Glen Tanar Trail Running Festival 2026

The 15 km race offers a scenic and rewarding trail running experience through the stunning landscapes of the Glen Tanar Estate in Royal Deeside, located within the Cairngorms National Park. With approximately 398 m of elevation gain, the course provides a balanced mix of flowing forest tracks, steady climbs and fast descents, making it an ideal challenge for runners with some trail experience. Start to 3 km – Settling In The race begins at the festival event hub on Glen Tanar Estate. Runners quickly leave the start area and head onto wide forest tracks that wind through ancient Scots pine woodland. This opening section is relatively runnable and allows the field to spread out before the terrain begins to rise. 3 km to 7 km – Climbing into the Forest The route begins a sustained climb through the estate’s forest trails, gaining elevation gradually as runners move deeper into the hills above the valley. The surface remains mostly on well-maintained estate tracks with occasional rougher trail sections. Around 7 km, runners reach the course aid station, offering water, energy drink and snacks before the second half of the race. 7 km to 11 km – High Trails and Rolling Terrain Leaving the checkpoint, the course continues along undulating trails through open forest and heathery hillside. This section rewards the earlier climb with more runnable terrain and sweeping views across the surrounding glen. 11 km to 14 km – The Descent The route turns back toward the valley with a fast and flowing descent through forest tracks. The downhill provides a chance to regain speed as runners drop back towards the estate floor. 14 km to Finish – Final Push to the Event Village The final kilometre follows forest tracks back toward the event hub. With the finish line in sight and the festival atmosphere building, runners complete the course back at the start/finish area where refreshments and post-race celebrations await.