Scottish Marathons - how many marathons are run in Scotland?
Shaun Roberts
Most web pages are set up to give out information, but this one is here to ask for the answer to a straightforward question: how many Scottish marathons are there nowadays?
I know of five so far, and have run two of them myself. But if you are Googling "Scottish Marathons", and come across one not listed here, would you do me a favour and let me know about it, using our Contact Form.
Edinburgh Marathon
- Location:
- Edinburgh
- Date:
- May
- Website:
- www.edinburgh-marathon.com
- Reports:
- 2010 2009 2008 2007
- Recent Strider Times:
-
2010 Anna Seeley 3:47:18 2010 Andrew Thompson 4:06:53 2010 Phil Owen 4:25:55 2010 Margaret Thompson 5:13:19 2009 Shaun Roberts 3:17:12 2009 Dougie Nisbet 4:08:21 2009 Stephanie Barlow 4:21:26 2009 Dave Robson 5:20:21 2008 Phil Owen 4:36:39 2008 Dougie Nisbet 4:41:12 2008 Margaret Thompson 5:02:05 2008 Leena Leinonen-Dooley 5:17:18 2007 Fiona Shenton 3:14:17
- Notes:
- Starts in the city centre before taking in Holyrood Park, Leith Links and Portobello Promenade, then through East Lothian before a grandstand finish in Musselburgh Racecourse. The course has an overall elevation drop of 40 metres, mainly lost over the first six miles. Shambolically ran out of water in 2009, due to theft - shouldn't happen again. Shuttle bus back to town - also a shambles in 2009. 15,000 entrants expected in 2010. Rated the fastest marathon in the UK by Runners World magazine.
Lochaber Marathon
- Location:
- Fort William
- Date:
- April
- Website:
- www.lochaberac.co.uk
- Reports:
- 2008 2007
- Recent Strider Times:
-
2009 Phil Owen 4:28:07 2008 Dave Robson 4:26:25 2007 Shaun Roberts 3:26:23
- Notes:
- Out and back course from Fort William on the A830 along the northern bank of Loch Eil. Largely flat, though a bit of a bump at three miles seems to turn into something much bigger on the way back! Not closed to traffic, but there's not much about. 350 ran in 2009, so it's quite a low-key event, but very hospitable, with friendly prize-giving ceremonies in the Nevis Centre afterwards.
Loch Ness Marathon
- Location:
- Inverness
- Date:
- October
- Website:
- www.lochnessmarathon.com
- Reports:
- 2009
- Recent Strider Times:
-
2009 Andrew Thompson 3:53:56 2009 Dougie Nisbet 4:03:31 2009 Phil Owen 4:16:43 2005 Jean Gillespie 4:10:20 2005 Jane Nathan 4:10:21 2005 Clare Outterside 4:52:39 2005 Mary Gibson 4:52:40
- Notes:
- Point-to-point route through stunning Highland scenery, along the south-eastern shores of Loch Ness, and then across the River Ness to finish in Inverness Queens Park Stadium - be prepared to run past the stadium, though, and come at it again from the other side! All runners transported by bus to the start, departs at 08.00. Shambolic lack of loos on the buses in 2009 - see Dougie's report! Largely downhill for the first nine miles - hills to get over between 18 and 22 miles. 2,200 finished in 2009. Well-rated event.
Cape Wrath Challenge
- Location:
- Durness, Cape Wrath
- Date:
- May
- Website:
- www.capewrathchallenge.co.uk
- Notes:
- The Cape Wrath Challenge is actually a week-long series of events - 5 days of runs of varying lengths and different degrees of endurance, culminating in an "extremely challenging" final marathon including a climb of over 2,415 feet. Out and back route to Cape Wrath lighthouse, 22 miles then a ferry ride and a final 4.2 mile run-in. The organisers claim: "This could be regarded as the toughest Marathon in the UK". Runners start in batches of 20 seeded on expected times. Well-supported by locals, with a social program through the week which includes a welcome gathering, a quiz night, Scottish dancing practice, a barbecue on the beach and a final Ceilidh on the Saturday night.
Moray Marathon
- Location:
- Elgin
- Date:
- September
- Website:
- www.moraymarathon.com
- Notes:
- Undulating clockwise circuit starting in Elgin - out to Burghead on the coast, along to Lossiemouth and back inland to finish in Cooper Park with the 13th century Elgin Cathedral forming a dramatic backdrop. Passes through woodlands, coastal areas, towns and villages. 250 finished in 2009. Low-key but well-rated event.
So - are there any more, folks?
SR
First feedback:
The Dundee Running Adventure Marathon's inaugural running took place in 2008, but this has just been cancelled for 2009. Apparently it is intended to be on again in 2010 (watch this space), but there weren't enough entries for it to go ahead this year. More details in this news article, and the organiser's website is here.[25.09.09]
Thanks to Colin for this.
Also:
I've found references to two more Scottish Marathons online:
- The Callanish Stones Marathon; and,
- The North Harris Marathon.
... with contacts to be found on the Stornoway Running and Athletic Club website. But I can't tell from the info on there whether these two are now defunct or not. Anyone got any info? I've emailed the club ...
Update from Dianne MacLennan of the North Harris trust:
I'm sorry but at the moment there are no future plans for these marathons.[9.07.09]
Useful update from John McDonald of Scottish Athletics:
A quick trawl through my Fixtures Database brings up Edinburgh; Lochaber; Moray; Loch Ness and, as you say, the Marathon within the Cape Wrath Series. North Harris Trust organised their Marathon on 26 May 2008 and, apart from them paying levies of £40, I haven't heard from them further. Dumfries have had a bi-annual Marathon which would be due in March 2010, however I have just spoken to the Dumfries Running Club Secretary and so far no planning has been done for a Dumfries Marathon in 2010 - mind you they just had their local Half Marathon at the weekend so no doubt their minds have been elsewhere. Also I haven't heard from the Callanish Stones event in quite a while so I reckon that is defunct. Trust this helps.
Regards John.[30.09.09]
Just to help Google out a bit here, I'm also trying to get the answer to the very, very similar question: "How many marathons are run in Scotland?"
