Speyside Way Ultras approach as runners ready to put best foot forward
Runners from near and far will be limbering up soon for the return of two popular ultras races.
The Speyside Way Ultras traditional 50k race will once again be joined by the 100k ultra, now in its third year.
The former race is set to get under starter’s orders at 9am on Saturday, August 17 at Tamdhu distillery, while the latter is an earlier start - 5am - at Aviemore. Both races will finish at the Buckie end of the Speyside Way.
Race organiser Kyle Greig said he was looking forward to a couple of thrilling races.
He said: “Everything’s looking good for both the 50 and 100k ultras.
“The biggest change for this year’s races is that we’ll be using live tracking so people can log on and see exactly where each runner is on the route throughout the race. It enhances the overall experience in what for many runners will be their first ultra.
“In terms of entries, for the 50k I’d be delighted with a final tally of around 150 to 200. For the 100k, I’d be happy with 40, which is about the same as last year. The 100k is a tough race and a long way to run, so it’s a different type of runner that enters it.
“It’s been running for three years now and has a good reception from the running community.
“For both races the route is stunning with some outstanding scenery.”
Mr Grieg went on to say that a fair number of ultras first timers were throwing their hats into the ring.
He continued: “We’ve around 56 entrants who’ve never run an ultra before.
“This year so far we’ve a better male-female balance. Traditionally it’s been male dominated but at the moment we’ve 66 females and 88 males.
“I hope last year’s overall winner Grant Jeans, will return to defend his title. Unfortunately, last year’s 2023 female winner Isabella Sheldon can’t make it, so there’ll be anew winner in that category.”
Mr Jeans, who originally hails from Elgin, will make it a hat-trick of titles should he take the tape on August 17. In addition to last year’s triumph, he won in 2019.
Entries for the race close on Wednesday, August 7 at 12 noon. For more information, and to enter, visit https://www.moraywayultras.com/speyside-way-ultra/