booklet

run
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S
Guide
Whether you are a long distance runner striving for a personal best or a beginner
taking on your first race, Scotland provides the perfect backdrop for your next sporting
challenge. From a family trip to Loch Ness, a holiday in the Western Isles or an active
city break, the wide variety of events taking place the length and breadth of the country
offers something for everyone and a chance to explore Scotland’s beautiful and varied
landscape. So, what are you waiting for? Find out more at www.scotland.org/run
DISTANCE
Number of participants
Average time
DIfficulty
From 5 and 10k sprint runs to half marathons,
marathons, ultra-events and triathlons for the
super fit, you’ll find your next challenge here
in Scotland. Some events offer alternative
distances to suit runners of different abilities
so don’t be put off.
The times stated provide an estimated time
for completion – this will vary depending on
the runner’s level of ability.
Races range from mass participation events
in Scotland’s biggest cities to unique and
small-scale challenges in remote locations.
This guide gives runners an indication of
what runners should expect but difficulty will
depend on level of fitness and experience of
running on varied terrain.
.
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Natural ’s great outdoo , Scotland
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In this th lebrate S cotlan g natural beau of runners.
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it s landsc ealth of scenic trutes through atm ntain ridge
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offers a rt , waymarked ro momentous mou st al views to
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From sho n pine forest s to g in stunning co ls can glory
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Caledon beach runs takin of all fitness leve dent nation.
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trails an rn Isles, runners naturally resple
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the West al splendour of
in the visu
1
10k & HALF MAR ATHON
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half m
MAY / TIREE
4
10k/13.1m
40mins- 3hr
200
Easy
Soak up the ou
ts
Hebridean Isla tanding beauty of the
nd
dunes and cras of Tiree. From sand
hi
hillsides this st ng waves to rolling
un
picturesque vie ning route of fers
ws
the distant Wes out to sea and
tern Isles of Sc
otland.
Find out more:
w w w.scotla
nd.org/run
5k & 10k
5k/10k
40mins- 1hr 30
2,500
Difficult
A turbo-charge
d
Scotland’s olde roller-coaster of a run in th
e
st
sees thousand inhabited stately home, this grounds of
s strap on head
of
woodland for th
torches and se f-road 10k
manmade obst is night-time run, overcoming t of f into
ac
mandatory, wi les to reach the finish line. natural and
th
Fa
what-to-wear lis traditional tweed and tartan ncy dress is
going the whol t. And if you fancy treading th topping the
e hog, sign up
for the dayligh e water before
t 5k option.
Find out more:
w w w.scotla
nd.org/run
THE MIGHTY
Deerstalke
r
5K And 10K
.
MARCH / TRAQ
UAIR HOUSE,
PEEBLESSHIRE
5
10k, 5k & 2.5k FUN RUN
St AndreWs
Running Festival.
APRIL / ST ANDREWS
6
2.5k/5k/10k
20-40mins
800
Easy
Take in the hist
or
home of golf an ic sites and architecture of
St
d
in Scotland. W the oldest and most prestig Andrews,
he
io
for kids you’ll fin ther you opt for the 10k, 5k us university
or
where you can ish on the famous West Sand 2.5k fun run
live out your ve
s
sprint finish!
ry own Chariots Beach
of Fire
Find out more:
w w w.scotla
nd.org/run
10k
7
Su rvival of
the Fittest.
OCTOBER / EDINBURGH
10k
60mins
3,100
Difficult
The toughest runners
in
streets of Auld Reeki town will take to the
e for this sell-out eve
nt,
which kicks off in the
shadow of Edinburgh
Castle. Taking you on
a scenic journey of
Scotland’s capital, fro
m
volcanic skyline to the the drama of the
old and eerie Medieval
Old Town, this challen
ge
some obstacles along is a hilly one with
the way.
Find out more: ww w.
scotland.org/run
UN RUN
& FAMILY F
k
0
1
,
N
O
H
T
HALF MAR A
8
3k/10k/13.1m
2hr 45 max
400
Moderate
streets of
Taking you through the town on
ue
Stornoway, a picturesq
and beautiful
Scotland’s Isle of Lewis
s Castle, this
grounds of nearby Lew
t opportunity
challenge is the per fec
taking scener y
ath
bre
the
nce
erie
to exp
s. If the
Isle
rn
ste
We
d’s
tlan
of Sco
is daunting,
hon
rat
ma
f
hal
a
thought of
fun run
3k
the
or
e
rac
opt for the 10k
rt.
hea
at
ng
you
for the young or
cotland.org/run
Find out more: www.s
Stornoway
Half Marathon,
.
