The Common Midge: Your Guide To Running With Wee Beasties

No, we haven’t written this article only to have a Midge Ure / Midge You’re pun; that’s just a bonus.

As you probably know, we’re edging closer to our 2024 Grand Challenge, the Coast To Coast RatRace, a 100-mile event, which means our preparations are in full swing. The internet is full of tips and advice on how to build up to a major event. You’ll find no end of guidance on what you should do on the day, but some races have particularly unique challenges.

Taking place in the Western Highlands of Scotland, it’s not just the terrain and weather that poses a challenge this time (although the unpredictability of these is causing all kinds of headaches with gear selection!). But today, we’re talking midges!

Yes, midges. A cute name for such an unbelievable pain in the backside; there’s no doubt they’re Scottish!

These tiny insects swarm in large numbers and can be incredibly annoying, with some species that bite and leave itchy, sore marks on your skin. While there is a school of thought midges don’t affect you while you are moving, their presence can still impact you. And there will be times you pause for breath, an aid station, or to fuel up, so be on your guard!

Where does the 100-mile race take place?

The Coast-to-Coast Race includes stunning locations such as Cawdor Castle, Loch Ness, Glen Nevis, and Glen Coe.

What parts of Scotland are most affected by midges?

The Western Highlands includes spots like Fort William, Loch Ness and Glen Coe. Okay, this means the Coast To Coast Race could have midges as an obstacle to consider.

When does the 100-mile race take place?

The 2024 Coast To Coast Race takes place on September 14th and 15th.

When is midge season in Scotland?

Midge season runs from spring to early autumn, so May to September is a good guideline. Weather conditions impact the midges, like wind and rain, so there’s a good chance the race will be affected by midges.

How to Minimise the Impact of Midges and Keep Your Sanity

Now that we’ve established that midges will be an inevitable companion during the Coast to Coast Race, let’s discuss how to minimise their impact and keep your sanity intact.

If you can impact the timing of your run, do so

Now, when you participate in a race like the Coast To Coast one, the event’s timing is out of your hands. However, if you’re training locally, be aware midges are most active during dawn and dusk.

Wear the Right Gear

Wearing long sleeves and long pants can help reduce the amount of exposed skin, making you less of a target for these tiny pests. Lightweight, breathable fabrics are ideal, as they offer protection without causing you to overheat. Additionally, if you we’re doing a walk or less intense activity, you could consider wearing a hat and a head net for extra protection, especially when you’re stationary during breaks.

Your choice of clothing might impact your freedom to run

We all know the right clothing helps you achieve your best when running, but we’ve never been too keen to discuss fashion. That’s better left to experts or at least other people. However, if you are worried about midges, please note that midges adore dark clothing! Have you ever seen a swarm hang above a puddle or a loch? Black and Grey clothing looks like dark water; hence, you become a target.

Therefore, if you plan your wardrobe to minimise midges, pack cream, white and light grey apparel. Looking fabulous is one thing, and we’d always choose comfort over style, but if a simple switch reduces the number of midges you deal with and you can manage it, it makes sense to do so.

Use Effective Repellents

Insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or lemon eucalyptus oil are effective against midges. Apply the repellent to all exposed skin and reapply as needed, especially if you’re sweating heavily or after any contact with water. Many people are not fans of putting strong chemicals on their skin, so we recommend something like a sunscreen with repellent added from Green People Organic; this will give you the best of both worlds and is kind to your skin and the environment.

Create a Physical Barrier

Creating a midge-free zone is crucial if you’re camping or stopping for a break. Consider bringing a portable gazebo or tent with fine mesh netting to create a barrier against midges. Use a midge coil or citronella candles to deter them from your immediate vicinity for added protection.

Stay Dry

Midges are attracted to moisture, including sweat. Carrying a towel or sweat-wicking cloth can help keep your skin as dry as possible, reducing their attraction.

Maintain a Positive Attitude

Lastly, mental preparation is key. Accepting that midges are part of the challenge and keeping a positive mindset can make a big difference. Engage in conversations, listen to music or podcasts, and focus on the beautiful scenery to distract yourself from the annoyance of midges.

Do you only find midges in Scotland?

While the midge is associated with Scotland, similar creatures, including the United States, are found worldwide. If you focus on the Ceratopogonidae family of flies, you have more than 4,000 species worldwide! North America has more than 600 species, although only a small number bite humans.

That’s a comforting thought, but even the presence of these wee beasties is annoying! Also, in America, midges are often referred to as No-See-Ums. This is also a cute name but not a patch on midges.

This post has been Scottish-centric, focusing on the Coast-To-Coast Race. However, similar creatures exist worldwide, so it might help you no matter where you are.

Also, there’s a more general point about preparation. No matter where you are racing, local factors will influence your performance. These could be high winds, large ascents, or varied terrain.

Make sure you do your due diligence on any new events you take on. As the local challenges can often vary greatly. You’ll never truly defeat the midge, but you can ensure you come out relatively unscathed while focusing on your big event.

Resources:

The Highland Midge: https://www.visitinvernesslochness.com/blog/highland-midge

Biting Midges: https://extension.entm.purdue.edu/publichealth/insects/bitingmidge