Hour to the Tower
Hour to the Tower is a Scottish Athletics licensed time-based race held on Corstorphine Hill, adjacent to Clermiston Road in Edinburgh. The event challenges runners to complete as many laps as possible of an approximately 1 km loop within one hour. Each lap includes about 60 m of ascent and is run on a mix of trail and grass.
The loop starts at the grassy base near Clermiston Road, heads south along the grass, climbs east on the trail path north of the Corstorphine Hill Walled Garden, reaches a checkpoint at Corstorphine Hill Tower, then descends via the north side of the radio mast through a fast downhill trail section back to the start. Only fully completed laps count. Runners may begin a lap at any time before the hour ends but are not permitted to start a lap after 60 minutes; laps begun before the hour ends will count if finished.
The race is open to anyone aged over 18. Entry is limited to 200 places and fees differ for Scottish Athletics members and non-members. Winners are those with the most completed laps; ties are resolved by arrival time back at the base. After prize-giving the Tower will be opened to participants and spectators to access the interior and climb to the top. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
The Basics
- When?10:00am Sunday 6th September 2026
- Where?Corstorphine Hill, Clermiston Road
- Who?Open to anyone over 18
- How much?Scottish Athletics Members £18, Non-Scottish Athletics Members £21
- How many places?200
- Where do I enter?EntryCentral
How It Works
- Laps: A single lap is a marked 1km (approximate) loop that takes you from the base of the hill, to the tower, and back down again. You are competing to see how many laps you can complete in the time. Only fully completed laps count.
- The Clock: You can begin a lap at any time before the clock strikes one hour. The race does not necessarily finish on the hour but runners will not be permitted to begin a lap after 60 minutes. Laps started before the clock strikes the hour, even by one second, will count upon completion.
- The Pit Stop: The start/finish area doubles as a rest area. Head straight back out or take a breathe… just don't rest too long!
- Winning: The runner with the most completed laps wins. In the event that two or more runners are tied for the most amount of laps, their arrival times back at the base will determine the winner.
The Course
Each lap is approximately 1 km of mixed trail and grass with 60m of ascent.The loop begins at the base of Corstorphine Hill adjacent to Clermiston Road, heading south along the grass before climbing east up the trail path north of the Corstorphine Hill Walled Garden. Runners continue up to the checkpoint at the Tower, then descend via the north side of the radio mast, through a fast downhill trail section back to the grassy start/finish area.And repeat!*We reserve the right to make minor adjustments to the course prior to race day for reasons of safety or respect to the community and wildlife of Corstorphine Hill
The Tower
Corstorphine Hill Tower is an incredible monument that has inspired this unique event. Friends of Corstorphine Hill are a charitable organisation that maintains and promotes the tower and walled garden. We are grateful that they have supported the race and are excited to announce that immediately after the prize-giving the tower will be open for runners and spectators to head inside, climb to the top and marvel at the amazing views. Absolutely unmissable.
Am I too slow?
West Edinburgh Running Club are proud to say that everyone, regardless of speed, is welcome at our training sessions…the same goes for our inaugural race. Yes…this is a tough one.Yes…it is hilly.Yes…some runners will be lapped by other runners.Some will run 10+ laps.Others will have their laps counted in the single digits.And that is okay!
