What better way to spend a summer's day than running with friends? Well, that's exactly what you can do at the Peterhead to Ellon Railway Relay which will make its return to the North East on 6 August this year.

The event was launched in 2015 and every year this small and fun event brings together local runners for a fantastic day out. The route follows the old railway line that runs between Peterhead and Ellon and goes through a number of small villages. Runners can expect quiet trails, beautiful scenery and fast relay legs from around 2 to 4 miles each.

The Formartine and Buchan Railway used to run trains from Dyce to Fraserburgh and Peterhead. Services stopped running in the 1970s and the line was converted into a cycleway and footpath. It is entirely traffic-free but there are a number of road crossings to navigate. The surfaces varies and while there are sections of tarmac most of the line is dirt track. The route is free from sharp hills but there are some long steady ups and some long speedy downs.

To enter all you need to do is find some friends and form a team of 3-5 people then make a plan of who is going to run which of the relay legs, and enjoy travelling with your team the length of the 27 mile (approx) route.

Speaking about the event, race organiser Steven commented: "I came very close to announcing the event would not take place in 2023 due to the cost of living crisis and the expected result that people will enter fewer events this year. However, I ultimately came to the conclusion that this is an event that is very good value for money and one that people would be disappointed not to see on the calendar."

And value for money it is, with the relay fun ending with a BBQ and a drink at the finish as well as a medal for all competitors. One person who is glad to see it remain on the race calendar is Martin Burns who commented on Facebook: "Glad to see it back. There certainly would be disappointment in our household if it wasn’t on."

While Catriona Sim continued: "This is an amazing event, thanks to everyone who gives up their time to organise and run it. Quickly becoming our favourite."

The proceeds of this event are donated to local good causes with the 2023 beneficiary to be announced soon. In 2022 £480 was raised, which was donated to Bairnecessities Baby Bank Network, a local charity whose aim is to tackle child poverty and promote re-use by donating baby essentials to families who are struggling.

If you'd like to know more, visit the Peterhead to Ellon Railway Relay website.

Image: Peterhead to Ellon Railway Relay Facebook