Runners in the Highlands of Scotland Image: Inverness Courier

The Highlands

Newsdesk

Race Listing for Highlands

Date	Event	Location
02 Dec 2023	Skye Santa Dash	Portree, Isle of Skye
02 Dec 2023	North District XC Championships	Gordonstoun School, Elgin
02 Dec 2023	North Lewis 10K & 5K	Spòrsnis, Isle of Lewis
09 Dec 2023	North District XC League Race 3 Forres	TBC, Forres
26 Dec 2023	Cruim Leacainn Hill Race 10K	Tomacharich & Torlundy, Fort William
06 Jan 2024	Loch Morlich 10K & 5K	Hayfield, Glenmore
03 Feb 2024	North District XC League Race 5 Nairn	TBC, Nairn
10 Mar 2024	Inverness Half Marathon & 5K	Inverness Leisure, Inverness
23 Mar 2024	Race Dunvegan	Dunvegan Castle, Isle of Skye
04 May 2024	3 Beaches Half Marathon	Dark Island Hotel, Benbecula
04 May 2024	Tiree Half Marathon & 10K	Gott Bay, Isle of Tiree
08 Jun 2024	Isle of Skye Half Marathon, 10K & Fun Run	The Fingal Centre, Portree
21 Jul 2024	3 Islands Marathon	Our Lady of the Isles Statue, South Uist
31 Aug 2024	Staffin Triathlon 10K	Staffin Community Hall, Skye
08 Sep 2024	Tiree Ultramarathon	Gott Bay, Isle of Tiree
29 Sep 2024	Baxters Loch Ness Marathon	Loch Ness, Inverness

About the area

Culloden 2012 runners

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

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

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).

Queens Park Athletics Stadium
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

Run4It Inverness 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.

Run 4 It Inverness
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