Entries are now open for the 2017 Dumyat Hill Race.
The popular hill running event, which doubles as the Scottish Student Sport Hill Running Championship, will take place on Wednesday May 3.
Online entries for the event are well underway, while there are a limited number of spaces available on the day on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Beginning at the pedestrian crossing near the entrance of the university, runners must then follow the intense track towards the summit.
There is no respite, however, as participants are required to re-trace their steps and make the laborious journey back down.
The physically and socially demanding challenge tests both endurance and physical ability, with a 390m climb over a distance of 8km.
The race record, set by Murray Strain, currently stands at an impressive 32 minutes and 23 seconds.
The women’s record was set with a fantastic time of 36 minutes and 36 seconds by former World Mountain Running Champion Angela Mudge.
University of Stirling undergraduate Ryan Murray is taking part in the exhausting event for the first time this year, but is looking forward to the challenge.
“I cycled it a few times last year, but running will be an even more gruesome task,” said the third year journalism studies student.
His tiring training regime requires a lot of time and effort, and often involves specific practice in the form of hill running.
This is admittedly a difficult task, as he explains that “it’s very hard to fit it in with all the university work I have at the minute.”
He gives rational reasoning as to why he’s taking part in the famous University of Stirling event: “I’m doing it because I want to test my fitness level, while challenging myself against quality competition.”
He knows the exceptionally high standards set in the event through the years, but has set his sights on competing with the very best.
“Last year I cycled Dumyat, but this year I want to run it competitively, trying to get as close to the 32 minute record as possible.”
Route details and previous race results can be found at the University of Stirling website, along with more information regarding the event.
Online entries can be made through the same website, while registration opens at 5:30pm on the day of the race.
Don’t be late if you want to break that record, and bring suitable footwear!
