Strathdon Stag 10K leaps into 2022 race calendar
Head into the Aberdeenshire hills with the red deer this spring
A Cairngorm estate and red deer farm hopes to welcome runners to a unique 10K trail run this April.
The Strathdon Stag 10K will be hosted by Strathdon Ranch, located on the edge of the 1000-acre Culquoich Estate, itself nestled in the grounds of Cairngorms National Park.
The race route will take runners over rolling hills, alongside the meandering River Don and what the organisers call ‘more breathtaking scenery you will never forget’.
The 10K, while suitable for most abilities, won’t be an easy ride. Its nearly 300m of elevation will take runners to the summit of Clachcurr. From that high point at 422 metres, runners will traverse the ridge – running alongside the Estate’s red deer herd – before emerging on the other side of the estate, weaving through ancient Scots pine forests, descending through Monument Valley and following the River Don to the finish.
For runners hoping to bring their families along for support on Sunday, 3 April, Strathdon Ranch’s Adventure Forest will be available for spectators to use during the race. Refreshments for the whole family will also be available from 9am. And if you’ve worked up an appetite after the race, woodfired pizzas will be coming out of the oven from 11am until 3pm.
The Strathdon Stag 10K is not the estate’s first venture into running events. Last October the Strathdon Ranch hosted the highly praised – and highly muddy – ‘Ranch Rampage’ obstacle race.
Early bird prices for the Strathdon Stag 10K are in effect until Monday, 31 January, offering £3 off the standard entry price.
Image: Strathdon Ranch