A Spectacular Trail Marathon Based in the Beautiful Scottish Borders
2026 Date: Sunday 15th February (TBC)
Held in conjunction with the Glentress 21k & 10k Trail races
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.
Winter Recce of the Glentress 42k & 21k Course
Date: Sunday 15th February 2026 Distance: 42K Approx. Total Ascent: 1,260m approx.
The 42k Distance Comprises two circuits of the 21k Route.
Start Time: 0930 Venue: Glentress Peel Visitor Centre, nr Peebles, EH45 8NB
Car Parking Information: An ANPR car parking system is now in place at Glentress. The charges to park at Glentress are: Free for up to 30 mins, £3 for up to 1 hour, £4 for up to 3 hours, £6 for all day.
Registration: This will be on Sunday 7:30am-9:30am. Registration is to be based from Glentress Peel café at the Glentress visitor centre. You will need to bring personal ID to registration so that we know it is you. Race numbers are to be collected in person at registration.
Event briefing notes will be published HERE approx five days before the event.
Please check these as there will generally be no further information emailed to participants prior to the event.
Facilities: on site cafe, changing, toilets, showers, on site camping.
Entry Fee: £50 & £52 (+ 4% onine entry fee) Minimum entry age 17 years old. We offer a 50% refund (minus the online booking fee) up to 6 weeks before the event date. Please check the event T&C's for full details.
All routes will be fully marked so no navigation experience is necessary.
Just Enjoy the Spectacular Views
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
Terrain: An awesome blend of terrain from hard packed gravel trails, twisting forest singletrack, long winding climbs, exhilarating descents & stunning panoramic viewpoints. With a whopping 900m of ascent for each 21k circuit, this amazing course is sure to be a classic & one that will be remembered...
Course: The Glentress Trail Marathon route comprises two 21km circuits. For 2025 we'll be making a few amendments to the route, updated details will be available soon. The course map below is the 21k circuit. Starting & finishing at the Glentress Peel visitor centre & climbing high to the top of Glentress Forest, the route incorporates exciting sections of the blue, red & black mtb trails. With named sections such as 'The Goat Track' & 'Spooky Woods', we've also added a few of our own; The High Hut, Roller Coaster, Evil Climb & The Home Straight. Check them out on the course map below.
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.
Please note this route is provisional & may be subject to change.
Total Ascent 42k: 1,266m
21k Circuit: 633m/2079' Descent: 630m/2063'
High Point of Course: 572m
The Glentress Trail Marathon is two circuits of the 21k route.
Distance per 21k circuit: 21.6k
The course incorporates sections of the Tower Trail, Blue, Red & Black mtb trail 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 MTB trails 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 trails.
Time Limits: 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.
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.
Hydration Stations: There will be two hydration stations on each 21k circuit and one on the halfway point (finish area). These will be at:
1. Spooky Wood: located at the start of Spooky Wood climb at approx. 6k & 27k distance.
2. Tower Rig: situated soon after the start of the 'Switchbacks' climb at 12k & 33k.
3. Start/Finish Area: finish of the initial 21k circuit.
Check out the course map to view these locations.
Please Note: Previously, due to ice & snow on the trails we have needed to relocate the aid station as 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. No cups will be provided. To help minimize waste you will need to bring your own water bottle, bladder, etc.
Glentress Trail Marathon
Spectacular views from the top of Glentress Forest
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
2017 2016