The Bennachie Hill Race is firmly established in the hill-running race calendar as one of the most popular races in North-East Scotland among hill and roadrunners alike. At around 8.2 miles in length and with a total of 1600ft of ascent (13.1k and 500 metres), the Senior race is an achievable challenge for everyone. The route is all off-road, and good trail shoes are recommended.
The race starts at the Back O’Bennachie car park near Insch and takes in many of the famous ‘tops’ of Bennachie, including Oxen Craig, Craigshannoch and Mither Tap itself. The route returns to the start via the famous ‘Maiden’s Causeway’, past Hosie’s Well and Nursery Cottage. Please note that the route may be subject to change due to forestry work.
In addition to the main (Senior) Hill Race, we also hold a Junior Hill Race for runners 13–17, which is approximately 5k in length with 150m climb.
Parking is at the Back 'O' Bennachie car cark, near Oyne, Aberdeenshire AB52 6RH. Forestry Commission parking charges apply and are the runner’s responsibility.
Registration and number pick-up opens at 12.30 and closes at 1.30 sharp, so please arrive in good time to get your number.
The Bennachie Hill Race, with Morven and Cairn William, is also the last race in the Aberdeenshire Hill Race series.
The Bennachie Hill Race is organised by the Garioch Roadrunners is a scottishathletics licensed event held under UK Athletics rules, licence No. 10344
Entry fees
Senior Race (18+) £10 entry (*)
Junior Race (13-17) £3 entry
There will be absolutely no entries accepted on the day for the Senior Hill Race. However, Junior Hill Race entries will be accepted on the day.
(*) An administration fee of £1.50 will be applied to each entry by our online entry system partner, Results Base.
Waiting list
When 2018 Bennachie Senior Hill Race has reached capacity and is sold out the organisers will be running a limited waiting list to be deployed on a first-come first-served basis in the case of pre-event withdrawals. Please contact them at (chair@gariochroadrunners.com) to register your interest.