Lairig Ghru

Lairig Ghru : event description

The Lairig Ghru is a Category C long hill race run over 43 km. The route follows an historic drove road and rises to 835 m as it passes between several of Britain’s highest peaks. The course is unmarked and includes varied upland terrain.

Entry is online only with a £25 fee. Organisers aim for a field target and will open a set number of entries in March; there is no waiting list and there will be no entries on the day. A partial refund of £15 is available up to three weeks before the race; no refunds after that date. A significant proportion of race fees is donated to the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team and all net proceeds go to charitable organisations, primarily that team.

Registration is based at the village hall in Braemar with the start just outside the Games Park entrance. The finish is in Aviemore on Dalfaber Road by the water works and the tunnel under the railway. The hall has minimal changing and toilet facilities; additional toilets are located in the village.

The event is insured through Scottish Hill Runners and is run under their rules. Mandatory kit for all runners includes a full waterproof jacket and trousers, hat and gloves, whistle, map and compass, food and liquid. A waterproof paper map will be provided at registration; phones or GPX files are not acceptable substitutes. There will be a kit check at the start. Two checkpoints at Derry Lodge and the Pools of Dee must be visited. Transport between Aviemore and Braemar is available for a fee and must be booked in advance. Prizes are awarded at the finish for overall, veteran age groups and teams.

Course records: male 2:54:30 (2025), female 3:32:38 (2006). Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.