The Lairig Ghru is a category C Long Hill Race run over 43km between the police stations of Braemar and Aviemore. This classic race takes place in a spectacular setting and follows an historic drove road rising to 2733ft between some of the highest peaks in Britain. A significant proportion of the race fees are donated to the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team, therefore any additional donations are much appreciated.

RACE START

The race begins at the police station in Braemar. There is a public car park and some space will be available at the Highland games park.  There are also public conveniences at the public car park, however there are no changing facilities. Please park considerately as the village is quite small and parking is at a premium, if you can, please share transport, better for the environment!

Registration will be at the entrance to the Highland Games park, this will be signposted. This year will be a waved start, registration and kit check for your wave will be at 30 mins before your start time, please do not come too early to avoid overcrowding. Please consider the race organisation when picking your start time. If you think you will need the full 6hrs choose an earlier time, if you are a faster runner remember we are unlikely to be in Aviemore until around 1pm.

RACE SUPPORT AND SAFETY

Runners are expected to be self sufficient and there are no regular drink or feed stations on the route, there are several burns which can be used for refilling at your own discretion. The route is unmarked, so please make yourself familiar with the whole route, including the last couple of miles.

Runners should typically be capable of a sub 4hr road marathon and be confident of completing the race in 6hrs. There is a 1hr30m cut off point at Derry Lodge - if you are not through within this time you will be asked to return to Braemar. There will be a sweeper runner and the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team will support the race from a base at the Pools of Dee. Runners withdrawing from the race must advise the organisers, sweeper, Rescue Team or the police as soon as possible. The Lairig Ghru is a Category C long hill race and runners are required to carry the following:

• full waterproof body cover
• hat (buff acceptable) and gloves
• whistle
• map and compass
• food and liquid

All competitors must have their number clearly visible on the front of their body (preferably the torso), this is to ensure that we can account for everyone at each checkpoint. Numbers must not be folded or defaced in any way.

NB: There will be a kit check at the race start.

COURSE

The race route is a mix of road, forest trails and rocky single track. The Luibeg burn can be challenging when in spate but there is a bridge crossing further upstream. Runners negotiate a boulder field at the Pools of Dee and good navigational skills may be required in adverse weather.

For more course details - www.scottishhillracing.co.uk/RaceDetails.aspx?RaceID=RA-0067

See OS maps 1:50,000 - 36 and 43

RACE FINISH

THERE IS A NEW FINISH TO THE RACE THIS YEAR. The race finishes in Aviemore on Dalfaber Road by the water works and next to the tunnel under the railway by the bank, a map of the new finish line can be seen on the Deeside Runners website www.deesiderunners.com/?page_id=27   Recording of times will cease at 3.30pm, 6.30hrs after the first starters. In line with current government guidance there will be no post race refreshment nor prize giving. Competitors are asked to move away from the finish line once they have recovered enough to do so.

TRANSPORT

Unfortunately there will be no transport arranged this year. Runners are asked to make their own way to the start and from the finish of the event.

PRIZE CATEGORIES

Results will be given as soon as able on Webscorer and social media sites. Prizes will be sent to the winners. 

Overall Men 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd

Overall Women1^st,2^nd,3^rd                                                                                                                                                                                

First Veterans M40, M50, M60, F40, F50, F60

1^st Team – three to count

RECORDS

Male - 2:58:10 – Murray Strain (2017)

Female - 3:32:38 – Lucy Colquhoun (2006)

ENTRY

Online entry £16.00  

Entry fees are not refunded, all proceeds of the race, once costs are accounted for, go to charitable organisations.

There is no transferring of entries permitted. 

If government guidance is such that there is no permitted movement between local authorities in Scotland we will look to reschedule the race date to later in the year (September). The race will still go ahead even if movement between home nations and/or internationally is not possible. 

No one should attend if they:
- Have been in contact with someone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days
- Have been overseas to a country on the quarantine list or exposed to someone with COVID-19 in
the last 14 days
- Have COVID-19 symptoms (self-isolate for 10 days) or are feeling unwell
- Have been told to self-isolate as part of the contact tracing measures in place

Failure to comply the above may result in your disqualification, and prevent you from entering future events.

Collect numbers at the race start (Braemar Games Park).

 

View the Event Disclaimer / Terms and Conditions.

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