This year will be a fresh start for Skyrunning in the UK - new management, new skyraces and a new direction. Could this be the year that you aim sky high?
Rab Copper Skytrail from APEX Running (credit Evan Davies) courtesy of M Jones
We have a feature article in Women's Running magazine this month (April issue) that's all about the future of skyrunning in the UK and how to get started if you're new to technical mountain running. We're shouting about this because there are loads of new races (for all abilities) this year. And if racing isn't your thing, Girls on Hills has guided running adventures and mountain running retreats for everyone!
UK & Ireland Skyrunning Series
At the end of last year, Micheal Jones of APEX Running and UTS fame took over Skyrunning UK from Charlie Sproson of Lake District Sky Trails. He has already shaken things up a bit and the new National Series race calendar is looking fantastic, with enticing technical events across the Lake District, Wales, Ireland and Scotland. The series website is lagging behind social media though, so check-out www.instagram.com/skyrunninguk for race details.
Alongside these events, the Golden Trail Series (National Series) is happening again this year and will conclude with a new race (in lieu of the Ring of Steall Skyrace); the Salomon Buttermere Skyline (14th Sep) from Skyline Scotland www.goldentrailseries.com/series/gtns-uk.htm
Girls on Hills is running an official Buttermere Skyline recce day on 27th July, which still has a couple of spaces available, so come join us in the Lakeland fells (mixed event, open to everyone). You don’t need a race entry to attend, so you can simply come along for a fabulous day of guided mountain running!
Runner on the Ring of Steall. Credit Girls on Hills
Not a skyrunner?
You don’t need to be to get started. Our Introduction to Skyrunning courses are for anyone who fancies trying mountain running in Scotland. We tackle some steep climbs and get a bit hands-on with the rocky terrain but you don’t need any previous scrambling experience or to be a fast runner to attend. If you can run 10km on trail then you’ll be fit enough to enjoy this weekend in the mountains with us. Don’t forget we walk all the uphills and build-in plenty of stops for photos, chats and snacks!
Llanberis Intro to Sky Running, 4th - 5th May
Glencoe Intro to Sky Running, 11th - 12th May
Ambleside Intro to Sky Running, 15th - 16th June
Llanberis Intro to Sky Running 27th - 28th July
Ambleside Intro to Sky Running, 10th - 11th August
Can't afford it? Note that these introductory courses fall under the remit of our Access Fund. Email us if this sounds like you and we'll cover your course costs (subject to availability of funds).
Guided Mountain Running Dates
If you already have some sky/mountain/fell running experience then check-out our guided mountain runs:
Arran Mountain Running with Nicky Spinks 20th & 21st April
Ring of Steall Skyrun, 18th May
Ben Nevis Skyrun (weekend 24th - 26th May; traverse of Ben Nevis, the CMD arete and Meall an t’Suidhe, with optional wild-dipping, and two nights in an alpine-style mountain hut).
Three Sisters Skyrun, 22nd June
Ben Nevis and CMD skyrun, 27th July (single day run around the Ben Nevis Horseshoe)
Girls on Hills 'Ben Nevis Skyrun'
Mountain Running Adventure Retreats
We also have a couple of remaining spots on the following mountain running adventure retreats. These include remote, bunkhouse/hostel style accommodation and some of the best mountain running Scotland has to offer! Our Glen Shiel dates are filling fast and were a sell-out in 2023. The others are NEW for 2024 and have limited availability:
North West Giants, Lochinver Mountain Running Retreat 3rd - 6th May (two spaces left)
Glen Shiel Munros, 14th - 16th June
Glen Shiel Munros, 23rd - 25th August
Corrour Munros, 6th - 8th September (all other Corrour dates already FULL)
Isle of Arran Easter Special Offer – 30% OFF!
To celebrate Easter, we are offering a 30% discount on our Arran Mountain Running weekend with Nicky Spinks, 20th - 21st April. See the link below to find out more about and book your spot using code EASTER30 at checkout. This weekend not only involves two days of guided mountain running along spectacular granite ridges but also a ‘How to Write a Training Plan’ workshop and inspiring evening talk from elite athlete Nicky Spinks, in collaboration with Arran Active in Brodick. This format is NEW for 2024 and it set to be a brilliant island getaway!
If you’re getting you are trying something new, getting your race entries in, training or simply looking for a girls weekend away, we think you’ll find the perfect thing through Girls on Hills’ mountain and skyrunning programme this year…
Arran Mountain Running with Nicky Spinks 2023
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