The Cairngorms National Park is a honey pot of superb and diverse fitness events – events that will challenge and inspire, in an environment that will touch your soul.
Here are our top picks for fitness and challenge events that will be taking place throughout 2025.
There is fabulous diversity – from 5 km you can walk to 60 km wilderness ultras. Take a look, feel inspired and get outside – your body and brain will thank you!
Fitnessat58° Loch Morlich Running Festival – Saturday 4th January
New year, new goals. Why not kickstart the year with the UK’s most scenic running route?
SnowRunning – Saturday 1st March
The experience of running in the snow at night in the Scottish mountains makes Snow Running a unique event in the UK Hill Running Calendar.
Dynafit British Skimo Champs – Saturday 1st March
Scotland is the home of ski mountaineering racing and Glenshee likes to keep us on our toes. Historically, there has either been not enough snow or too much snow. However, there is no denying when Glenshee is good, she is very good.
UpBattle Cairngorm Demo Weekend – 15th and 16th March
A demo of the latest kit and tech talk from TSA and The Sick and Wrong. Over the 2 days there will be the infamous raffle, with all proceeds going to the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team. Skills seminars from Wandering WorkShops and mountain awareness talks. Followed by the famous splitboard derby.
Run Balmoral – Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th April
Has races for children, a range of distances, a duathlon and even a corporate team option – as iconic as its location, this event has something everyone can get stuck into.
Cateran Dirt Dash – 3rd and 4th May
Join us for a cycling event and a fun and inclusive weekend in a great natural environment. The Cateran Dirt Dash bikepacking event takes you in two days through the stunning surroundings of the Cairngorms National Park to enjoy the dramatic scenery in the Cateran Ecomuseum.
Grantown Try Tri – Sunday 18th May 2025
Is back for Spring 2025 and embodies everything that is great about giving it a go. Beginners and kids can feel as involved as the pros, and you can race as a team. The atmosphere will be phenomenal.
Blair Castle Trail Weekender – Sunday 30th May to 1st June
The 5th edition of Blair Castle Trail Weekender – six trail races, outdoor cinema, talks, yoga workshops, live music, Guided runs, full weekend camping and festival vibes…phew!
The Cairngorm Ultra – Saturday 31st May
A 60 km trail race, spectacular and challenging in equal measure. The trail from Mar Lodge is superb: race in true wilderness. Places are limited and sought after.
Fitnessat58° Speyside Triathalon – Sunday 22nd June
Based in the stunning Loch Insh near the secluded village of Kincraig, this friendly and welcoming triathlon is for athletes of all levels.
Lairig Ghru Hill Race – Sunday 29th June
2025 will see the 50th Anniversary of the Lairig Ghru Hill Race. The event has run consecutively every year without break since Eddie Campbell’s inaugural race in 1976. This Long Hill Race is over 43 km between the police stations of Braemar and Aviemore, a classic race over a drover road.
Cairngorm to Coast (aka C2C) – Saturday 23rd August
Is a 100km hike and bike challenge that takes place along the beautiful scenery of the Dava Way on the 23rd August. What a way to see the magnificent Cairngorms.
Bikeathon 2025 with Cycle Friendly Kingussie – Date tbc
Is set to be a bumper celebration, marking 30 years since the first Bikeathon. Family friendly and brilliant fun. The Cairngorms on two wheels are hard to beat.
The Glenmore 24 – Saturday 6th September
Takes endurance to the next level. With 12 or 24 hour options, runners will be on a 4 mile loop (with a wee hill on mile 2 and 3!).
Go Swim Loch Morlich – Saturday 13th September
In the heart of the Cairngorms and in the shadow of Cairngorm Mountain, join us for an open water swim in this truly spectacular location.
At 300 meters above sea level you can swim in a loch that has one of the highest beaches in the UK!
The Aviemore Triathlon – Sunday 14th September
The Loch Morlich waters and the Glenmore forest trails are unbeatable. This triathlon has to be one of the most beautiful on the tri circuit – come and get stuck in!
Aviemore Half Marathon & 10K – 4th & 5th October
The perfect autumn challenge. Starting from Badaguish, runners will take in the fabulous forests, lochs and mountain scenery – let the landscape spur you on; the colours will be breathtaking.
The Illuminator – Saturday 25th October
Is night trail running at its best. Setting off from the beautiful Glen Tanar Estate, the trail is challenging, the dark sky awe inspiring and the lighting zone a true spectacle. Race the Cairngorms by night.
The Glen Clova Half Marathon
Is our November closer and the date is TBC (usual late November). Picturesque, undulating and with runners needing to be ready for winter sun, rain, ice or snow (and maybe all four). This one is for the dedicated…but what an end to your running year!
Here are Sam Cairns from Fitnessat58° Top 3 Tips for Winter Training
1. Take the time to warm up – a cold start increases your risk of injury, the time spent on your warm up will pay dividends.
2. Dress for the conditions – use layers when you train outside, and remember to take them off and put them back on again depending on your body temperature, with extra protection for your head, hands and feet.
3. Mindset – is key for winter training. Dig deep and understand your ‘why’. This will help you to get out on the coldest of days.
Starting small…
All of this adventurous chat can feel overwhelming, tiring (!) and a bit out of reach.
But the good news is that being active does not have to mean hours pounding the trails if that is not your thing – it can be as simple as a 20 minute daily walk and stepping into nature is brilliant for our emotional wellbeing too.
Start small and keep it simple.
And the New Year is the perfect time to get going.
Health Walks
You can make your walk social too – Health Walks throughout the National Park are regular, social and great fun.
Parkrun Aviemore
Is a fabulous community event, it can actually be a Parkwalk…and maybe you will build up to a Parkrun…
Keep it small. Keep it simple. Enjoy it. You will not get a more beautiful place to do just that.
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