A new waterproof running jacket has been launched by the brand COMPRESSPORT. The Thunderstorm waterproof 25/75 jacket is designed to protect you in the wind and rain, yet also claims to offer excellent breathability. I have been testing the jacket. Features include: 25,000 Schmerber fabric 75,000 MVTR breathability Durable Water Repellency (DWR) Waterproof seams Sealed zip and protective garages at both ends Ultra light Bodyfit Fitted hood Reflective logos front and rear and bands around each wrists Chest pocket 126g (M) Stuffs into a small space 2 year replacement guarantee and 30 days ..read more

A special film screening at London’s Royal Geographic Society on October 20, 2023, reveals the powerful story of Montane athlete Jenny Tough. SOLO takes the audience on an extraordinary journey as Jenny crosses mountain ranges on six continents, tackling some of the most remote and off-the-beaten track landscapes, solo and unsupported. Over five years, the film reveals how she learns lessons in resilience, self-esteem and bravery. Jenny, who describes herself as an adventure traveller and endurance challenger, says: “Going on a solo adventure adds many layers of challenges to an expedition tha ..read more

This year will be Inverness runner Steven Burnside’s 10th Loch Ness Marathon. However, the week leading up to the 26.2 mile challenge is very different from any previous outing. Instead of tapering in preparation for the race, Steven, 47, is running 10 marathons in 10 days with the Loch Ness Marathon as his 10th run. I met Steven for half of his marathon run today. The 10 in 10 days challenge, totalling 262 miles of road running, is also raising funds for mental health charity Mickeysline. Today, I joined my friend from the Highland Hill Runners for only a 20th of his big feat. I ran the last ..read more

I have been testing the new 2023 version of the Dynafit Ultra 100 shoe over several months. It’s a long-distance trail running, but works equally well for anyone who wants a well-cushioned and comfortable shoe for training.  The new model has been upgraded and redesigned with input from UTMB TDS winner Sebastian Krogvig. Dynafit state: “Designed for long-distance trail running, the Ultra 100 hits the sweet spot between cushioning, traction and energy return.” The midsole cushioning is “responsive and light” with materials weighing 20% less than a traditional EVA midsole, but “with an ener ..read more

I have been testing the Montane women’s Trailblazer 18l running pack. It is close-fitting, lightweight and designed for fast-paced activities. There is a men’s version. Features of Montane women’s Trailblazer 18l running pack: Women’s fit: Customisable, body-hugging women’s COVALENT harness Click & Go chest strap: Two off-centre chest harness straps Multiple pole attachment points to customise pole carrying Two harness pockets with zips External storage: Front daisy chain with reflective detailing and clips for external storage Large side pockets: Accessible, wrap-around wand pockets ..read more

I have been testing three models of Camelbak’s new running packs. Here are my thoughts. Camelbak Women’s Zephyr Pro Vest 12l Features include: Women specific fit Stowable and fully removable trekking pole quiver Engineering knit mesh – with body mapping technology. Women-specific pattern, based on which parts of your backs get hot Secure phone pocket Dual adjustable chest straps Torso adjustment straps 11l storage space (plus 2 x 500ml water flasks) Zipped top main compartment Stretch overflow pockets Reflective details Safety whistle Tube trap – a clip for a hydration tube should you cho ..read more

I interviewed Jamie Aarons for The Scots Magazine. I regularly contribute to the outdoors section of the magazine. A Munro Miracle A female ultra runner has broken the record for the fastest round of all 282 Munros in Scotland by 13 hours and five minutes. Jamie Aarons, 43, completed the self-propelled challenge in just 31 days, 10 hours and 27 minutes on June 26. She started on Ben More, Isle of Mull, on May 26 and finished on Ben Klibreck in Sutherland. The social worker ran the mountains, which are all at least 914m (3000ft) tall, and then cycled or kayaked in between. She has broken ..read more

It takes most people many years to complete a round of all 282 Munros in Scotland – yet today ultra runner Jamie Aarons set an impressive new record of 31 days, 10 hours and 27 minutes. She was 12 hours and 35 minutes faster than the former record holder Donnie Campbell. The previous female record was 76 days and 10 hours set in 2017 by Libby Kerr and Lisa Trollope. Jamie, 43, started the challenge on Ben More, Isle of Mull, on May 26 at 6.30am and finished on Ben Klibreck, Sutherland, on June 26 at 4.57pm. Her round was non-stop and self-propelled, which means she ran each mountain and cycled ..read more

Andy Berry has set a new Lake District 24-Hour Fell Record. The plumber from County Durham reached 78 summits in 23 hours and 23 minutes, which is 22 minutes faster than previous record holder Kim Collison. Kim set his record in 2020. Andy at the finish. Credit: Damian Hall/inov-8 What is the Lakes 24-hour running challenge? The Lakes 24-hour criteria is detailed by the Bob Graham 24 Hour Club. The aim, according to Dr A W Wakefield in 1904, is “to ascend the greatest number of peaks over 2000ft and return to the starting point within 24 hours”. The record had been unsuccessfully attempted s ..read more

A runner from Inverness has set a new record on the UK’s tallest mountain.  Francisco Javier “Javi” Cabrera Valdes ran seven times up and down Ben Nevis in under 24 hours. He beat the previous record time of seven ascents by Paweł Cymbalista in 2021. Javi, 40, a member of Highland Hill Runners, ran a total of 106km and more than 9200m to set the impressive solo and self-supported feat at the weekend. After he finished, he said: “I felt elated.” Pawel said: “What a great effort from Javi. These records are there to be broken and I am very happy that Javi has done this. Seven ..read more