Trail runners from across Scotland and beyond are invited to experience the breathtaking beauty of Dalkeith Country Park at the Wild Deer Scottish Trail Running Festival in 2026. Nestled just outside Edinburgh, this historic estate offers an enchanting setting for trail running enthusiasts. Dalkeith Country Park spans a thousand acres, featuring lush woodlands, scenic trails, and open paths that cater to runners of all skill levels. The park's diverse terrain includes soft woodland tracks, firm pathways, grassy meadows, and more challenging rugged sections, making it an ideal location for both casual joggers and competitive athletes. The festival features a variety of distances designed to suit every runner’s preference: - A family-friendly 1-mile course welcomes young participants aged three and up, with parents running free. - For those looking for something shorter, there are 5km races open to runners ages eleven and older. - The 10km route is available for athletes fifteen years or above. - Adventurous trail runners can take on the half marathon distance by completing two laps of the park, recommended for participants seventeen and over. - For those seeking a longer challenge, there’s also a full marathon course that involves four loops around Dalkeith Country Park. This event is best suited to adults eighteen years or older. All courses are carefully designed to showcase the natural beauty and varied landscapes of the estate. Runners can expect a mix of flat sections, gentle climbs, and technical terrain throughout their journey. The festival also caters to Canicross enthusiasts, allowing one well-behaved dog per runner to join in on the fun alongside human participants. Race day starts early with the family event kicking off at 8:55 AM. The ultra marathon runners will take the starting line promptly at 9:15 AM, followed by half marathon and full marathon competitors shortly after at 9:45 AM for the shorter distances. Participants can enjoy live chip-timing provided by Timing Up North to track their progress accurately throughout each race. Upon crossing the finish line, all runners will receive a commemorative medal along with merchandise from Wild Deer. Additionally, every participant will be treated to an energy bar courtesy of VOOM Nutrition to help refuel after their efforts. For those interested in commemorating their achievement further, there’s an option to purchase a bespoke event t-shirt for just £14 when signing up online. On-site parking is available at the park entrance and costs £4 per vehicle throughout the day. The Wild Deer Scottish Trail Running Festival promises an unforgettable experience amidst Scotland's stunning landscapes, making it a must-visit event on every trail runner’s calendar in 2026.
Races Offered
10KM TRAIL RUN
Sep 27, 2026
straighten
Distance —
10K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
28 days remaining
sell
£27.00
5KM TRAIL RUN
Sep 27, 2026
straighten
Distance —
5K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
28 days remaining
sell
£24.00
FAMILY 1 MILE
Sep 27, 2026
straighten
Distance —
1.6K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
28 days remaining
sell
£12.00
HALF MARATHON TRAIL RUN
Sep 27, 2026
straighten
Distance —
21.1K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
28 days remaining
sell
£30.00
MARATHON TRAIL RUN
Sep 27, 2026
straighten
Distance —
42.2K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
28 days remaining
sell
£33.00
ULTRA-MARATHON TRAIL RUN
Sep 27, 2026
straighten
Distance —
42.2K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
28 days remaining
sell
£35.00
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for September in DALKEITH COUNTRY PARK.
thermostatTemperature
10.0° / 16.0°
wb_sunnyFeels like
6.7° / 13.2°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
7h 47m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
2.7 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
—
air
Avg wind speed
15.1 km/h (Gentle breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
Low
terrain
Course conditions
Firm and slightly soft
sunny
Max UV Index
Moderate (3.5)
humidity_mid
Humidity
80.1%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
06:44
nightlight
Sunset
19:27
Hotels & Places to Stay
Runner Reviews
Read what other athletes have to say about their experience at the WILD DEER SCOTTISH TRAIL RUNNING FESTIVAL 2026.
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your experience with the community!
Suggest an edit
Spotted an error or missing detail about the WILD DEER SCOTTISH TRAIL RUNNING FESTIVAL 2026? Help us improve.
Nearby Races
Explore other exciting events happening in this same region.