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F
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10K
MAY / STORNOWAY
Rock N Roll
EDINBU RGH Half
Marathon.
HALF MARATHON
APRIL / EDINBURGH
9
13.1m
3hr 30 max
5,000
Moderate
and running,
up of live music
An exciting mash sees bands and DJs performing
t
this popular even , culminating in an electrifying
at each mile point headlined in 2012 by indie rock
t,
finish line concer e Rock ‘n’ Roll race route also
band, Kassidy. Th g views of Edinburgh making it
kin
of fers breath-ta r first-time visitors to see the
fo
ce
ra
ct
rfe
pe
e
th
glory.
capital in all its
rg/run
w w.scotland.o
Find out more: w
HALF MARATHON
D
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OCTOBER / GLASGOW
10
13.1m
1hr -4hr
23,000
Moderate
event,
par ticipation sporting
Scotland’s largest mass at Scottish Run takes in some
Gre
d
tlan
the Bank of Sco
largest city,
ractions in Scotland’s
of the most famous att
rise’ by
the
‘on
tion
tina
des
UK
ttish
recently voted No. 1
striking outline of the Sco the
Tripadvisor – from the
of
ks
ban
the
on
tre
Cen
e
Exhibition and Conferenc hitecture of George Square,
arc
River Clyde to the iconic will give you a warm welcome.
the friendly Glaswegians
scotland.org/run
Find out more: ww w.
Run
Balmoral.
TRAIL RACE, 10k, 5k & CHILDREN’S RUN
ONAL PARK
M NATI
APRIL / CAIRNGOR
11
nce
unique cha
ce offers a ngorm National Park
ra
il
a
tr
15 mile
f the Cair mmer residence –
/ The
e beauty o
the banks
1.5k/2.5k/5k to enjoyr thMajesty The Queen’sl. su
Run along
10k/ 15m and Heoyal Estate of Balmoraading up the foothillss.of
he R
fore he
ountain
er D e e be
0 T
highest m
1hr 20 -3hr 2 of thenaRgivar, one of Scotlandr’sgrabs for the fastest
ch
up fo
are prizes
ay!
5,100 Lo
And, there aring kilts on the d
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Easy -Difficu
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Find out m
HALF MARATHON
The Barrathon.
A
JUNE / THE ISLE OF BARR
12
13.1m
2hr
250
Moderate
d’s
abited island in Scotlan
The most southerly inh westerly in the UK, Barra is
st
mo
and
Outer Hebrides
opping
dy beaches and jaw-dr
known for its white san
ong
str
a
and
y
tor
his
rich
scener y mixed with
race
a hilly and challenging
community spirit. After at the finish with freshly
ty
runners can join in a par ditional ceilidh dancing
tra
prepared local fare and !).
left
(if you have any energy
tland.org/run
sco
w.
ww
Find out more:
Highland Perthshire
Marathon and
Half Marathon.
MARATHON & HALF MARATHON
SEPTEMBER / PERTHSHIRE
13.1m/26.2m
1hr 45/4hr
500
Moderate
One of the flatter Scottish races, the Highland
Perthshire course leads runners through the
heart of Scotland and its mystical glens and
woodland. From Aberfeldy, as made famous by
our National Bard Robert Burns and past Loch Tay,
the largest loch in Perthshire, this run will make
you eager to explore Scotland’s natural landscape.
Find out more: www.scotland.org/run
PHOTO CREDIT MARTIN KNIGHT IMAGES
13
(HALF D RAM)
g
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Dund
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M
Adventure
HALF MARATHON
14
JULY / DUNDEE
13.1m
1hr 45
1,200
Moderate
rathon has
terrain, this half ma
Known for its vast ugh and ready’. Beginning in
‘ro
park in Dundee,
been described as
the largest public
Camperdown Park, rs along the popular Green Circular
ne
the race takes run Broughty Ferry’s rock gardens,
in
cycleway, finishing th of Tay. The winners receive a
Fir
on the shore of the (a DR AM named after the race) –
y
half bottle of whisk st your achievements post-race!
toa
the perfect way to
/run
w.scotland.org
Find out more: ww
THE NTS
C RATHES
HALF MA RATHON.
