THE ISLAND MUNROS TRIATHLON
A non-stop triathlon journey over the Scottish Island Munros.
300km and 7000m+ of ascent.
Never before have all of the Scottish Island Munros been attempted in a single non-stop push with all 300km and 7000m of ascent being completed by running, cycling and swimming through the dramatic landscape of the North West Highlands.
The clock will start on Sgurr nan Eag, marking the start of the Greater Cuillin Traverse, which is considered to be the UK’s finest mountaineering challenge. The route will take in all 12 Munros, which are mountains over 914m, on the Isle of Syke. This entails over 27kms and 4500m+ of ascent, which is normally done over two days, and requires expert route finding and rock climbing to be undertaken in dramatic and exposed situations throughout its length. However, this will only be the beginning of the adventure to come.
Once down from the last Skye Munro, Bla Bheinn, Alex and Mike will transition to bikes and begin the 250km/155-mile cycle along some of the North West Highlands most beautiful and gruelling roads to the sleepy coastal village of Lochaline. This will arguably be the toughest part of the challenge physically and mentally as the first night comes and goes and the distance starts to take its toll on the team.
Wetsuits will then be needed as they take to the frigid waters of the Sound of Mull to complete the 2.5km/1.5-mile swim across to Fishnish. The strong tidal races and busy shipping routes make for a daring crossing especially after a full night on the bikes. Sleep deprivation and physical exhaustion will need careful management to make landfall on the Isle of Mull. It is here that Alex and Mike will get back on their bikes for the final time to cycle a further 30km to the base of the last Munro, Ben More. With a further 1000m climb separating them from the summit, the end will finally be in sight and within close striking distance.
ROUTE STATISTICS
RUN 01
THE CUILLIN TRAVERSE
Glen Brittle Campsite to Bla Bheinn car park
27.2km + 4500m+
CYCLE 01
NW HIGHLANDS RIDE
Bla Bheinn car park to Lochaline
243km + 1200m
SWIM
THE SOUND OF MULL
Lochaline to Fishnish point
2.48km
CYCLE 02
FINAL RIDE
Fishnish Ferry to Dhiseig
23.6km + 80m
RUN 02
SUMMIT PUSH
Dhiseig to Summit
4.36km + 945m
SUPPORT TEAM
Throughout the challenge, Alex and Mike will be supported by a team of close friends and family. The Greater Cuillin Traverse will be done is a self-sufficient style but the following cycles, swim and run will have aid stations at regular intervals and a safety boat to accompany them on the swim.
All funds will be raised in support of The Martin Moran Foundation, a charity close to the hearts of Alex, Mike and the whole support team. The charity was set up in the name of the pioneering mountaineer Martin Moran, who we sadly lost in the Himalayas in 2019. What it aims to achieve is to make the outdoors accessible to young people who would not otherwise have the opportunity to engage, learn and thrive in the outdoor environment. The Martin Moran Foundation is sponsored by Mountain Equipment who will also be promoting and assisting with the Island Munros Triathlon.
ATHLETES
Alex and Mike both have long histories in mountain sport and endurance challenges. Both were lucky enough to grow up in the North West Highlands of Scotland in Lochcarron village. Inspired by the dramatic mountains of home, they have carried on their mountaineering, skiing, cycling and running interests throughout the world.
Martin
Martin Moran dedicated his life to adventure in the mountains. It was the breadth of his achievements that made him one of the most influential mountaineers in Britain. However, it was his passion for sharing the spirit of adventure with others that left its mark on so many. Martin relished exploring the mountains with people of all abilities, ages and walks of life.
Martin found his passion for mountains as a young boy living in North Shields, born into a family who had no particular interest in adventure. His dreams of exploring wild places were realised during trips with his local Scout group, mentorship from his geography teacher and reading the tales of great explorers. Martin found deep meaning and purpose in his life through these transformative experiences as a young man and he dedicated his life to offering those same opportunities to others.
“I never especially wanted to be a mountain guide, but it was the hills that opened my soul to the wonders of existence. By the age of eight, they had become a major part of my dreams and imaginings.”
-Martin Moran
A simple Munro on a rainy day in Scotland or an unclimbed peak in the Himalaya, to Martin, a day in the great outdoors was always a day well-spent. He lived his life to the fullest in every way, and for that he will remain an inspiration to us all.
Martin's legacy will live on in all those who step out into the natural world and enjoy the simple pleasures it has to offer.
Martin's Books
Higher Ground
Martin's autobiography "Higher Ground" was published in 2014. In 1985 he quit his job as an accountant, and he and his wife, Joy, established their home and risked their future to open a new climbing school in Lochcarron, Wester Ross, among some of the world’s most beautiful mountain landscapes. "Higher Ground" describes highlights and dramatic adventures from his guiding life in Scotland, the Alps, Norway and Himalaya.
'A "must read" for anyone who has ever felt drawn to the mountains, whether in Scotland or beyond.' - Undiscovered Scotland
Munros in Winter
In 1984, Martin Moran became the first person to conquer all 277 Munros in a single winter journey. In this gripping narrative, he recounts his legendary achievement.
The 2020 reissue of this mountain classic has been long-awaited by the outdoor community and now includes a foreword by Martin's wife Joy who shares her own memories of their journey together, 35 years on.
'The first and finest account of climbing Scotland's winter mountains, the greatest challenge our hills have to offer.' -- Cameron McNeish
'The winter completion of the Munros in a single push was not only a tremendous team effort but also Martin and Joy's great love story. It was an amazing Odyssey and The Munros in Winter is a superb account. Between its quality of writing and honesty, and Martin's delightful touches of humour, no wonder it has provided inspiration to so many people over the years.' --Sir Chris Bonington
'A magnificent and inspirational book.' --Undiscovered Scotland
'In many ways, the perfect mountaineer.' --Kenton Cool
The 4000m Peaks of the Alps
Martin's guidebook "The 4000m Peaks of the Alps - selected climbs" was published by the Alpine Club and revised in 2012. All the classic routes on the Alpine 4000m peaks - 240 routes with 80 photo-diagrams are described.
An essential companion for all Alpine mountaineers.
A climb through history...
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