The Hill Race is a very popular and hotly-contested event. Competitors come from all over the UK, Europe and further afield, and the British armed forces are always well represented. We are proud to have welcomed many National Team runners over the years and will continue to do so.

Convener: Mr Peter Lawrence, Braemar Royal Highland Society, Committee Member

The Hill Race takes place over a distance of approximately 3 miles and climbs 1200 ft to the 5 cairns just visible on the horizon. Weather permitting, the steward at the top of the hill will set off a smoke flare when the first male and female reach the top.

When the runners arrive back into the arena they complete a lap of the park, finishing opposite the Royal Pavilion. At this point, the runners really do appreciate the crowd getting behind them cheering them on to the finish line.

The Hill Race here at the Gathering was not on the programme for a number of years and it is thanks to the late Mike Grant that it has developed into the great spectacle it is today. Mike was the youngest ever Committee member of the Society and an accomplished hill runner. Such was his prowess, he represented Scotland at international events. He’s dearly missed, and we are sure he would be proud to see today’s field taking to the hill.