Whisky lovers who enjoy lacing up their trainers as much as pouring a dram have a date for the diary as the Speyside Series returns for 2026 with four distinctive races set against the landscapes of Scotland’s most famous whisky region.

Running from April through to October, the series links together challenging routes and some of the most scenic terrain in Moray Speyside. Each event has its own character but together they form a celebration of running in an area known worldwide for its distilleries and rolling hills.

The series opens with the 13th Archiestown 5K on 25 April. All proceeds from the 5K go to Knockando Playgroup and, thanks to support from Edrington, every £8 entry will be double matched, turning each sign-up into a £24 contribution for the playgroup.

In July the focus shifts to hills with the Dufftown 5 Mile and 5 Hill race on Wednesday 8 July. True to its name, the course takes in five distinct climbs, offering a tough but rewarding challenge through the scenic countryside that surrounds Dufftown.

The Speyside Windfarm Challenge Half Marathon follows on 30 August. This 12 mile route weaves its way through the impressive windfarm installations above the Speyside area, giving runners wide open views across the Moray countryside.

The series concludes with the Skeddadle Speyside 10K on 11 October. Starting in Archiestown Village Square, the route climbs gradually into Elchies woods on wide forest tracks before becoming more undulating, with expansive views towards Little and Meikle Conval and the imposing bulk of Ben Rinnes. Runners will finish at Cardhu Distillery, home of Johnnie Walker.

If you'd like to know more, visit the Speyside Series entry page.

Image: Speyside Windfarm Challenge Half Marathon Facebook