HALF MARATHON
SEPTEMBER / ABERDEENSHIRE
13.1m
3hrs max
650
Moderate
culture vultures
race is perfect for . Kicking off
This flat, off-road
ge
en
all
ch
g
nin
xt run
looking for their ne ds of North East Scotland’s
un
gro
ale
ryt
fai
on a scenic
in the
race takes runners
Crathes Castle, the eenshire countryside where they
route through Aberd r of this historic property and
eu
can enjoy the grand Castle.
neighbouring Drum
/run
w.scotland.org
Find out more: ww
©NATIONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLAND/SCOTT CAMPBELL
15
F
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DU
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N
O
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T
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A
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HALF MARATHON
MFRIES
SEPTEMBER / DU
16
13.1m
2hr 30
650
Moderate
ries
cient town of Dumf
of the South’, the an of Scotland with a long,
Known as ‘Queen
n in the South West its 32nd year,
is the biggest tow
in
uing history. Now rs of all abilities take
rig
int
d
an
t
len
bu
tur
hon sees runne
rat
Ma
lf
Ha
s
rie
mf
garden of Crichton
the Du
hectare landscape e heading out into
to the beautiful 32
for
be
,
off
ks
race kic
grounds where the ery of surrounding countryside and
en
the spectacular sc
the river Nith.
along the banks of
/run
w.scotland.org
Find out more: ww
IMAGE COURTESY OF ATHLETES IN ACTION
BAXTE RS
Loch Ness Marathon &
Festival of Running.
MARATHON, 10K & 5K
SEPTEMBER / LOCH NESS
17
5k/10k/26.2m
30mins-4hr
9,000
Moderate
This marathon has a view to rival all others. Runners
start in the iconic loch’s wild south moorland, pass
through stunning open countryside into the quietness
of lochside miles and over the beautiful River Ness to
the finish line. And it’s not all hard work – live music,
a food and drink fair and fun for the family will keep
runners and spectators alike entertained.
Find out more: www.scotland.org/run
Edinbu rgh Marathon
Festival. &
MARATHON, HALF MA
RATHON & 10K
MAY / EDINBURGH
18
10k/13.1m/26.2m
50mins -4hr
10,000
Difficult
Known as the fastest and
sec
UK, the Edinburgh Marath ond largest marathon in the
on
Scotland’s capital joins citi is a must. And, what’s more,
es
Tok yo and Paris in boastin including London, New York,
g
the International Associa the prestigious label from
tion
The route takes in the cap of Athletics Federations.
ital city’s spectacular sigh
including Arthur’s Seat,
ts,
Leit
Promenade before headin h Links and Por tobello
g along the scenic coast
to East Lothian.
Find out more: ww w.scot
land.org/run
MARATHON
r
Highlande
n
i
a
t
n
u
o
M
.
n
o
h
t
a
r
Ma
NDS
APRIL / HIGHLA
19
29m
13hr
200 pairs
Extreme
rs have a chance to t
2 day event, runne
At this small scale me of the most dramatic and unspoil ll
ne
so
compete amongst Highlands. From Torridon to Dundon
areas in the Scottish ners are required to be self-sufficient
an
and Strathfarrar, run gh silent, untouched countryside in ll
ou
wi
whilst travelling thr g event. Don’t worry, the hard work
extremely challengin toast your achievements with new
u
ing.
be worth it when yo
ory ceilidh that even
friends at a celebrat
/run
w.scotland.org
Find out more: ww
MAR ATHON
Cape W rath Challenge. &
MAY / DURNESS
20
26.2m
3hr 15 -5hr 30
200
Difficult
Whether you are a road
or
week of running events off-road runner, this exciting
offe
some of the UK’s last rem rs a chance to experience
ain
route will take you to the ing wilderness. The marathon
most Nor th Westerly tip
of
Scotland through an are
a of
Including ferr y crossings outstanding natural beauty.
and some 2,500 feet of clim
this is one of the most uni
que running courses in the bing,
UK.
Find out more: ww w.scot
land.org/run
Hoka
Highland Fling.
ULTRA
EVENTS
APRIL / WEST HIGHLAND WAY
21
53m
15hr max
800
Extreme
This 53 mile ultra-run along the West Highland Way is
not to be missed if you enjoy long-distance challenges.
