Running in the Hebrides

Island Running

The Hebrides is a fantastic place for both cross country and road running - with active running clubs in Benbecula, Barra and Lewis, a series of well-organised competitive events are held in the summer months: a great reason to plan a running holiday with a difference. The difference is the friendly, sociable spirit of the events, the stunning scenery and terrain that you are competing in, and the peace and quiet to enjoy the run without being jostled by hundreds of fellow runners.

"I love the scenery and the challenge of competing here, also the terrain and atmosphere in one of the most beautiful and friendly parts of the world."
Helene Diamantides, one of the world's top female ultra-runners

Half Marathons

Half marathons are probably the races that hold the widest appeal - long enough to be an endurance challenge, but not so long that they demand the committed training schedule of a marathon. The islands are home to four half marathons, complete with their own programmes of social events, medals, T-shirts and the enticing Heb 3 Challenge.

Stornoway Half Marathon, End May

"Stornoway... the most enjoyable half marathon I've ever run... a unique, exhilarating experience... Its feel comes from its remote setting, the effort made by the organisers, and the unique spirit of achievement shared by everyone who'd made the journey to get there."
"The small north run,"Runners World, Sep '98

To find out more about the Stornoway half marathon, and for a series of running routes and other events organised by Stornoway Running and Athletics Club, go to www.srac.org.uk.

Benbecula Half Marathon

Takes place early June

Isle of Barra Half Marathon

Takes Place in July - for information and an application form go to www.isleofbarra.com/news.

Harris Half Marathon

The Heb Three Challenge

The challenge is to complete at least three of the local island Half Marathons - Stornoway, Harris, Benbecula, Barra or Skye. You can run all five if you like but only your best three times count.

The Hebridean Challenge

The Hebridean Challenge is a demanding adventure race in five daily stages, which takes place on the Outer Hebrides. It includes tough hill running sections, a little road running, significant road & mountain biking sections, short sea swims and very demanding sea kayaking sections. You can find out more in the Challenge website at www.hebrideanchallenge.com

Hill Races

The Uists are home to two very popular hill races: the Beinn Lee Twin Peaks Hill Race (first Friday in August, date to be confirmed) - a 7 mile, 500 feet category CM hill race, which is also a great traditional social occasion with a fantastic ceilidh after the event every year. The second race, the Beinn Mhor Hill Race, is usually held on the following day. Look out for further information and contact details coming soon.

For help planning your trip to the Hebrides to run in any of the events, contact the appropriate organisers.