A Spectacular Trail Running Event Based in the Beautiful Scottish Borders.
21k, 10k & 4k Distances
2025 Date: Sunday 16th February
Entries now open
New for 2025 Glentress 4k Gravel Run: This will be ideal if you're new to trail running. Details below.....
Held in conjunction with the Glentress 42k Trail Marathon
Winter Recce of the Glentress 42k & 21k Course
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: Sunday 16th February 2025 Distances: 21km Half Marathon,10k Trail & 4k Gravel Run
Venue: Glentress Peel Visitor Centre, nr Peebles, EH45 8NB Start Times: 21k: 1030 / 10k: 1100 / 4k 1115 (TBC)
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. Registration is to be based from Glentress Peel café at the Glentress visitor centre. Numbers will be collected at registration. You will need to bring personal ID to registration so that we know it is you. Race numbers are to be collected in person.
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.
21k Registration: 0800-1015 (TBC) 10k & 4k Registration: 0800-1045 (TBC)
Courses: All routes will start from Glentress Peel Visitor Centre Trailhead.
Entry Fee: 10k - £30 / 21k - £34 (+ 4% onine entry fee) Minimum entry age 17 years old. 4k Gravel run: Adults - £15 /Under 16 years old - £10 (+ 4% onine entry fee)
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..
%20-%20LowRes.jpg)
We're pleased to announce Run4It as our event retail partner. All participants will receive a 15% discount voucher offering an exclusive 15% off full-price shoes, clothing or accessories. For those at the sharp end of the races, we have some great prize vouchers on offer too.
All routes will be fully marked so no navigation experience is necessary.
Just Enjoy the Spectacular Views
21k Course: "Stunningly Beautiful & Technical"
An awesome blend of terrain from hard packed gravel trails, twisting forest singletrack, long winding climbs, exhilarating descents & stunning panoramic viewpoints. With over 600m of ascent, this amazing course is sure to be a classic & one that will be remembered...
Climbing high to the top of Glentress Forest, the 21k incorporates exciting sections of the 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.
Please note this route is provisional & may be subject to change. Updated course details will be available soon.
Total Ascent: 21k: 633m/2077' Descent: 630m/2063'
High Point of Course: 572m
Terrain: 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 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.
21k Time Limit: 5hrs.
Click on the profile image to view larger version
10k Course: "Tough Route with Stunning Views"
The new course climbs 'slightly' higher than previously but the breathtaking views & thrilling descents are certainly worth the effort. With 270m of ascent packed into the initial 6k, this will be quite a challenge!
We've added sections of the blue mtb trails which gradually wind their way up through the forest. With numerous switchbacks reaching 'The High Point' of the course will be a leg & lung burner, but it’s well worth the effort as the hard climbing is completed now. Savour the stunning views of the Tweed Valley & enjoy the fantastic sections of descent to the finish.
Total Ascent 10k: 270m
High Point of Course: 508m
Terrain: A great combination of woodland singletrack & forest roads, sections of the blue & red mtb trails.
Please note: Sections of this route are on 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 trail.
10k Time Limit: 3hrs.
New for 2025 Glentress 4k Gravel Run:
This will be ideal if you're new to trail running & maybe find the longer distances or technical trails too daunting for a first attempt. The distance will be approx. 4km incorporating the Multi-User, Ponds & Glen Trails.
Aimed more at beginners & the 'fun' type of runner, we'll not be offering prizes for this distance, however you'll still receive a finisher's medal, finish time & position. Under 16 year olds must be accompanied by an adult.
4km Trail Run Map
Hydration Stations: There will be two hydration stations on the 21k and one on the 10k route. These will be at:
1. Spooky Wood: Both the 21k & 10k courses, located at the start of Spooky Wood climb at approx. 6k distance.
2. Tower Rig: 21k course, situated soon after the start of the 'Switchbacks' climb at 12k.
Check out the course maps 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.
Participant 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
"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"
“Definitely one to remember, and talk about forever! very testing, amazing route and great camaraderie among runners. Thanks everyone” Jakki Stewart
Glentress February 2018 Race Video
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.
Venue Facilities: on site cafe, changing, toilets, showers, on site accommodation (Glentress Forest Lodges offer offer pods, camping and camper van parking)
Check out the November race video from Rich Nicholls at Swift Films.
Previous Results:
Strava Stats.
