Image: Inverness Courier
The Highlands
Newsdesk
08 Feb 2021
North Coast 500 the route to an exceptional new team challenge
14 Dec 2020
Loch Morlich Festival Up and Running
16 Nov 2020
Scottish races lead the way & go green with Trees Not Tees
03 Nov 2020
Clarity on travel & exercise as Scotland’s coronavirus tiers come into force
Race Listing for Highlands
| Date | Event | Location | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08 Jun 2019 | Glencoe Mountain Uphill Race | Glencoe Mountain Resort, Glencoe | Results |
| 02 Nov 2019 | North District XC League Ross County | Evanton Sports Hall, Evanton | Results |
| 16 Nov 2019 | Tain Hill Trail Race | Tain Academy, Tain | Results |
| 14 Dec 2019 | Skye Santa Dash | Portree, Isle of Skye, | |
| 14 Dec 2019 | Aviemore Santa Run | Macdonald Aviemore Resort, Aviemore | |
| 15 Dec 2019 | Lossiemouth 10 Mile Turkey Trot | Lossiemouth Community Centre, Lossiemouth | Results |
| 01 Feb 2020 | North District XC League Race 5 Nairn | -, Nairn | Results |
| 22 Feb 2020 | The Glen Challenge | Blairbeg Park, Drumnadrochit | |
| 14 Mar 2020 | Benbecula 10K | Lews Castle College, Benbecula | Results |
| 23 May 2020 | Stornoway Half Marathon & 10K | The Harbour, Stornoway | |
| 24 May 2020 | Race For Life Inverness 5K & 10K | Bught Park, Inverness | |
| 06 Jun 2020 | The Leanne Fund Point 10K & 5K | Sgoil an Rubha, Isle of Lewis | |
| 21 Jun 2020 | Simmer Dim Shetland Half Marathon | Cunningsburgh Hall, Shetland | |
| 27 Jun 2020 | Arrochar Alps | Succoth, Arrochar | |
| 27 Jun 2020 | Meall an T Suidhe Hill Race | New Town Park, Fort William | |
| 28 Jun 2020 | Half Ben Nevis Race | Claggan Park, Fort William | |
| 04 Jul 2020 | Isle of Harris Half Marathon & Fun Run | Tarbert, Harris | |
| 10 Jul 2020 | Glamaig Hill Race | Sligachan Hotel, Skye | |
| 01 Aug 2020 | Creag Dhubh Hill Race | The Eilan, Newtonmore | |
| 08 Aug 2020 | Strathpeffer Games Hill Race | Castle Leod, Strathpeffer | |
| 08 Aug 2020 | RSPB Abernethy 10 Mile Road Race | Games Field, Nethy Bridge | |
| 16 Aug 2020 | Kirkwall Half Marathon | Pickaquoy Centre, Kirkwall, Orkney | |
| 22 Aug 2020 | Glenurquhart Games Race | Blairbeg Park, Drumnadrochit | |
| 29 Aug 2020 | Rousay Lap Half Marathon | The Manse, Rousay | |
| 19 Sep 2020 | Salomon Ring of Steall Skyrace | Ice Factor, Kinlochleven | |
| 19 Sep 2020 | Grey Mare's 5K Trail Race | Ice Factor, Kinlochleven | |
| 19 Sep 2020 | Salomon Mamores VK | Ice Factor, Kinlochleven | |
| 20 Sep 2020 | Salomon Glen Coe Skyline | Ice Factor, Kinlochleven | |
| 20 Sep 2020 | Salomon Ben Nevis Ultra | Ice Factor, Kinlochleven | |
| 20 Sep 2020 | Three Mealls 18K Trail Race | Ice Factor, Kinlochleven | |
| 20 Sep 2020 | Loch Eilde Mor 10K Trail Race | Ice Factor, Kinlochleven | |
| 26 Sep 2020 | Westside Runners 10K & 5K | Shawbost, Isle of Lewis | |
| 27 Sep 2020 | Dounby 10K | Community School, Dounby, Orkney | |
| 03 Oct 2020 | Dunvegan Castle 10K, 5K & Fun Run | Dunvegan, Isle of Skye | |
| 25 Oct 2020 | The Culloden Run 17.46K | Culloden Visitor Centre, Inverness | |
| 25 Oct 2020 | The Culloden Run 10K | Culloden Visitor Centre, Inverness | |
| 07 Nov 2020 | Knockfarrel Hill Race | Shinty Pavilion, Strathpeffer | |
| 05 Dec 2020 | North District XC Championships | TBC, TBC | |
| 26 Dec 2020 | Cruim Leacainn Hill Race 10K | Tomacharich & Torlundy, Fort William | |
| 02 Jan 2021 | Loch Morlich 10K & 5K | Loch Morlich, Badenoch & Strathspey | |
| 01 May 2021 | Tiree Half Marathon & 10K | An Talla, Crossapol, Isle of Tiree | |
| 08 May 2021 | Loch Morlich 10K & 5K | Hayfield, Glenmore | |
| 08 May 2021 | Road to the Isles Marathon & Festival Of Running | Arisaig Playing Field, Arisaig | |
| 23 May 2021 | Castle of Mey 10K | Castle of Mey, Thurso | |
