The 1st Speyside Way race first took place on 3rd April 1994 (Easter Sunday as a matter of fact!) as a 50km as opposed to a 35miler (sorry on behalf of the race for adding that extra part for you!). Throughout its 22 year history, legends in not only distance running, but running as a whole, have competed in this event. This event is stacked in history – from the late Don Ritchie himself (former 100km world record holder, who later took on the job as race director) and world 100km champion Simon Pride, to Commonwealth Games runner Fraser Clyne and even 1500m specialist Brian Scally.
The 50km route is a great transition from road running to trail running, and great for a fast time. It is runnable, net downhill (let’s not mention the climb at Ben Aigen to keep you honest!) and has a beautiful finish on a coastal path and a wee sting in the tail before the finish line.
In 2021, we added a 100km option, where runners do an extra epic mountainous section (again, you are going downhill) from Aviemore to Tamdhu Distillery, where they join the 50km route all the way through whisky country to finish at the coast in Buckie.
Race Details
Date: 17th August 2024
Time: 5am for the 100km, 9am for the 50k
Cutoff: 18 hours for the 100k, 10 hours for the 50k option
Entry Limit: 100 for the 100k, 200 for the 50k
Price: Full – £70 for the 100k, £55 for the 50k
Who can take part?
We want you to feel part of the Speyside Way Ultra family! Provided you are over 18, and whether you want to break the course record or have never done an ultra race before, the original is the race for you!
Where is it?
The 50km route will follow the Speyside Way from Tamdhu Distillery to the town centre in Buckie.
The full route follows the entire Speyside Way (without the extension!) from Aviemore to Buckie.
Full route details and gpx files will be posted in plenty time before the race, as well as an official race handbook issued to each competitor to know every detail!
The Route:
Speyside Way 50K Route – This route will follow the Speyside Way from Tamdhu Distillery along the Speyside Way, though famous whisky country towns, up the beautiful and challenging Ben Aigen, some road running to Fochabers, a winding trail to Spey Bay on the coast, and forestry trails to finish the town centre in Buckie.
Speyside Way 100KM Route – Runners will start in the tourist town of Aviemore, following the Cairngorms Speyside Way, and joins the runners doing the 50k race at Tamdhu Distillery, following the original route above.