Entries have just opened for two of the most popular events in Scotland’s race diary, the Aviemore Half Marathon & 10K For All.

This year’s races, based at Aviemore’s Badaguish Outdoor Centre, will be held over the weekend of 8 & 9 October. Entries will be strictly limited to 1000 runners in each of the events.

Over 900 runners took part in the 2021 races, organised by Badaguish to raise funds for the Speyside Trust.

The 2021 races were the first to be run on the event’s scenic new off-road routes, which greatly impressed runners. To avoid the congestion caused by the traditional route through Glenmore Forest Park to Aviemore, both races now start and finish at Badaguish’s HQ, but offer the same jaw-dropping forest, loch-side and Cairngorm views for which the event is famous. 
 
The 2021 races were also the first to be held as part of Badaguish’s new vision of total inclusivity. Building on its history as an outdoor centre for disabled people, the centre has been working hard on building an accessible hub in Glenmore – one that will be a destination for both tourists and the local community. With its new accommodation services Badaguish is aiming to move beyond being a respite centre and offer access to the outdoors to everyone, no matter their background or abilities.  

Anyone aiming for the win in 2022 will have tough new marks to beat on the event’s forest tracks and paths. The half marathon was won by Stuart Gardiner (Inverness Harriers), who stormed ahead in a time of 1.16.17. First lady across the line was Rebecca Morris (1.29.13). The 10K was won by a junior, Caiden Thom, in just 36.39, with Anne Mcsherry taking first place in the women’s category with (40.55).

Image: Bagaguish Outdoor Centre