Call him what you want but it looks like we have Bobby Shields (Clydesdale Harriers) and Duncan Watson (Lochaber)to thank (or otherwise) for initiating the whole idea of racing over Scotland's most popular long distance footpath.

At the time the route differed in many ways from the route we know today, it was nearer 85 miles (not 95) and had 10-12 miles more on tarmac than today with around 2000 ft less climbing, which means it is easier than today's route but still an amazing achievement.

On the 22nd June 1985 the two rivals set out from Milngavie, neither giving an inch, trying to out psych the other. After around 60 miles as they started over Rannoch Moor it occurred to them that if they kept this up they would destroy each other, so in what must have been a great show of human courage and integrity they made a pact to pool their resources and ran together. They gave themselves the satisfaction of setting a new record of 17 hours 48 minutes 30 seconds.

In 1986 Duncan and Bobby being known for their generosity, opened up an invitation to some fellow runners to race in the opposite direction, Fort William - Milngavie. 1987 saw a return to the established direction of running, South - North. 7 from 11 starters arrived in Fort William.  Jim Stewart took over the organisation of the event in 1991, as the footpath was now complete, the course was changed, increasing the distance to 153K with only 15K on road, more climbing was introduced and with this increased difficulty meant that runners were going to be out longer and now a bigger percentage would be out a second night!

2007 managed a record 76 runners making it to Fort William. 399 have now completed the challenge. Alan Kay has 13 finishes!