A popular weekend of Scottish trail running races returns for a second outing on June 4 and 5 at Blair Castle in Perthshire. There are four Blair Castle Trail Weekender 2022 races from 7km to 58km to choose from.
You can enter here.
The two longest races are the same as 2021:
- Full Tilt Ultra 58km with almost 2000m of elevation gain. See route. The Full Tilt includes two Munros, Beinn Dearg at 1008m and Carn a’Chlamain at 963m.
- Dearg Up ‘n’ Doon 30km with just over 1000m of elevation gain. See route. This race includes the Munro, Beinn Dearg at 1008m.
This year, there are two shorter races, but slightly longer:
- Banvie Burn 13km and 200m of ascent.
- Diana’s Grove 7km and 75m of ascent.
Cameron Balfour, the director of Outsider Events, said: “We are really excited to be back at Blair Castle for another weekend of trail running. Last year, we had a fantastic weekend and the races and event was well recvied.
“We hope to welcome many people back – and also meet new runners, whether they are looking for an introduction to trail races, or for a much bigger challenge.”
Praise from a Full Tilt runner
Nicloa Dawson, from Milngavie, East Dunbartonshire, was third female in the Full Tilt in 2021.
She said: “The route was stunning and we took in two Munros. It was great seeing the glorious Perthshire countryside and running through the picturesque glen.
“The weekend was really well organised with lovely festival atmosphere. Blair Atholl estate is beautiful.
“We had great weather, too.”
Nicola also had praise for the “funny” signs. She says: “The signs made me laugh.”
Blair Castle Trail Weekender: More than just running
As well as the trail races, the entry fee includes other activities, including music and evening entertainment, guided trail runs, yoga sessions, a bar area and a mix of catering experiences.
Friends and family who are not running are also welcome to join the weekend.
The nearby village Blair Atholl has range of accommodation on offer and there is an option of adding on a camping pitch at the event village for £5 a tent (note this just includes toilet access and no shower facilities).
8 more reasons to sign up to Blair Castle Trail Weekender
1) To get into trail races
If you are new to trail running or trail races, the two shorter challenges the 13km Banvie Burn 13km and 7km Diana’s Grove are great introductions.
The routes are signposted and will not be too taxing for runners who can already run a comfortable 5k to 10k. In any case, you can run them as fast or as relaxed as you wish.
These are great trail routes with beautiful views.
2) To bag Munros
Both the longer races, the Full Tilt Ultra and the Dearg Up ‘n’ Doon, include the Munro, Beinn Dearg. The Full Tilt also heads to another Munro, Carn a’Chlamain.
Munro bagging is a popular pursuit in Scotland. The list includes 282 mountains with a summit of more than 3000ft (914m), and if you haven’t already bagged these mountains, it’s a great opportunity to do so and as part of two unique races.
If you have walked to these summits before, you will know just how fabulous the views are from the summits.
3) To set a new fastest times
If you took part last year, you can try to beat your own time. Or maybe you would like to try for a course record.
- The fastest male in the Full Tilt was Jethro Lennox in 05:27:24.
- The fastest female in the Full Tilt was Claire Gordon in 06:08:40.
- The fastest male in the Dearg Up ‘n’ Doon was Milan Misak in 02:37:50.
- The fastest female in the Dearg Up ‘n’ Doon was Katie White in 02:49:24.
4) To take in stunning views
Glen Tilt is an area of spectacular vistas and with an amazing atmosphere. The combination of woodland, glen, hills and mountains is breath-taking.
Whichever race you choose you’ll enjoy picturesque landscapes and an abundance of nature.
5) To run two races (if you fancy)
The format of the weekend makes it possible to run two races but they need to be on different days.
If you are attending as a couple, family or group, one person could do an event on the Saturday and another on the Sunday. This would work well for parents who have children to care for.
6) Blair Atholl is easy to reach
Blair Atholl is easily accessible from across Scotland. From Edinburgh, it’s a 90-minute drive; Glasgow is 100 minutes; Dundee 70 minutes; Inverness 90 minutes and Aberdeen two hours. There is a train station in Blair Atholl, too.
7) It’s more than a running event
The weekend will include a range of activities that are covered by the cost of your race entry. This extends to friends and family who are with you, even if they are not running.
Activities will include music the evening, guided trail runs, yoga classes, a mix of catering experiences and a bar area, as well as on-site camping for an extra £5 per tent. (Note: This includes toilet access, although no shower facilities.)
There are also plenty of other accommodation options in the area, such as Blair Castle Caravan Park, self catering properties, hotels and B&Bs.
8) Good values
Outsider Events has the goal of making the weekend of races as sustainable as possible. Ideas include runners providing their own cups and bottles for water; seeking brands and partnerships with like-minded companies; offering plant-based food options; a choice of opting out of a finisher t-shirt; and race routes that respect the environment and their erosion impacts.