The Last Ever Mighty Deerstalker
Written by Andy Norton
02/12/23
Nestled between the majestic Scottish Highlands and the sparkling waters of the North Sea, the Scottish Lowlands offer a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. In partnership with Rat Race and supporting Children with Cancer UK, TrailMed was honoured to provide medical cover as the Deerstalker event metaphorically hung up its headtorch after fifteen years.
With temperatures descending below zero on the days leading up to the event and snow already carpeting the lowlands, the scene was set for an epic final challenge. The Mighty Deerstalker event, Rat Race's longest running challenge, is a choice of a 5, 10 or 20-mile circuit that navigates across open fields, dense woodland, flooded streams and down slippery hillsides.
Despite the daunting challenges, the Deerstalker event holds a unique allure for those who dare to conquer it. The runners are drawn to the raw beauty of the Lowlands in winter, the camaraderie of fellow adventurers, and the sense of accomplishment that comes with overcoming such a formidable challenge.
Providing a medical cover service for this event that doesn't negate too heavily from that challenge but still ensures the safety and provision of care for the competitors, spectators, and event management team alike is no easy feat. Due to the complexities of the terrain and coordination between Rat Race event marshals and water safety teams, communication was pivotal in ensuring a successful event. TrailMed's multi-disciplinary team, unique in having consultant-supported remote-cover, deployed into three fundamental task groups: a base station comprising suitable medical equipment and qualified clinicians, including our medical lead for the event, an ambulance capable of conveying patients if necessary, and a rapid response 4x4 vehicle.
As runners gather at the starting line, the air crackles with energy and the race atmosphere turns electric, a mix of anticipation, determination, and camaraderie. Despite the low-temperature warnings, over 800 people have turned out to participate and be able to say later, "I was there". They are diverse, ranging from experienced ultramarathoners to those who have never run more than 5km. But all share a common passion for the sport and the frivolity of the event, best represented by the tweed waistcoats, deerstalker hats and the jokes to the TrailMed medical team about not wanting to see them later.
The race begins under the setting sun of the winter evening, the landscape shrouded in a blanket of white, though fortunately, the wind is still, and the snow has held off. The runners plunge into the wilderness, their breath forming wispy clouds in the frigid air. The trails are treacherous, slippery with ice and snow, and as darkness falls, their progress is marked by the line of head torches arching across the landscape.
Along the way, they encounter checkpoints manned by volunteers, who offer hot drinks, snacks, and words of encouragement. The TrailMed team, strategically deployed across the course and in constant communication with the race director, offered similar words of encouragement. Occasionally, a runner will retire, be co-ordinated down by the event marshals and meet by the medical team to assess their condition. Fortunately, on this event, runners with historic injuries are most prevalent and make the sensible decision to retire, walking back to base for a well-earned brew and the warm.
As darkness nears completion and the temperature plunges, the runner's spirits are high, their determination unwavering. They are nearing the finish line, the culmination of their arduous journey. Finally, they emerge from the wilderness, crossing the finish line to a chorus of cheers and applause. Their faces are etched with exhaustion but also with pride and accomplishment. They have braved the elements, conquered the course, and emerged victorious to enjoy the infamous Deerstalker afterparty.
While the runners and spectators celebrate their success with live music, food, and beer aplenty, the TrailMed team reconvenes at base camp. Maintaining a visible presence at the event, a warm medical tent and patrols through the campsite, TrailMed ensured a high provision of medical cover even though the event had ended. As the clock chimes midnight and the party ends, the team debriefs with the Race Director and is stood down. A final team debrief is held before the remote consultant cover stands down as the team heads to the nearby village of Innerleithen for a well-deserved rest.
Any endurance event is challenging as it tests the limits of human endurance and resilience. However, it is also a journey and an exploration into the unknown. Though Deerstalker will never again run, for those who conquered it, it's a badge of honour that will forever etch their names in the annals of history. As the team drove south the next day, reflecting on another successful and safe event, we look forward to 2024 and supporting Rat Race and our other event partners in the upcoming challenges.
