1951: Gruelling BEN NEVIS Mountain RACE | Newsreel | Classic BBC Sport | BBC Archive

BBC Television Newsreel is in the Scottish Highlands, home to "Britain's toughest race on foot." Twenty-one hardy souls are taking part in the gruelling race up (and then back down) Ben Nevis, Britain's highest peak.
To the victor, bricklayer Brian Kearney, a cup - but even the runner finishing last gets a bottle of whisky.
Originally broadcast 20 August 1951.
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[@paul_k_7351]

Sub 2 hours to cover 15 miles up and down a mountain seems pretty fast to me. And no sponsorship, no KZbin, just a cup, a handshake and that feeling knowing that on that day you were the best 😀

[@garrybaldy327]

I think the current record is about 1h 25m up and down. It usually takes me that long just to get out of the Glen Nevis car park 😂

[@pauloliver6813]

Yep- that record was famously set as long ago as 1984. I've been up and down 4 times over the years -my mind still boggles at how a human could get up there and down (including the run to Fort William) in that time...

[@neatodd]

Amazing to think that the youngest competitors are in their nineties now, if they are still with us

[@pauloliver6813]

Not an isotonic sports drink, gps, smart watch, minimalist running shoe or lycra clothing item in sight! Just a few vests, some baggy shorts and woollen socks. Good effort lads! Did you see the guy running in a work-shirt with a big leather belt holding his trunks up? And a big box of Viceroy cigarettes among the prizes...

[@zachattack08112]

love the running gear 😂

[@TheHarrip]

👍🤗

[@IronBhoy]

Superb old film. Sad to see Ben Nevis nowadays mobbed with walkers.

[@garrybaldy327]

Sad to see Britain's highest mountain mobbed with people getting out in the open air, in the hope of getting that wonderful view from the summit??? Are you mad or just mad?

[@sandgrownun66]

⛰Pity there wasn't a camera at the summit!🏔

[@funnyvideosutube]

3:24 Record breaking oldest looking 18 and 21yr olds on yt

[@ericclaptonsrobotpilot7276]

WHO GOT THE WHISKY?

[@BrassLock]

Don't worry-the bottle is well empty by now 😢