Taking runners along a section of the famous 95 mile path,
participants will gain a true snapshot of the wildlife,
flora and fauna of the beautiful Scottish Highlands –
from moors, to dense woodland, rolling hills and
mountainous regions.
Find out more: www.scotland.org/run
ULTR A
EVENTS
Kintyre Way,
Ultra and Relay.
MAY / KINTYRE WAY
PHOTO CREDIT JOHN MCFADYEN
22
35m/67m
7-8hr/ 12-15hr
60
Extreme
e run along the strikingly
from.
This popular long distanc
two challenges to choose bert
rs
offe
y
scenic Kintyre Wa
s from Tar
mile
67
full
the
or
s
mile
Whether you run 35
ath away
scapes will take your bre
to Campbeltown, the land oss the sea to the Western
acr
with jaw-dropping views
and Gigha.
Isles of Arran, Islay, Jura
land.org/run
Find out more: ww w.scot
.
t
i
m
m
u
S
o
t
City
H TO
DINBURG
E
/
E
N
U
J
TRIATHLON
LIAM
FORT WIL
23
140m
12hr-14hr
400
Extreme
Triathlon’s toughest weekend away, City to Summit
is an iron distance event – not one for the faint-hearted!
If you are strong enough, take on the stunning journey
from the Firth of Forth seashore to the summit
of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Great Britain.
Find out more: www.scotland.org/run
OTHER CHALLENGES
Rob Roy
Challenge.
JUNE / ROB ROY WAY
24
16m/39m/55m
8hr-12hr
500
Moderate
Following in the footsteps of Rob Roy and more modern
day Scots like acclaimed cyclist Mark Beaumont,
this exciting team-building challenge covers 55 miles
of the spectacular Rob Roy Way. Walk or run through
16 miles of rolling Scottish countryside, from Drymen,
near Loch Lomond through the Trossachs to Callander
before switching to bikes for a 39 mile cycle to Kenmore.
And, let’s not forget about the sumptuous feast and
party at the end of the race, with dancing and
entertainment into the wee hours of the morning.
Find out more: www.scotland.org/run
OTHER CHALLENGES
Caledonian
Challenge.
Y
JUNE / WEST HIGHLAND WA
running charity
donian Challenge is the longest epic
54m The Cale
calendar. An
event on the Scottish sporting
conquered in teams,
ally
typic
e,
ntur
adve
13hr -24hr Caledonian
most remote, rugged and
will take in some of the
rience
You will expe
1,400 stunningly beautiful countryside. mag
nificence of Glencoe
majestic views of Ben Nevis, the
ndary Loch Lomond
lege
the
Difficult and Buachaille Etive Mor and
and Trossachs National Park.
d.org/run
Find out more: ww w.scotlan
25
OTHER CHALLENGES
Lochalsh
Dirty 30.
JUNE / LOCHALSH
26
30m/12m
5hr - 6hr
200
Difficult
ing you off
30 mile walk or run, tak
The Lochalsh Dirty is a the wilderness of the Scottish
into
and
ck
tough
the beaten tra
ds to mystical forests and
Highlands. From open san a glimpse of the beautiful
you
e
giv
l
much
hills this event wil
ep. And, if 30 miles is too
landscape on our doorst offer a shorter 12 mile event
s
of a challenge, organiser
– the ‘Dirty Dozen’.
scotland.org/run
Find out more: ww w.
INDEX
2k, 5k and 10k
Tiree 10k and Half Marathon
The Mighty Deerstalker 5k and 10k
St Andrews Running Festival
Survival of the Fittest
Stornoway Half Marathon, 10k and Family Run
p2
p3
p4
p5
p6
Rock ’n’ Roll Edinburgh Half Marathon
Bank of Scotland Great Scottish Run
Run Balmoral
The Barrathon
Highland Perthshire Marathon and Half Marathon
(Half DRAM) Dundee Running Adventure Marathon
The NTS Crathes Half Marathon
Dumfries Half Marathon
p7
p8
p9
p10
p11
p12
p13
p14
Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running
Edinburgh Marathon Festival
Highlander Mountain Marathon
Cape Wrath Challenge
p15
p16
p17
p18
Half MArathons
MArathons
Ultra Events/Triathlons
Hoka Highland Fling
Kintyre Way, Ultra and Relay
City to Summit
p19
p20
p21
Rob Roy Challenge
Caledonian Challenge
Lochalsh Dirty 30
p22
p23
p24
Other CHallenges
RUN
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