Scotland isn't short of scenic marathon events, and summer's Strathearn event certainly falls into that camp. Held in beautiful Perthshire, the Strathearn Marathon is one of the stand-out events in the Scottish running calendar and in 2024 will take place on 9 June.

Organised by Strathearn Harriers, a club with an established record of running popular races such as the Crieff 10K and Simon Wake Comrie Hills Relay, this race is often considered Scotland's 'friendliest marathon'. Organisers say: "We can offer you a friendly and scenic marathon on quiet country roads in beautiful Perthshire. This is a race truly run by runners, for runners."

The race route takes runners through scenic Perthshire countryside starting with a short loop of the historic Cultybraggan camp near the village of Comrie. It then follows an undulating course through the locally named ‘Langside’ glen past heather-clad hills and towards the village of Braco before heading north towards Crieff.

There the course passes the Crieff Visitor Centre and turns sharp left along a leafy country road close to the river Earn and back towards Comrie, passing though the village for the final mile back to Cultybraggan Camp.

One of the big draws to this event, other than the stunning setting, is the quirky bling. Each year there is a handmade squirrel medal to look forward to donning at the finish line. There are also prizes for the top three male and female runners, age category prizes as well as local and spot prizes. In addition to the £50 cash and bottle of Glenturret whisky won by the first male and female runners there is an additional £50 cash prize if the course record(s) are broken by the winners.

If you'd like to know more, visit the Strathearn Harriers website.

Image: Strathearn Marathon Facebook