Great Glen Ultra Marathon 42
Fort Augustus, United Kingdom • 4 Jul 2026
Event overview
The Great Glen Ultra (Short Course) is a 42-mile foot race following the Great Glen Way between Fort Augustus and Inverness. The advertised elevation gain is about 6,000 ft and the event is listed as offering UTMB points (2, to be confirmed). The race is for solo runners and is designed to be unsupported, with three checkpoint locations that accept drop bags.
Course, checkpoints and logistics
The route starts at Fort Augustus Village Hall, follows the Great Glen Way high route with long views of Loch Ness, passes Drumnadrochit and finishes at Inverness Sports Centre with a final lap on the 400 m track. The route is fully waymarked with Great Glen signs and arrows.
Checkpoints (approximate distances):
- Invermoriston - 10 miles
- Drumnadrochit - 24.5 miles
- Abrachan - 32 miles
- Finish: Inverness Athletics Stadium - 42 miles
Runners register at Inverness Sport Centre and are transported by race bus to the start. Participants are asked to bring three numbered drop bags (one for each checkpoint) and a sensible kit bag to be returned to the finish. Mandatory kit includes a full-size foil blanket and a means to carry at least 1 litre of water; a working mobile phone is also required. Spot-checks are carried out.
Entry, capacity and rules
Entry fees are shown as £70 (discount) and £72 (standard). Total places are limited to 150. The organiser does not allow transfer of places or muling. Other rules include no walking poles, no support runners, no dogs, and no swimming in the canal. Refund and deferral terms apply as stated by the organiser. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.