Three different runs will feature on the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival programme this weekend, all organised by local running tour operators RunSpeyside.

Each of the 5K to 10K long runs has a distinct whisky theme and covers some of the best Speyside trails and points of local interest along the way.

The first event, the Ben Aigan Trail Run, will be held today -  Thursday, 4 November. More accessible than its ‘tough big brother Ben Rinnes’, Ben Aigen offers spectacular views of Speyside and the Moray Firth that will fascinate both runners and whisky lovers alike. As RunSpeyside co-founder Jenny explains, ‘With the number of distilleries you'll be able see from the top, you’ll need two hands to count them.’ Terrain will be a mix of forest tracks and rides, and the search will be on for some of the ‘angel’s share’ on the way.

A social, fascinating and fun trail-based journey through the heart of Whisky Country, the ‘Knockando, Cardhu and Tamdhu 5 Mile Trail Run’ will be held on Friday, 5 November. Starting and finishing at Tamdhu, runners will pass three distilleries, journey along the Speyside Way and take in some riverside paths alongside the mighty River Spey along the way. 

Both the Ben Aigen and Knockando outings will feature post-run hot/cold drinks and home baking to refuel runners for their next Whisky Festival adventure.

The last festival run, on Saturday, 6 November, will start at the Fiddichside Inn in Craigellachie. From there, runners will explore the sights and trails of the area for about 5K, before returning to the ‘welcoming arms’ of one of Speyside's most iconic pubs for a warming drink, a snack and the option to buy a post-run dram. 

RunSpeyside co-founder Jenny welcomed runners of all abilities to join them this weekend at the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival. She told runABC Scotland, “Whether you are a whisky fan or not, our runs are a great – and unusual – way to spend a morning in Whisky Country!”

Image: RunSpeyside (facebook)