A Spectacular Trail Running Event Based in the Beautiful Scottish Borders.

2021 Provisional Date: SATURDAY 20th FEBRUARY

The event is part of a fantastic weekend of trail races with the Glentress Trail Marathon scheduled for the Sunday.               

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.

Situated between the small Borders towns of Peebles and Innerleithen & just one hour away from Edinburgh, the location is second to none.

Date: Saturday 20th February, 2021  Distance:  21km Half Marathon & 10k Trail

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Venue: Glentress Peel Visitor Centre, nr Peebles, EH45 8NB

Start Times: 21k:  1000 / 10k:  1100  

Registration: This will be on Saturday. Registration is to be based from Glentress Peel café at the Glentress visitor centre. Numbers will be collected at registration.

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21k Registration: 0730-0930                              10k Registration: 0730-1030

10k Course: This will be ideal if you are looking to get into trail running & a great way to explore all the unique aspects of the forest. The route will feature sections of the way marked walking trails with spectacular views over the Tweed Valley & the Caddon Hills.

21k Course: An extension of the 10k route, the 21k will be exploring further into the more remote parts of the forest. 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.

Both distances start & finish at the Glentress Peel visitor centre.

All routes will be fully marked so no navigation experience is necessary.

Entry Fee: 10k - £27 / 21k - £30  (Minimum entry age 17 years old.) 

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Included: Professionally run event, qualified & experienced personnel at various checkpoints, qualified medical support, online registration, fully marked routes, electronic chip timing, refreshments at finish, hydration & feed stations on the course, free event parking, unique branded multifunctional headwear, commemorative finishers medal, 15% Run4it Discount E-Voucher.

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Event Terms and Conditions can be found HERE.

Mandatory 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 21k participants.

Facilities: on site cafe, changing, toilets, showers, on site accommodation (Glentress Forest Lodges offer offer Wigwams, camping and camper van parking)

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How to get to Glentress: Glentress Peel is located in the heart of the Tweed Valley Forest Park between the small Borders towns of Peebles and Innerleithen & just one hour away from Edinburgh. Glentress is just 1 ½ miles (2.4 km) east of Peebles on the A72. Click HERE for travel details

Competitor Feedback:

“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

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"Just wanted to thank you for the amazing event at today's race.  It was very well organised and trail was clearly sign posted.  As my first 21K trail run, I was a little nervous, however the people at the event made it feel comfortable, as well as the overall atmosphere.  I got to see a beautiful part of the world which I wouldnt have otherwise seen. Kind regards, Nisha"

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“Definitely one to remember, and talk about forever! very testing, amazing route and great camaraderie among runners. Thanks everyone” Jakki Stewart

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To hear what  others have to say about these amazing trail races click HERE

Courses: All routes will start from the Peel Centre Trailhead.

10k: This will be ideal if you are looking to get into trail running & a great way to explore all the unique aspects of the forest without the more testing climbs.

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. A short section on the Tower Trail links the route back onto the Buzzard’s Nest Trail to finish with an exhillirating descent to the finish.

Total Ascent: 330m/1,083'  

Terrain: A great combination consisting mainly of firm gravel trails & woodland singletrack. Some uneven sections of grass with exposed tree roots. Long moderate slopes with some steeper sections.

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A GPX File of the route can be downloaded HERE.

10k Time Limit: 3hrs.

Strava Stats.

21k Course:

21k: In addition to the above sections the 21k distance will be exploring further into the more remote parts of the forest. This route will incorporate 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: 21k:  750m/2,460'                

Terrain: The Tower Trail & Black mtb trail incorporates 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.

A GPX File of the route can be downloaded HERE.

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.

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21k Time Limit: 5hrs.

Strava Stats.

 Hydration Stations (21k Course Only) There are no hydration points on the 10k course 

 These will be located at:
 

Description                           Distance

1.   Shieldgreen Tower:            11km                   Hydration/Feed Station (jellies, bananas, mixed fruit & nuts)
2.  Soonhope Craig:                 17km                  Water only will be available here located in containers.

(See course map for specific locations)

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.

 We are always trying to improve the events every year, so for next year the marathon is on a separate day to alleviate queuing for car parking, registration, as well as the number of runners out on the trails.

Previous Results:

2017 Results 10km - 21km - 42km

2016  Results:

Glentress Trail10km

Glentress Trail Half Marathon

Glentress Trail Marathon

Read the 2016 Race Report HERE

We are pleased to announce that we have once again partnered with leading Scottish running retailer Run 4 It for our upcoming Glentress Trail Races. This includes both the November & February races. In addition to providing some fantastic prize vouchers for the events, Run 4 It will also be offering all race all entrants an exclusive discount voucher on selected products.

Looking for on site accommodation? Glentress Forest Lodges offers Wigwams, camping and camper van parking. Full details HERE.