International ultra running returns to Scotland in 2024 with Perth once again staging the Anglo Celtic Plate, on Sunday 24 March. The event will also feature both the British and Scottish 100K & 50K road championships for 2024.

The Anglo Celtic Plate 100K (ACP) was the brain child of John Foden, the same man who had the idea for a little event in Greece called the Spartathlon! His aim was to create a platform whereby every year, the UK and Ireland had an event where promising ultra-runners had the opportunity to represent their own country, while also bringing together some of current best ultra runners to race against other.

Race coordinator Adrian Stott told runABC: “The ACP has certainly achieved its aim of acting as a platform for emerging talent. Some of our current leading ultra-runners who have gone on to acquit themselves well in global international competition including Scotland’s Simon Pride, William Sichel and Rob Turner have all gained their first taste of international ultra competition in the Anglo Celtic Plate."

Despite attracting some of the countries leading ultra runners, the event also attracts runners of all standards just keen to challenge themselves over one of the classic ultra distances. Organisers are keen to emphasise that the big day is not restricted to international runners and title contenders and both the 100K and 50K are open to runners keen to challenge themselves.

The 100K is the only certified accurate 100K road event in Great Britain in 2024 (as far as organisers are aware). It is a perfect opportunity for experienced ultra runners and marathoners to challenge themselves over the internationally recognised distance of 100K. It is also an ideal event if you are aiming for a longer 100 mile ultra later in the summer.

The 50K is one of only three accurate 50K road events in Great Britain in 2024. It is an ideal test for anyone wanting to attempt their first ultra, and is also a perfect distance for an honest test if preparing for a longer ultra event in the summer.

The races take place on a traffic-free loop course at the North Inch Park in Perth, on the banks of the River Tay. The loop has been accurately measured by an IAAF qualified course measurer and offers the perfect opportunity for fast times and PBs.

If you'd like to know more, visit the Sri Chinmoy website.

Image courtesy: Adrian Stott Twitter