Great Glen Ultra Marathon 42
The Great Glen Ultra Marathon 42 is a solo foot race following the Great Glen Way between Fort Augustus and Inverness. The course covers a distance of 42 miles with approximately 6,000 feet of total elevation gain. Participants traverse the High Route section of the trail, which provides views of Loch Ness and the surrounding hills and mountains. The entire route is marked with official waymarks and arrow signs.
The event is designed as an unsupported race. Participants are required to provide three drop bags, which the organizers transport to specific checkpoints along the route. These checkpoints are located at Invermoriston, Drumnadrochit, and Abriachan. While the race is self-sufficient, spectators are permitted to meet runners at the Invermoriston and Drumnadrochit checkpoints, as well as the finish line. Spectating is strictly prohibited at the Abriachan location.
The race begins at Fort Augustus Village Hall and concludes at the Inverness Sports Centre. The final section of the course includes a lap of the 400 meter athletics track at the stadium. There is a 15 hour time limit to complete the distance. Runners register at the sports centre in Inverness before being transported to the starting line by a provided bus service.
Mandatory safety equipment must be carried for the duration of the event, including a foil blanket, a mobile phone, and the capacity to carry at least one liter of water. The use of walking poles and the participation of dogs are not permitted. While there are no formal entry requirements, participants are expected to be capable of completing the distance and elevation. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Checkpoints:
- Invermoriston – 10 miles
- Drumnadrochit – 24.5 miles
- Abrachan – 32 miles
- Finish! Inverness Athletics Stadium – 42 miles – Cut off 15 hours
Getting there
Runners will register at Inverness Sport Centre before being bussed to Fort Augustus for the start of the race at 9am with a 15hr time limit. Runners should bring 3 drop bags which will be located at Invermoriston, Drumnadrochit and Abriachan.
Location:
- Fort Augustus Village Hall, Church Road, Fort Augustus PH32 4DG
- Bus Departure to Fort Augustus: Inverness Leisure Stadium Car Park, Inverness, IV3 5SS, Saturday 2nd July.
All runners are required to travel to Fort Augustus by race bus. Runners are asked to arrive in plenty of time to allow for checking you onto the bus. Please arrive in your running gear and bring the following:
- 3 numbered drop bags with your race number clearly marked on them.
- Sensible sized kit bag which will be transported back to the finish. This bag might carry any last-minute things you might want to change.
It is a runner’s responsibility to inform their support crew/spectators of all information within the race briefing which is sent out 3 weeks before the race. Runners are reminded to read and understand the full race briefing and should ask any questions if they are in any doubt about any information. “I didn’t know” is not an excuse and will lead to disqualification.
Runners are invited to the presentation/prize giving on the Sunday morning at the sports centre where all runners achievements are recognised.
Entry Requirements
There are no specific entry requirements for this race however you should have confidence in your own ability to complete the distance and tackle the elevation within the cut off time. By entering the race, you are agreeing you are capable of doing so. We suggest that you at least have experience of regularly completing runs of 20 miles. If in doubt or if you have any questions about the event, please contact the organizers.