Case Studies, Craggy Island Triathlon

Craggy Island Triathlon: Marie Meldrum

I’ve probably been doing Durty events for 10 years or so. The staff are so friendly and helpful and the courses are marked out really well. They’re professional and supportive.”

Marie Meldrum Age: 47

I’ve completed Craggy Island several times and many other Durty events, including Hell’s Hop swim run, The Durty Tri, Celtman, Aviemore Triathlon, and Loch Ness Swimrun.

I just love Craggy – I first did it about 10 years ago and I found it one of the most fun and most difficult triathlons. Because I thought it was just short – I paced it all wrong and the run seemed to take forever to complete – longer than some 20+ mile runs I’ve done.

What makes it special is the location, the community, and the concept. It’s lovely – logistics are all sorted out for us with the ferry. Swimming across to an island, to then cycle, run, and socialise afterwards is just the best – and the camaraderie out on the course is great.

I also enjoy the atmosphere. Being amongst other like-minded people, all on an island in the most stunning of locations – it’s just the best feeling.

Anyone can complete Craggy if they have the right attitude. Some people are a bit nervous on the mountain bike, but the track we descend on has improved now, so even if you’ve previously decided not to do it, it’s worth re-considering and taking a trip over to Kerrera to find out first hand if it might now be for you. 

If you’re doing it for the first time, practice mountain biking skills and swimming outside at least once, check your kit fits you and your shoes are suitable for hill running. Take the pressure of yourself, by remembering it’s all about taking part, not about winning. I’d recommend you pack a hot water bottle and warm drink with your dry clothes for after the race. Take two pairs of crocs, one to head back to the start of the swim with and one on the island slipway to run to transition once out of the water. If you’re thinking about entering, get your entry in quick – the hardest part about the race is getting an entry. I don’t really consider myself training for Craggy. I have an active lifestyle where I swim and run most weekdays and try to get out on my bike a few times a week as well. I “train” outdoors all year round. The swim is incredible and not too far. There’s a slipway to run up, then across the grassy field and to your bike. The bike route is over gravelling tracks and lots of fun, It’s really scenic. Once you reach the far end, there’s some rough muddy sections that you can try to ride, or walk. There’s a steep grassy bank that’s always fun to try and ride up but I always end up walking. The descents are fun, but you can always walk these bits. The run goes along a muddy bank and over the top of a hill and it’s worth looking at the views again before descending through grassy fields and back onto a gravel track. The local community permeates the entire race. They are friendly and supportive and really take an active interest in the race and the competitors. They can often be found supporting the event on both days beside the track. It’s really encouraging that competitors are so welcomed by the local community. I’ve probably been doing Durty events for 10 years or so. The staff are so friendly and helpful and the courses are marked out really well. They’re professional and supportive. They demonstrate integrity in all their dealings with me. They’ve become good friends of mine. A Durty event is: mud, fun, laughter, thrills and spills.