A Spectacular Trail Marathon Based in the Beautiful Scottish Borders
Date: Sunday 20th February 2022
Entries Now Open
Event briefing notes will be available to download approx five days prior to the event
Event Update: Due to the extensive damage caused by storm Arwen back in November, it is possible that we may need to amend the course routes. The forestry commission are working hard to clear the trails in the area. We will post updated route details nearer the event date.
The event is part of a fantastic weekend of trail races with the Glentress 21k & 10k Trail Races scheduled for the Saturday.
A trail marathon event based in the beautiful Scottish Borders. Glentress Forest is described as the 'Gateway to the Tweed Valley Forest Park'. Perhaps more renowned for its mountain biking, Glentress also offers a superb array of forest trails, making it a fantastic location for trail running. The area features mile upon mile of waymarked trails including forest walks, woodland singletrack and heather clad moorland. A great way to explore all the unique aspects of this stunning forest.
Situated between the small Borders towns of Peebles and Innerleithen & just one hour away from Edinburgh, the location is second to none.
Date: Sunday 20th FEBRUARY, 2022 Distance: 42K Ascent: 1,500m/4,920'
The 42k Distance Comprises Two Circuits of the 21k Route. 21k Ascent: 750m/2,460'
Start Time: 1000 Venue: Glentress Peel Visitor Centre, nr Peebles, EH45 8NB
Registration: This will be on Sunday 7:30am-9:30am. Registration is to be based from Glentress Peel café at the Glentress visitor centre. Numbers will be collected at registration.
Facilities: on site cafe, changing, toilets, showers, on site accommodation.
Entry Fee: £45 - Trail Marathon (Minimum entry age 17 years old.)
What's Included in Your Entry:
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Professionally run event, experienced safety team cover during the race, qualified & experienced personnel at various locations
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Qualified medical support
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A stunning event venue
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Fully marked routes
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Online Registration, electronic chip timing
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Unique finishers medal
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customised race number
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Refreshments at finish, hydration & feed stations on the course
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Free event parking, changing, toilets
For refunds, deferrals and cancellation policies please consult our T&Cs page
The route will be fully marked so no navigation experience is necessary.
Just Enjoy the Spectacular Views...
Required Kit: We've experienced some fantastic winter conditions at Glentress at the previous events. The weather can change quickly or vary, with conditions in the valley very different from high up in the forest.To ensure you're prepared for the conditions that can be encountered at this time of year, all participants must dress appropriately for the conditions with suitable clothing & footwear.
Please note this is mandatory for participants.
Participant Feedback
“Today's Glentress Marathon was definitely the most brutal race ever but I would like to say a huge thank you for a very well signposted route and to all the marshals and photographer for hanging about for me to come in. It really is appreciated as the last marathon runner to feel like i am as important as the first one finished” Caroline Ness
“Thanks for a great event yesterday at the Glentress trail marathon. Despite challenges with the weather before the event and conditions during the event it was well organised and all route marking was clear. I had a great day and hope to be back again next year!” Sarah Gilliam
“Definitely one to remember, and talk about forever! very testing, amazing route and great camaraderie among runners. Thanks everyone” Jakki Stewart
To hear what others have to say about these amazing trail races click the box:
Course: The 42km route comprises two 21km circuits starting & finishing at the Glentress Peel visitor centre. Utilising a fantastic variety of terrain from hard packed gravel trails to twisting forest singletrack...not to mention a challenging climb on the Black graded MTB route...this amazing course ofers something for everyone.
This is a great event to bring along family & friends with the route returning back through the finish area at the half way point, there's plenty of opportunity to offer encouragement.
Route Highlights: Starting & finishing at the Peel Centre trailhead the route features sections of the waymarked walking trails including the Glen Trail alongside Glentress Burn, linking in with Buzzard’s Nest Trail, which winds through the magnificent Douglas firs. Then it's onto the Time Trail which passes the fortified iron age settlements, with spectacular views over the Tweed Valley & the Caddon Hills.
The route then explores further into the more remote parts of the forest incorporating sections of the Tower Trail & the Black graded mtb route, climbing high to the top of Glentress Forest, offering some stunning panoramic viewpoints.
A spectacular singletrack section leads across the heather clad moorland before descending back into the forest eventually rejoining the Buzzard's Nest Trail to finish with an exhillirating descent back at the Peel Centre trailhead.
Total Ascent 42k: 1,500m/4,920'
21k Circuit: 750m/2,460'
The 42k is two circuits of the 21k route.
Terrain: The course incorporates sections of the Tower Trail & Black mtb trail which include several long and continuous steep slopes for over 500m. There's a great variety of forest singletrack, a few sections of open moorland & awesome singletrack.
Please note: Sections of this route are on the black MTB trail which the Forestry Commission have given permission to use for the duration of the race. However we do not advise you to run this at other times when mountain bikes will be using the trail.
GPS Measurement: We try to ensure that we measure the courses as accurately as possible using a number of different recording devices & various recording settings. Please note that the actual distance and elevation gain can vary between +/- 5 % depending on the measurement method, i.e. make & model of watch/GPS unit, unit settings, tree cover, etc.
Time Limit: There will be an intermediate cut off time of 4hrs for the first lap and an overall time limit of 8hrs30 for the full event. (Based upon an average speed of 3mph/5km/hr). Anyone timed out after the first lap will still get a finish time for the 21k distance.
Hydration/Feed Stations: These will be located at:
Description Distance
1. Shieldgreen Tower: 11/32km Hydration/Feed Station (jellies, bananas, mixed fruit & nuts)
2. Soonhope Craig: 17/38km Water only will be available here located in containers.
3. Finish Area: 21/42km Hydration/Feed Station
Stocked with our delicious homemade flapjack (vegan), chocolate brownies (gluten free), jellies, bananas, savoury rolls, crisps, squash, coke, water & hot drinks (tea, coffee, chocolate).
In addition, if you'd like some of your favourite nutrition without having to carry it for the full duration participants will be able to leave any personal nutrition here.
Please Note: Previously, due to ice & snow on the trails we have needed to relocate the aid station &/or the water has frozen in the containers. If conditions dictate there will either not be an aid station on the course or it will be at a different location. It is important therefore that you don’t rely on the aid station as your only source of nutrition/hydration. Ensure you carry sufficient personal nutrition & drinks with you for the full route. To help minimize waste you will need to bring your own water bottle, bladder, etc.
Visit Tweed Valley
Glentress Peel is located in the heart of the Tweed Valley Forest Park between the small Borders towns of Peebles and Innerleithen. The area lies in a spectacular location & has a good range of accommodation options; hotels, guest houses, B&B's campsite.
Event Location
How to get to Glentress: Located just one hour away from Edinburgh Glentress is just 1 ½ miles (2.4 km) east of Peebles on the A72.
Course Records:
Rob Sinclair Insch Trail Running Club 3:10:35 Nicola Duncan 3:41:18
Previous Results: 2017 2016