| 28 May 2021 | Highland 180 Race | Town Centre, Aviemore | |
| 28 May 2021 | Loch Ness 360 Ultra Marathon | Loch Ness, Dores | |
| 29 May 2021 | West Highland Way & Ben Nevis Race | Edinburgh Woollen Mill Car Park, Fort William | |
| 29 May 2021 | Isle of Canna 10K | Canna Farm, Isle of Canna | |
| 06 Jun 2021 | Blair Castle Trail Weekender Sunday | Blair Castle, Blair Athole | |
| 12 Jun 2021 | Lochalsh Dirty 30 Challenge | Village Hall, Glenelg | |
| 13 Jun 2021 | Touler 10K | Richmond Memorial Hall, Tomintoul | |
| 26 Jun 2021 | Barrathon Isle of Barra Half Marathon & Fun Run | Castlebay School, Isle of Barra | |
| 03 Jul 2021 | Great Glen Ultra | Kilmallie Hall, Corpach | |
| 07 Jul 2021 | Kenmore Games Race | Kenmore, Aberfeldy | |
| 10 Jul 2021 | DMRT An Teallach Hill Race | MRT Base, Dundonnell, Ross & Cromarty | |
| 10 Jul 2021 | Tain Hill Race | Glenmorangie Field, Tain | |
| 16 Jul 2021 | Fort William Trail Running Festival | Nevis Range, Fort William | |
| 17 Jul 2021 | Tom na bat Hill Race | Public Park, Tomintoul | |
| 17 Jul 2021 | Lochcarron Games Race | Attadale, Strathcarron, Wester Ross | |
| 04 Aug 2021 | Skye Games Race | Portree, Isle of Skye | |
| 26 Aug 2021 | Oban Hill Race | Mossfield Park, Oban | |
| 28 Aug 2021 | Loch Ness Beast Race | Aldourie Castle Grounds, Inverness | |
| 11 Sep 2021 | Isle of Skye Half Marathon & Fun Run | The Fingal Centre, Portree | |
| 11 Sep 2021 | Rat Race Coast to Coast | Cawdor Castle, Nairn | |
| 03 Oct 2021 | Baxters Loch Ness Marathon | Loch Ness, Inverness | |
| 17 Oct 2021 | Aviemore 10K For All | Badaguish Outdoor Centre, Aviemore | |
| 17 Oct 2021 | Aviemore Half Marathon | Badaguish Outdoor Centre, Aviemore | |
| 13 Mar 2022 | Inverness Half Marathon & 5K | Bught Park, Inverness | |
| 03 Jul 2022 | St Magnus 10K | Birsay, Orkney | |
| 03 Jul 2022 | St Magnus Marathon | St Magnus Cathederal, Kirkwall |
About the area
The Loch Ness monster isn't the only elusive creature people visit the Highlands in search of these days. The equally elusive PB has become much sought after at the area's many running events. The most high profile of these events is the Baxters Loch Ness Running Festival. The festival, held on 28 September this year, includes popular 10k, 5k and junior races as well as the feature, and now firmly-established, marathon. The marathon route runs along the south side of Loch Ness and attracts runners from across the UK and around the world.
A smaller scale event but highly prestigious is Inverness Half Marathon in March. The longstanding race attracts a field of local and international runners and was held for the 30th year in 2014. Another well-established event is Lochaber Marathon which sees hundreds of participants run alongside Loch Eil and past Ben Nevis. Britain's tallest mountain provides a backdrop for several events and is the focal point for that most iconic of hill races - the Ben Nevis Hill Race. The main islands offer a unique running experience with half marathon or 10k events on Skye, Coll, Harris, Benbecula and Barra.
For something less challenging, Inverness parkrun continues to attract runners to Bught Park every Saturday morning. As the 'gateway to the Highlands', Inverness's burgeoning population has helped running flourish. We speak to Inverness Harriers president, Keith Geddes, about the club's past achievements and how they're preparing athletes to become stars of the future. We also speak to Cairngorm Runners' Heather McLellan who tells us why she considers her group to be the most diverse in the country.
On the retail side, the Highlands is serviced by Inverness's Run 4 It on Huntly Street with manager Ryan McKenzie and his staff providing expert knowledge and a wide range of products.
