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The Highlands are home to some fantastic running events – plan your next trip with igloo.

Looking for the next running challenge to get stuck into? Whether you are looking for a family 5k or want to do your first half or full marathon there are so many great running events in The Highlands – with so much to do Aviemore makes the perfect base. Combine your run with a relaxing week at your very own Highland Lodge – the hot tub will be perfect for those tired legs.

• Aviemore Half Marathon
  
  This is a challenging route but well worth the challenge for the scenic views.  The route takes you from Glenmore to Aviemore with the stunning Cairngorms and Loch Morlich as your back drop. The half marathon and Aviemore 10k are not running in 2024, but will be back for 2025.  Looking for Aviemore running routes?  View our tried and tested here. 

• Lairig Ghru Race

  A category C long hill run between Braemar and Aviemore. Right through the challenging Lairig Ghru. Follow the old drove road for 43 km, not for the faint hearted. Proceeds are largely donated to the Cairngorm Mountain Team for the spectacular work they do.

• Loch Ness Marathon
  
  The marathon itself sees runners be bussed out to Loch Ness and they run all the way back to Inverness ending by going past Inverness Castle on both sides of the river. It is rightly regarded as a bucket list run by many who travel here for it due to stunning scenery and chance to say they have run beside the famous loch. The marathon is part of a festival running including a 10k and kids events. The 10k sees runners follow the River Ness on both sides. All events have a great supportive atmosphere. Inverness is a short 30 minute drive from Aviemore. The event takes place on Sunday the 29th of September 2024. 
• Inverness Half
  
  This one is organised by the same people that bring us the more well known and popular Loch Ness Marathon. It isn’t the most scenic run with much of it taking place on pavements around the suburbs of Inverness though you do get to run alongside the River Ness. It is well organised and also has family friendly 5k.

   

• Dramathon
  
  Love whisky? This is the one for you. Set in Speyside amongst the world famous distilleries you can do everything from a 10k to full marathon – including a half marathon and team relay. The further you run the more whisky miniatures you get. Get ready for the 19th of October 2024 and maybe tie this in with an October Holiday.

   

• Speyside Way Ultras
  
  If you are looking for an ultra marathon The Speyside Way Ultras offer both a 50km and 100km event – the event has been running since 1994. The 50km route follows the Speyside Way from Tamdhu Distillery to the town centre in Buckie.The full 100km route follows the entire Speyside Way from Aviemore to Buckie.