Glen Tanar Trail Running Festival 2026

Starting at the event hub on Glen Tanar Estate, the 55 km ultra takes runners on a spectacular journey through the forests, hills and open moorland of Royal Deeside. With approximately 1,900 m of elevation gain, the course is designed for experienced trail runners looking for a challenging but rewarding day in the Scottish Highlands. Start – Forest Trails (0–12 km) The race begins in the early morning, heading out from the event hub onto wide estate tracks that quickly lead runners into the heart of Glen Tanar’s ancient Caledonian pine forest. The opening kilometres are runnable and allow the field to spread out along smooth gravel trails and woodland paths. Gradually the route begins to climb, weaving deeper into the forest and gaining elevation as runners move away from the valley floor. The first checkpoint appears around 12 km, offering water and nutrition before the course begins to head higher into more remote terrain. Into the Hills (12–25 km) Leaving the forest behind, the route continues to climb onto open hillside and heather moorland. This section introduces more sustained gradients and expansive views across the surrounding hills of Royal Deeside. Runners encounter a mix of estate tracks, rougher trail sections and open hillside paths as they progress towards the next checkpoints at roughly 20 km and 25 km, where aid and water are available. The Mount Keen Section (25–36 km) The middle section of the race includes the toughest terrain of the day, taking runners toward the slopes of Mount Keen, the easternmost Munro. The climb is long and steady rather than technical, but fatigue begins to accumulate as the elevation builds. From the high point, runners are rewarded with expansive views before descending along rugged trails and estate tracks. The descent leads toward the next checkpoint at approximately 36 km. Valley Return (36–45 km) After the high ground, the route gradually drops back toward the valley. Long runnable trails return runners through forested sections and along undulating tracks. While less steep than earlier sections, the distance and rolling terrain can make this part deceptively tough. The final aid station appears around 45 km, offering one last opportunity to refuel before the run back to the finish. Final Push to the Finish (45–55 km) The final kilometres follow scenic trails through woodland and alongside sections of the River Tanar. These runnable paths allow runners to find a rhythm again after the earlier climbs. As the course re-enters the estate’s central trails, the sounds of the festival village signal the end of the journey. A final stretch leads back to the event hub where runners cross the finish line to a warm welcome, recovery food and the atmosphere of the Glen Tanar Trail Running Festival.