Bennachie Ultra Marathon

Bennachie Ultra Marathon : 10 Oct 2026

The Bennachie Ultra Marathon is a pre-entry, single-stage off-road race held at Bennachie with start and finish at the Bennachie Visitor Centre. This is the eighth running of the event and entries are limited to 150 places.

The course is 50k (over 31 miles) with more than 5000 ft of cumulative ascent. The route uses mainly trail and hill paths and visits many peaks on Bennachie, including Millstone Hill, Hermit Seat, Oxen Craig, Little Oxen, Craigshannoch and Mither Tap. Because the route is primarily off-road, good trail shoes are advised. The course is unsuitable for wheelchairs.

There is a rigorous cut-off of 4 hours at approximately 19 miles; runners who miss the cut-off will be recorded as DNF and asked to return to the Visitor Centre. The event is run under the Rules and Regulations of Scotish Hill Runners and requires runners to carry mandatory minimum SHR kit. Full kit includes a waterproof full body cover, hat, gloves and a whistle; expect kit checks. Photo ID is required when collecting race numbers.

The race is supported by COTAG and proceeds will benefit local charities including the Bennachie Visitor Centre. The event is open to entrants aged 18 or older and is LGBT and QIA+ friendly; entries are accepted as female, male or nonbinary. The event is cupless with water available at designated stations; marshals will refill personal bottles. External support, pacers, running poles and dogs are not allowed. Finish-area facilities include refreshments, a race medal, a goodie bag and toilets. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.