The 2024 Lairig Ghru race will take place on Sunday 30th June. Entries will be open Friday 29th March at 6pm. Please read information below before you enter.
The Lairig Ghru is a category C Long Hill Race run over 43km between the police stations of Braemar and Aviemore. This classic race takes place in a spectacular setting and follows an historic drove road rising to 835m between some of the highest peaks in Britain.
A significant proportion of the race fees are donated to the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team, therefore any additional donations are much appreciated.
2024 Entry
£25.00. Online entry only, via the link above.
There are a maximum of 250 places. Once full we will run a waiting list. There will be no on the day entires.
All proceeds of the race, once costs are accounted for, go to charitable organisations, primarily the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team. If you are unable to attend you will receive a £15 refund (up to 3 weeks before race date, no refund will be given after this date).
Entry to the race will open on Friday 29th March at 6pm. You can enter via the link on this page or directly via the Protay website https://protay.co.uk/events/lairig-ghru-2024/
Race Start and Finish
The race was originally between the Police Stations in Braemar and Aviemore, although in recent years both the start and finish locations have moved.
| Race Start | Registration will be at the Village Hall in Braemar with the Start on the road just outside. The race starts at 10:00am. Registration will open at 8:00am and close at 9:15am. Please be ready to run at 9:45am so we can count and brief the runners before starting. The hall has minimal facilities for changing / toilet facilities. Other toilets are located in the village by the public car park. |
| Race Finish | The race finishes in Aviemore on Dalfaber Road by the water works and next to the tunnel under the railway by the bank, a map of the new finish line can be seen below. Recording of times will cease at 4:30pm. |
Route
Click to open the route maps
Race Rules
The Lairig Ghru is a Category C long hill race insured through Scottish Hill Runners, and run under Scottish Hill Runners rules.
All runners are required to carry the following:
- full waterproof jacket and trousers (taped seams)
- hat (buff acceptable) and gloves
- whistle
- map and compass (a paper map is required, phone or GPX is not an acceptable alternative)
- food and liquid
NB: There will be a kit check at the race start, no kit no race!
Runners are expected to be self sufficient and there are no regular drink or feed stations on the route, there are several burns which can be used for refilling at your own discretion. The route is unmarked, so please make yourself familiar with the whole route, including the last couple of miles.
Runners should typically be capable of a sub 4.30hr road marathon and be confident of completing the race in 6.30hrs.
There are 2 checkpoints at Derry Lodge and at the Pools of Dee, both these points must be visited on your route.
There is a 1hr30m cut off point at Derry Lodge – if you are not through within this time you will be asked to return to Braemar.
There will be a sweeper runner and the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team will support the race from a base at the Pools of Dee. Runners withdrawing from the race must advise the organisers, sweeper, Rescue Team or the police as soon as possible.
All competitors must have their number clearly visible on the front of their body (preferably the torso), this is to ensure that we can account for everyone at each checkpoint. Numbers must not be folded or defaced in any way.
There is no transferring of entries permitted. The transferring of numbers to a person not legitimately entered into the event will result in both parties being banned from future races and will be reported to the Scottish Hill Runners committee.
Transport
There will be bus transport arranged to take competitors back to Braemar after the race if needed, this will cost £12 per person.
This year we are trialling running a bus from Aviemore to Braemar before the race. For this to run we need a minimum of 40 runners to justify costs. This will also cost £12 per person. If we do not receive enough interest in the morning bus, transport costs will be refunded, and competitors will have the option to continue without transport.
If you book transport please note this is non refundable (except for reason stated above). Transport must be booked in advance as part of your online entry, you will not be able to book it on the day.
Prizes
Prizes will be awarded at 4.30pm. Venue for this to be confirmed.
Overall Men 1st, 2nd, 3rd
Overall Women 1st, 2nd, 3rd
First Veterans M40, F40, M50, F50, M60, F60 M70, F70
1st Team – M and F. Three runners to count
Records
Male – 2:58:10 – Murray Strain (2017)
Female – 3:32:38 – Lucy Colquhoun (2006)
Results
Results back to 2006: https://scottishhillrunners.uk/RaceResults.aspx
Results pre-2005: https://scottishhillrunners.uk/RaceResultsArchive.aspx