If you headed for Assynt in the search for peace and solitude, you might have been disappointed to have been in the company of more than 450 entrants in the Lowe Alpine Mountain Marathon, which calls itself the connoiseurs' mountain marathon.

The event, which took place on the weekend of 17-18 June, pits the navigational wits and stamina of the competitors in a different area each year. Assynt, in the far North of Scotland, was this year's venue. Elite runners tackled a 64.6km course climbing over 3 440m while, at the other end of the mountain marathon spectrum, novices negotiated a 34km course which involved 1 710m of ascent.

Previous areas for the marathon have included Arrochar, the isle of Mull, Lochaber, Jura, Ardgour, the Black Mount, Glen Shiel, Loch Laggan, Braes of Balquhidder, Spittal o’ Glenshee, Glencarron and again Mull.

Winners of the elite event were Alec Keith and Kenny Riddle, the overnight leaders, who completed the course in 12h 09:35.

Rain on Sunday, combined with low cloud and difficult rocky terrain meant the attrition rate was high. No mixed, female or veteran teams completed their courses in time for prize giving.

If you fancy a stab at next year's event, log on to the website and sign up for the email list.

I'm off to do a few press-ups and figure out how to work this Silva.