After a successful inaugural outing in 2022, the Buchan Trail Marathon will return to Aden Country Park in August this year. Around 30 runners took part in the event last year, and organisers are hoping to build on that as they move forward with plans for 2023's race.

Scheduled for 27 August the race will once again travel through four of Buchan’s great historical estates: Aden, Pitfour and White Cow. In addition to offering runners beautiful scenery, the marathon will also pass many areas of historical interest, including the long demolished Pitfour House – once called ‘The Blenheim of the North’ – and the Temple of Theseus at the end of the estate’s manmade lake.

Fans of prehistory will not be disappointed in the organisers’ choice of route, either, passing as it does by the 4000 year old stone circle at Louden and another in White Cow Wood.

As much as it is practically possible to be’, the entire marathon distance will be run on good trails, tracks and paths – with no loops or repeated sections. While the route won’t present any major challenges in terms of elevation or terrain (‘a few hills, but nothing severe’), organisers have imposed a 5.5 hour time limit for the event, in the interests of the safety and wellbeing of those marshalling and supporting a relatively remote route.

Jointly organised by the Friends of Aden Country Park and the Buchan Development partnership, the event also has the support of two of the north-east’s most respected runners and race organisers, Jackie Stewart and Peter Jennings.

In 2022 the top spot was claimed jointly by Robbie Cooman of Fraserburgh Running Club and Ross Aird of Peterhead AAC who both clocked 2:51:05! First place female was Jennifer Rees-Jenkins of Insch Trail Running Club in a time of 3:41:07.

If you'd like to know more, visit the Buchan Trail Marathon entry website here.

Image: Aden Country Park Facebook