Runners who think beer and trail running are a match made in heaven had better ‘hop’ to it if they want a place on the rescheduled ‘Hop Run’, organised by Durty Events in partnership with Stewart Brewing.

Places for the first two waves of the event (12.30 and 1pm starts), to be held on Saturday, 24 October, have already sold out, with only limited places remaining for the third (1.30pm start). 

After meeting and registering at Stewart Brewing HQ in Loanhead, runners will enjoy this 10K(ish) trail run around the leafy, puddle-filled and potentially very muddy North Esk River trails. Once on their way, runners will pass tumbling waterfalls, still river pools, quiet natural forests and atmospheric ruins of the area’s surprising industrial past, before emerging at Stewart Brewing HQ.

While currently the course is a point to point involving buses, the organisers have an alternative route up their sleeves if they can’t use transport.

Paul McGreal from Durty Events told runABC Scotland online: “After a difficult few months, it’s great to be returning to racing!

“We’re now in the final planning stages and look forward to hosting Hop Run alongside partners Stewart Brewing – with added social distancing measures – in a way that ensures the safety and enjoyment of all involved.

“We’ll be implementing various safety measures including, but not limited to, time trial starts, BYO hydration and socially distanced registration.” 

In addition to ensuring that the 2020 Hop Run is fully COVID compliant, the organisers have also made a commitment to running a greener event by making the Hop Run finishers' T-shirt optional. If runners opt not to take a T-shirt during the sign-up process, they can instead do some good by choosing to donate its cost to Durty Events' charity partner, Bright Sparks. 

McGreal added:  “Safety is our number one priority, but we also want to make sure competitors have a great time and leave with some awesome swag. Each finisher will receive a branded bottle opener, finisher’s T-shirt (if they opted for one) and a free Stewart Brewing beer: the perfect incentive to sprint across the finish line!”