Lairig Ghru

Lairig Ghru

The Lairig Ghru is a Category C long hill race of 43 km held on Sunday 28 June 2026. The route follows an historic drove road between Braemar and Aviemore, rising to about 835 m and passing between some of the highest peaks in Britain.

Entry is by online registration only with an entry fee of £25. Organisers aim for a limited field of runners and will not offer on the day entries. If places become available in the month before the race they may reopen entry for last minute places. If unable to attend, an entrant may receive a £15 refund up to three weeks before the race; no refund will be given after that date.

Registration is at the Village Hall in Braemar and the start is just outside the Games Park entrance. The finish is in Aviemore on Dalfaber Road by the water works next to the railway tunnel. The village hall has minimal changing and toilet facilities; additional toilets are available by the public car park.

All competitors must carry full waterproof jacket and trousers with taped seams, a hat and gloves, a whistle, a map and compass, and food and liquid. A waterproof Harvey paper map will be provided at registration; phone or GPX is not an acceptable alternative. There will be a kit check at the start and missing required kit will prevent participation.

The route is unmarked and runners must visit checkpoints at Derry Lodge and the Pools of Dee. There is a cut off at Derry Lodge; runners not through within that time will be asked to return to Braemar. Runners should be self sufficient as there are no regular feed stations, though several burns can be used for refilling. A sweeper runner will operate and the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team will support the event from a base at the Pools of Dee. Race numbers must be clearly visible on the front of the body and entry transfers are not permitted.

Organised bus transport between Aviemore and the start, and return to Braemar, is available for a fee of £14 per single journey, non refundable and bookable only as part of online entry. A significant proportion of race fees and any additional donations are donated to the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team and other charitable organisations. Prizes are awarded in overall and veteran categories and for teams. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.