A Spectacular Trail Running Event Based in the Beautiful Scottish Borders.
2024 Date: Sunday 18th February
Entries Now Open
New for 2024: With the development work at Glentress Forest underway, we've made some changes to the previous course. Keeping all the fantastic features from the previous route, we've incorporated some super new sections. including some great singletrack on the blue & red mtb trails. Check out the details below.
The event is part of a fantastic selection of trail races, with the Glentress Trail Marathon held in conjunction.
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 18th February 2024 Distances: 21km Half Marathon & 10k Trail
Venue: Glentress Peel Visitor Centre, nr Peebles, EH45 8NB Start Times: 21k: 1000 / 10k: 1100 (TBC)
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.
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: 0730-0930 10k Registration: 0730-1030
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
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
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 a whopping 900m 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 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.
Please note this route is provisional & may be subject to change.
Total Ascent: 21k: 900m/2953' Descent: 897m
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 nearly 400m 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, leading to the infamous 'Spooky Wood' climb with it's numerous switchbacks. Topping out at 480m, 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, grab a drink at the strategically positioned 'Spooky Wood' hydration station & enjoy the fantastic sections of descent to the finish.
Total Ascent 10k: 393m
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.
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