Strathearn marathon

This is generally an easy race to get into right up until a few days before the event. At the time of writing entry this was through Entry Central.

This race is not too difficult to get to from central Scotland. The Cultybraggan site is about a 30 minute drive from the A9 running between Stirling and Perth. Public transport options are more difficult and may involve an overnight stay.

The race web site includes travel information.

No expo just a simple number pick up.

No pre runs but if you are staying in the area there are some good runs available.

A drive of less than an hour took us to the unusual start location of Cultybraggan. Although the roads there are quiet they are narrow so take care looking out for other cars and wild animals. The world war two prisoner camp site is strange in the early morning with the pre race period feeling rather unreal. That said, it is a small marathon and the people you meet are friendly with folks willing to chat.

A piper plays and you are off on the start on one of the country roads around the camp. This race tricks you with a bit of a downhill for the first before the first round of torture starts. Over the next it is nearly all uphill, with a short downhill section about in. At about you leave the small country road and join the main B827 road.

The race has a few more hills for you to tackle along the way, these being at , and with each one being slightly smaller than the one before. The last are also on an upward incline just to finish you off in style.

A short section of the race is on the main A822 and there feels like a lot of traffic. Mostly though the country roads have very few cars and it all feels rather relaxing. Well as relaxing as you can with all the elevation. During the second half of the race the runners are well spread out and you can feel like you are out on your own at times.

This is a small event so don't expect large crowds along the way. The people you do see are very supportive though with the biggest gatherings near to Crieff and in the village of Comrie.

A giant red squirrel meets you at the road leading to the camp and is always good for a high five. No idea why things like that give you a wee boost, but it was appreciated. It feels like huge crowds at the finish line and a tough marathon completed.

This race is famous for the cakes and soup post run. Get those legs filled.

Various options are available in Comrie and beyond. The race also offers overnight camping at the camp for a small charge. Information on that is also available on the race web site.