Cairngorms Ultra

Braemar, United Kingdom • 13 Jun 2026

Event Details

The Cairngorms Ultra Trail is a 60 km running event with an ascent of 1006 m (3300 ft). The event takes place on Saturday, 13th June 2026. It starts and finishes at Mar Lodge on the Mar Lodge Estate, located three miles west of Braemar in Aberdeenshire. Registration is available on the Friday before the event and on Saturday morning. The total time limit for the event is 12 hours and 30 minutes.

The Course

The route is a loop starting and finishing at Mar Lodge in the Cairngorms National Park. It passes through highland scenery including Caledonian pinewoods in Glens Derry, Luibeg, and Quoich, and visits the Lairig an Laoigh and Lairig Ghru passes. The course offers views of mountains such as Ben Macdui, Braeriach, and Cairn Toul. The terrain is mostly off-road on well-defined paths, tracks, and old drove roads, with some sections on minor roads. The highest point on the course is 700 m. The route is waymarked.

Participant Information

Entry is limited due to the conservation area. The minimum age for entry is 18. A 'Short Course Ultra' option of approximately 48 km is available at a designated checkpoint. Aid stations are located at Derry Lodge (23 km) and Linn of Dee (45 km), though participants are advised to carry sufficient supplies. Camping is available at the event venue for a fee. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

Race information

UTMB 50K
60 km
Cairngorms Ultra Trail 60km
30 mi
Short Course Ultra (30 Miles / 48km)
Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Trail runs nearby

Experience an epic 15 mile trail race through the Highland scenery of the Balmoral Estate. Run past the magnificent River Dee and the base of Lochnagar before finishing at Balmoral Castle.

A rugged 55 mile circular trail across Perthshire with 2,250 metres of ascent and UTMB qualifying points. Self sufficient race starts and finishes at Gulabin Lodge, ending with a dramatic climb to An Lairig Pass and stunning views.

Experience a weekend of trail running at the historic Blair Castle with distances ranging from a 7km run to an ultra marathon. The event features a festival village and on site camping for a complete outdoor experience.

Experience a unique hill race at the Newtonmore Highland Games featuring a 5.6 km course with river crossings and rocky trails. Runners navigate a series of obstacles and a steep climb to the summit of An Torr.