Event of the Week

beautiful Highland track

Fort William Trail Running Festival

There was a great response when runABC Scotland reported on ambitious plans for a five race programme of events in Fort William in July. Runners across the country expressed interest in the new festival and the opportunity to visit one of the most beautiful parts of Scotland in high summer.

With lots of other activities and a Sunday night ceilidh organisers are encouraging event entrants to bring partners, family and friends for what will be an extra special weekend.

Organiser Helen Smith tells us: "I love trail running and am passionate about the Fort William area. I genuinely want to share it with everyone. Not just the elite, but everyone – from someone doing their first 5k to an ultra runner taking on one of our big challenges.

"There are other trail running festivals and workshops out there, but we think this is totally unique. It offers so much for all the family, and for runners of all abilities."

There's a great selection of races from 5k to marathon distance plus a kid's fun run. Trail runners looking for something more vertical can take on the ‘Race the Monkey Hill Race’, and try their hand at beating the gondola, travelling at the approximate speed of the current Aonach Mor Uphill Race record.

Runners wanting more miles over the weekend can also combine events in one of the Festival’s two challenges – the ‘Full Monty’ and the Full Monty plus ‘Race the Monkey’ to make up the ‘Big Yin’.

Younger runners will be able to take part in various junior races, coaching sessions with UKA-accredited staff and guided trail runs throughout the weekend. Plans are also underway for registered crèche, so parents can get onto the trails too.

The Festival will also feature sessions with guest speakers. Some of those confirmed include fell running legend Joss Naylor, founder of the ‘Ramsay Round’ Charlie Ramsay, Bob Graham Round record holder Nicky Spinks, fell running coach David Taylor and visually impaired runner Jay Cruz.

trail festival logoSmith added: "So many runners I know would love to navigate better, some would like to try yoga and some would benefit from the help and advice of PT's and coaches. So we will give them a taster of them all to give them the confidence to try it and progress after with it." Workshops on orienteering, navigation and uphill/downhill running techniques are also currently being planned."

FULL DETAILS AT THE EVENT WEBSITE

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