Great Glen Ultra Marathon

Great Glen Ultra Marathon

The Great Glen Ultra is a long-distance running event that follows the waymarked Great Glen Way from Corpach to Inverness. The main race distance is 72 miles with approximately 8,500 ft of ascent and it is allocated 4 UTMB points. The race route is fully marked and marshaled checkpoints are placed at roughly ten mile intervals.

The course runs on a mixture of canal towpaths, forestry paths and tracks with some short sections on quiet roads. The route follows the High Route option of the Great Glen Way and uses the distinctive blue waymarkers. The race passes Loch Lochay and offers extended views over Loch Ness; the first 30 miles are generally undulating with larger climbs occurring after Fort Augustus. There is an additional water stop listed at Grotaig, around 49 miles.

The event is for solo runners and is designed to be run unsupported. Mandatory kit must be carried for the duration of the race and spot-checks may take place; examples listed include a foil blanket, a working mobile phone with the race contact saved, a means to carry one litre of water and a small first aid kit. The race fee includes a memento, a goody bag and a technical race t-shirt or vest to collect on race day.

Organisers expect entrants to have prior endurance experience such as previous ultra marathons over 35 to 40 miles or comparable long distance events. The event operates under a Scottish Athletics licence and race protocols for infectious disease control are in place. Support crews may only meet runners at Fort Augustus, Invermoriston, Drumnadrochit and the finish. Refund and deferral policies are published and include a 30 day cooling off period and staged refunds depending on notice given. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.