Ambassador Spotlight: Charlie McHardy – By Way of the Glen 170

This weekend, Highland Fuel ambassador Charlie McHardy takes on one of the UK's toughest endurance races: By Way of the Glen. Covering 170 miles from Milngavie to Inverness via the West Highland Way and Great Glen Way, it's a challenge that demands resilience, patience and a solid fuelling plan.

Charlie is one of those runners who quietly gets on with it. He doesn't use social media, doesn't chase the spotlight, and would much rather be out on the trails than talking about himself. But behind the scenes he's built an impressive ultra-running CV over the last decade.

Since taking up running in 2013, Charlie has completed everything from the D33 and Highland Fling to the Great Glen Ultra, Speyside Way Ultra, Moray Way 100, West Highland Way Race and Devil o' the Highlands. Along the way he's picked up some outstanding performances, including winning Saltire24 outright in 2022 with 182.5 km, finishing 5th overall at the Moray Way 100, and placing 39th overall at the legendary West Highland Way Race in 2024. Needless to say, he knows exactly what it takes to spend a long time on his feet.

Now he's taking on what is arguably his biggest challenge yet.

Tell us a bit about yourself. What's your running background?

"I'm Charlie. I started running in 2013 when I decided it was cooler than smoking."

Safe to say that decision worked out pretty well.

What made you enter By Way of the Glen?

"I found out it existed and couldn't unsee it."

Sometimes that's all it takes. Once the idea was planted, there was only one option—sign up and see what 170 miles through the Highlands has to offer.

Is this your biggest challenge to date?

"In terms of running a long way, yes."

Although Charlie has plenty of 100-mile races behind him, this is another level. Linking the West Highland Way with the Great Glen Way makes this one of the biggest endurance challenges in the UK.

What are your goals for the weekend?

"I haven't really thought about a goal. I guess finishing it would be pretty cool."

A very Charlie answer. No grand statements—just get the job done.

How has training gone?

"Training is a necessary evil."

No glamorous answer here! Like most ultrarunners, Charlie knows the work has to be done long before race day.

Which part of the course are you looking forward to most?

"Haven't thought about it. I'll just take it as it comes. Love it or hate it, you have to do it all."

Probably the perfect mindset for 170 miles.

What's your fuelling strategy?

"I'm meant to have a strategy? Shit... Half a scoop of Highland Fuel in each flask at every stop."

We suspect there's a little more planning behind it than Charlie admits! Whatever the strategy, Highland Fuel will be helping keep him fuelled from Milngavie all the way to Inverness.

Who's on support crew duty?

"Adam, Cat, Rod and Donna."

Nobody gets through a race like this alone, and Charlie has a fantastic crew behind him.

What would crossing the finish line in Inverness mean?

"That I can go for a lie down."

Somehow we wouldn't expect any other answer.

Good luck this weekend, Charlie. Can't wait to see you reach Inverness.