If there's one thing runners in the Highlands can't complain about, it's a lack of diversity. The picturesque settings provide ideal locations for all forms of running, whether you're looking for routes involving roads, trails or hills. Just look out for that monster
Running clubs In The Highlands
At a glance: Inverness Harriers
Inverness Harriers president, Keith Geddes, tells us about the historic club, its past achievements, and plans for the future...
Who are Inverness Harrierss? Inverness Harriers Amateur Athletics Club was established in 1947. It caters for all abilities and aspects of the sport of athletics. The club’s fortunes dipped in the 1960s but in 1976 the club experienced a major revival and membership started to rise. We’ve gone from strength to strength since then and offer a variety of options for runners, ranging from track and field to cross country, road running and hill running.
How many members? We recently broke our membership record now standing at 352.
What sort of ages and abilities? It’s very diverse as everyone is welcome, from 9 upwards. We try to involve the younger members in all of our events then, as they get older, they can choose the areas they’d like to specialise in. We have a joggers night on a Wednesday which is very popular and allows members to ease themselves into running. Inclusivity is emphasised strongly - we welcome disabled athletes.
Where and when do you meet? Our training nights are at Queens Park Stadium on Tuesday and Thursday from 7 to 8.30pm. In winter we move indoors on a Thursday night to the Inverness Leisure facility adjacent to the track.
What kind of routes do you cover? It depends as we have various groups. Distances vary from 3 miles to long runs. We aim to have something for everyone! We’re lucky to be in a part of the world that is very scenic so it’s not a place people get bored of running in.
Do you have any famous past members? High jumper Jayne Barnetson is probably the club’s most successful athlete - fourth in the European Junior Championships in 1985 and in the World Juniors the following year. Charlie Forbes was also a successful athlete around the same period. He’s still at the club in a coaching capacity, helping continue our tradition of bringing on young talent.
Tell me more about this young talent? There is a lot of emerging athletes at the club, who I’m sure you’ll be seeing more of in the future. Notable members include Graham Bee who was a bronze medallist at North District x-country Champs in 2014, 3K and road race runner Dean Cunningham, Jenny Bannerman who has won various road races and trail races this year, and Jodie Lynch - the current marathon club record holder, set at New York Marathon. There’s also sprinter Jason MacLean who has achieved 100m qualification times at British and International level for the Disability Commonwealth Games.
Do you organise any of your own races? Yes, there’s the Dochfour Dash in July which is a 5 mile trail run along the Caley Canal. We also have the Inverness Harriers Road Race scheduled for February/March 2015. On the athletics side of things we have various track and field graded meetings. You can find out more online.
Are you involved in other events? Due the nature of the club, our members run at races all over the country. We had 10 members running at London Marathon and there is a strong Inverness Harrier turnout at local events such as Loch Ness Marathon and Inverness Half. The Northern Scot 10K Series - Moray Road Runners 10K , Nairn 10K, and Benromach 10K - is very popular.
How do I find out more about the Inverness Harriers? If you’re interested in joining, you can visit our website!
Running clubs in The Highlands & Islands
- Badenoch AAC
- Cairngorm Runners
- Caithness AAC
- East Sutherland Athletics Club
- Highland Hill Runners
- Inverness Harriers AAC
- Lochaber AC
- Nairn Area AAC
- Nairn Road Runners
- North Highland Harriers
- Orkney Islands AAC
- Ross County AC
- Skye & Lochalsh Running & Athletics Club
Have we missed your club out? Let us know by contacting us here and we'll add you to our list!
Running groups In The Highlands
Group focus on: Cairngorm Runners
Cairngorm Runners have the good fortune to be based in one of the most beautiful parts of Scotland - no surprise then that they are flourishing...
Starting in 2007 as a response to locals looking to train for the Aviemore Half Marathon and 10K, Cairngorm Runners is not your usual jogscotland group. With around 140-150 members varying from walkers to triathletes, the group is more than just an outlet for novices, but a place runners can flourish. Heather McLellan tells us why she considers it to be ‘the most diverse running group in the UK’.
Meeting at Coylumbridge, the group has benefitted from its impressive surroundings. Heather explains: “The natural surroundings of Aviemore make it an ideal location for a running group. Getting out in the fresh air is invigorating and we want to make running as enjoyable as possible. As scenic as the area is, it can be challenging to go out for a run when it’s blowing a hooley and there’s horizontal rain. So it’s testament to the dedication of our members that they step up and keep on training throughout the winter months.
She’s quick to point out how welcoming the group is to new members: “The physical activity is important but it’s not the only reason to start. Companionship is part of it too. You find yourself becoming great friends with your fellow runners.
