few miles back into town on road, so if you get the opportunity to change then road trainers would be an advantage here (I didn’t get that opportunity due to the way my crew was organised).
That is really great advice…I appreciate the reply…so it looks like a few pairs of trainers then…If you have any other advice on the race which might help I would be really grateful for the insight…I am coming in from Dubai, so apart from what I can gleam from OS maps, etc all info is welcomed!! I have currently a support team of 3 definate…probably 4 people. 2 of them ( a couple) will do bike support, the other a support runner and the last one ( but by no means least and yet to be confirmed) is a guy who does fell running and has ran the route a few times. how would you recommend setting it up based on 3 support?? or 4?
For Celtman 2013 I used salomon S-lab Fell Cross, I hear lots of people moan about them being bad on ‘wet rock’ but I’m not sure where that comes from maybe a review somewhere?. I’ve never had a problem and it was certainly wet the day I raced.
The road sections are pretty short in comparison so I would probably not consider that in my shoes choice.
Similar to you I had two people in the car supporting the bike (my mother and her partner) and sorting out transitions, then had my long suffering missus go over the mountain with me from T2b.
You don’t need a support runner from T2a, some use one, but they’re not necessary IMHO, save them for the munros.
I’d also pay plenty of heed to what Graeme says (he won it last year…). In 2012 the Fell Cross were only just out? I have never used them, but as Ricky Lightfoot helped on their development, they’re going to have to be good on rock, and I believed you too (the speed cross are a different beast on wet rock however…).
If you get yourself on the Tritalk forum, there is a wealth of info for the race (mainly done in the build up to the 2012 race), you’ll find a load of our race reports (inc Graeme’s).
I sure will Graeme!! though I am sure if I see you it will be ahead and in the distance so hopefully afterwards or on race build up…Just another quick few questions ( as I will be flying in and will see the course for the first time when I get to the area)…are the majority of competitors on road bikes or TT’s?? considering the terrain/ climbs etc what would you suggest? also I have a Orca 3.8 wet suit, a skull cap and some booties…will this suffice for the lough swim?? we don’t really have a call for it much here in Dubai!!
I did it in 2012 and 2013. I have had only one support crew with me, my wife driving the car and coming with my from T2B to finish. You don’t really need support from T2A to T2B. There are 2 aid stations and you don’t have to carry too much food and drink there. It’s a different story from T2B where there is no aid station at all.
In 2012 we went up the munro, tough and very rocky. in 2013 most of us were not allowed up the mountain due to very bad weather and I did the ‘low route’. It’s extremely boggy in some places (it rained for hours on, but even without a bad weather it’s a very wet ground following streams). Do not underestimate the low route, it’s harder than it seems.
Swim: use neoprene booties, it’s really cold!
I’m surprised on ST you don’t ask about the bike. Both years I used a TT bike, but be aware that it can be very windy like in 2013.
Have fun, it’s a great event.
TT bike 100%… just think twice about the deep section as the wind at the top of the course can be dramatically different to that in Shieldaig as I found even after having riden the course a number of times.
Thanks very much!! great pointers…looking forward to the event now…Just difficult to gauge the land, course etc from remote…The first time I will get to see it and “feel it” is when i arrive in Bonnie Scotland!!..
I will only be supporting in favour of saving myself for norseman.
I worse a shorty thin wetsuit (sail fish blade) underneath a 3.8 with booties, caps and heat pads on my shoulders and lower back.
I put on 100% dry cloaths in T1 after a hot shower from the petrol cans we brought from the hotel.
Hi Graeme
Is the water temp at Celtman about the same as the Norseman?
I have already bought some booties and a cap but I need to find a wetsuit for the Norseman. Many of the high end wetsuits these days are super flexible but my concern is not being able staying warm enough because they are thinner.
I have a Helix but I had cut the legs off below the knees because the it made it easier to get out of. Also the Helix has a material in the forearm that allows you to feel your pull by feeling the water. This causes my hands to get too cold in water temps in the 50’s.
The water temperature can vary dramatically depending on how the winter goes. Last year we had snow on the hills in June so it was on 11-12oC on the day… fecking freezing and colder than Norseman. Typically you would hope its 13-14 but unlikely to be much warmer.
On the plus side we have had a much milder winter here so far compared to last year so snow is minimal and is should be warmer.
Hope that helps.
My advice is acclimatise if at all possible, wear all the kit, don’t worry about speed and hope for a mild winter!
so hopefully afterwards or on race build up…Just another quick few questions ( as I will be flying in and will see the course for the first time when I get to the area)…are the majority of competitors on road bikes or TT’s?? considering the terrain/ climbs etc what would you suggest? also I have a Orca 3.8 wet suit, a skull cap and some booties…will this suffice for the lough swim?? we don’t really have a call for it much here in Dubai!!