Getting into gear for The Heb adventure across the Islands

Durty Events are the organisers of the 190km event, which will take place through the Hebridean island chain of Benbecula, North Uist and South Uist over September 3rd and 4th.

Seasoned racers and enthusiastic newcomers to the world of multi-sport, will participate alongside each other as solos or pairs, and will find themselves mountain biking and off-road running with a bit of kayaking and some easy navigation on a spectacular island journey.

Benbecula will be the starting point for the 120km route round North Uist on September 3rd with a shorter 70km route taking athletes to the southernmost point of South Uist on September 4th.

However to make it easier and more relaxed for everyone the race will stop at the end of day one on Benbecula, allowing for a well earned refuel and ‘battery charge’.

On day one participants begin with a coastal ride from Benbecula to North Uist, followed by running and trekking on Eaval mountain (shorter options available).

Then there is a beautiful moorland bike ride to the uninhabited intertidal island of Vallay for a bit more running and trekking (short options possible), followed by the hop to Lochmaddy for a fun kayak section and a bike ride back to Benbecula for a night under the stars.

Day two involves a spectacular North to South journey from the overnight camp to Kilbride on South Uist.

It includes epic riding on the machair and firm sands of the west coast beaches, as much running and trekking as you can handle on Beinn Mhor and Hecla, and kayaking off the stunning coast between South Uist and Eriskay.

This will be followed by an event party at the Polochar Inn, Lochboisdale, the perfect celebrations for such a huge achievement.

Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events, said: “The Hebridean island chain is known the world over as home to some of the most stunning scenery Scotland has to offer, something which participants in the The Heb will experience first-hand in the event’s first year.

“Including disciplines of cycling, running and kayaking, The Heb will demonstrate not only the varied landscape of the Benbecula, North Uist and South Uist, but also demonstrate how well equipped Scotland is as the perfect stage for sporting events of all kinds.”

Organisers have had a number of enquiries asking how hard the Heb - Race on the Edge course really is.

Paul McGreal, from Durty Events, said: “With ’short cut’ options built into the route on both days and no extremely tough route choices on the cards The Heb has been designed to be totally achievable and fun for all those taking part.

“We’ve simply selected the best bits for an amazing but challenging adventure. That said, the course has been designed in such a way that you’ll be able to push yourself if you are an experienced multi-sport athlete.

“When it comes to route navigation we are keeping it really simple.

“Competitors will be issued with a map and knowing whether to turn left or right at a road junction will be useful.

“However we won’t be testing their micro-navigation skills, though these might come in handy if they elect to go up all of the optional hills. We’ll even stick the occasional marker in at some key locations.

“And for those who are a bit nervous of kayaking they needn’t worry either. ‘Sit On Top’ boats, paddles and buoyancy aids will be supplied and competitors definitely won’t need to be experienced Kayakers to take on the short and fun paddling sections, though it wouldn’t do any harm if they’ve been in a kayak before the event.”

To enter online visit: website

To find out more about the challenge visit The Heb website: at

And check out The Heb on Facebook: here