“It can be a little daunting joining a running group, so we realise the importance of integrating new members. We have regular barbecues where people can socialise, we also host our own awards in October. We have lots of different awards some of which are very silly.”
To showcase the variety in the group, Heather highlights one member who has made considerable improvement since joining, and another who is one of the group’s most experienced runners: “I’d like to mention Janette Cameron - a lady who started off in the walk/jog programme last year and through sheer determination and being focussed on her goals has developed into a confident runner. The jogscotland programme led by jog leaders is used to guide and support runners in the club but ultimately it is up to the individual how they choose to progress, Janette’s cheerful positive outlook has always helped her with this.
"As I mentioned we have huge diversity and Val Machin, who has been with the club since its inception, is a huge contributor in both jog leading and volunteering with events and one of the most tenacious people you’ll meet. Recently she came third in her age group in a sprint triathlon and is an experienced runner, taking part in events all over the world. She is 70 and is in training for a challenging event later in the year - Val is awesome!”
Since joining, Heather has progressed to communications secretary and will be organising her own trail race this year. She has also developed as an athlete: “I’ve gone from wanting to do the least challenging race to organising my own event and helping play an important part at Cairngorm Runners. I’m organising a trail race for 4 October. I should warn readers that it won’t be for beginners as it’s 22k of muddy trails."
Adding a final message for anyone who’s unsure about becoming involved with the group: “If you’re not sure about joining I’d say just go for it!”
For more info visit cairngormrunners.org
Running groups in the Highlands
- Cairngorm Runners
Have we missed your group? Let us know by getting in touch with us here and we'll add you to our list!
Leisure facilities in the Highlands
Queens Park Athletics Stadium
Inverness Leisure and the adjacent Queens Park Athletics Stadium are excellent facilities for runners. The centre houses a 25m pool so ideal for cross-training sessions and there is also a well-fitted sauna and spa suite for relaxation. Dry facilities include gymnasium, with a good selection of cardio and resistance equipment and free weights; studio offering a range of classes including Zumba, Bodypump, Body Balance and Studio Cycling; sports hall and climbing wall.
The athletics stadium is adjacent to the centre, with a 400m, 8 lane synthetic all-weather track and floodlights. The track is available for casual public use when it is not in use for events or club/group activities. Stadium opening times are 7.30am - 10.30pm (Monday to Friday) and 8.30am - 5.30pm (Saturday and Sunday). There's no public access most early midweek evenings due to club use and occasional weekend restrictions because of events (check details at invernessleisure.com).
| Address | Inverness Leisure, Bught Lane,Inverness, IV3 5SS |
|---|---|
| Opening Hours | Stadium: Monday-Friday 7.30am - 10.30pm, Weekends 8.30am - 5.30pm |
| Tel. | 01463 667500 |
| Facilities Available | 25m Pool, Sauna & Spa Suite, Gymnasium, Studio, Sports Hall, Climbing Wall, 400m 8 lane synthetic all-weather track (Floodlit) |
| Classes | Zumba, Bodypump, Body Balance and Studio Cycling |
Running services in the Highlands
When it comes to specialist running retailers what the Highland lacks in quantity it makes up for in quality and enthusiasm. With the departure of the much-lamented Fiona Ross (Jill & Co) from her Strathpeffer base, it is now up to Graham Laing and his team at Run 4 It, Inverness, to fly the flag. Graham is a well-known local runner who likes nothing better than to introduce new people to running with sound advice and lots of encouragement. He is well supported by assistant manager Becki.
Opened in November 2008, Run 4 It Inverness is situated adjacent to the city centre and on the river. The shop boasts a vast range of running footwear, clothing and accessories as well ladies, men's and junior specific departments from a large selection of the leading brands. There is an in-store treadmill, which allows for running shoes to be tested in advance of purchase and the expert team of fitters will work to ensure that they provide the most appropriate shoe for your running style, gait and foot. Run 4 It Inverness also offers video gait analysis with video playback to provide more in-depth analysis.
| Address | Run 4 It Inverness, 26 Huntly Street, Inverness, IV3 5PR |
|---|---|
| Tel. | 01463 259849 |
| Services | Large variety of footwear and apparel; Treadmill to test shoes in store; Video gait analysis |
| Opening Times | Monday - Wednesday + Friday & Saturday: 09.30 - 17.30, Thursday: 09.30 - 19.00, Sunday: 12.00 - 16.00 |
Services for runners in the Highlands
If you offer a service to runners in the Highlands of Scotland and would like to be included on this page, please contact us.
Sports Massage
- Skye Sports Massage/Pilates - Isle of Skye
Please contact us and we will include details of your service
Physiotherapy
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Podiatry
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Personal Training
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Nutrition Advice
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