Carnethy Skyloop Hill Race 2026

The Carnethy Skyloop, nestled in the rugged terrain of the Pentland Hills south of Edinburgh, is an exhilarating Category 'A' long hill race that challenges even seasoned runners. Spanning approximately 30 kilometres with more than 1,700 metres of ascent, this grueling course demands a blend of endurance and technical skill.
Scheduled to open for entries on Monday, August 24th, 2026 at 07:00 AM, the race promises an immersive journey through some of Scotland's most breathtaking landscapes. Registration takes place at Lothianburn Clubhouse in Midlothian from 9am onwards (Grid Reference NT 24874 67276), with a start time set for 11am sharp.
Competitors have the option to begin their journey an hour earlier, should they so choose. This early start is particularly beneficial for those aged FV50 and above or MV60 and beyond, but any runner confident in their ability may request it upon registration by contacting the race director with relevant experience details.
The route itself weaves through a series of eleven summit crossings, including an ascent and descent of Allermuir Hill. The terrain is marked by steep ascents and descents on loose and rough ground, requiring careful navigation between 16 checkpoints that are largely unmarked throughout most of the course. Runners must adhere to specific instructions not to visit certain peaks—South Black Hill, Black Hill, and Hare Hill—to respect land management requests.
Entries for this event can only be made online until October 8th at 7pm; there will be no entries accepted on race day itself. The entry fee is £10 per participant.
Safety remains a top priority with the implementation of strict cut-off times designed to protect both competitors and marshals. A crucial checkpoint, Bavelaw (Checkpoint 12), enforces this rule: runners must reach it within two hours and forty-five minutes from their start time or face disqualification for safety reasons. For those opting into the earlier start at 10am, they will have a slightly extended window of three hours and forty-five minutes to make it to Bavelaw.
Participants are reminded that retirement procedures must be followed carefully; all registered runners who do not complete the race must return their bib number at the finish line. These rules complement those established by Scottish Hill Runners for an added layer of safety assurance.
Additional information, including detailed course descriptions and printable maps, can be found on the official race page. Competitors are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these materials prior to the event date.
In terms of data protection, Carnethy Hill Running Club uses SiEntries as a processor for managing entry details. Participants' personal information is handled in accordance with both CHRC and SiEntries privacy policies. Race results will be publicly shared indefinitely but can be subject to legal requests for erasure or correction by participants post-race.
The Carnethy Skyloop offers not only an athletic challenge but also a profound connection with the natural beauty of Scotland’s Pentland Hills, making it an event that is both physically demanding and spiritually rewarding.