Test yourself in these extreme Scottish ultra-endurance races

Scotland hosts some of the most unique and challenging ultra-endurance races in the world. Thanks to the variety and difficulty of terrain as well as the hostile weather, more and more events are popping up around the country to test the stamina and nerve of endurance athletes. Below we have listed some of the events that the Meander team have been eyeing up.

The Monster

If you fancy taking on an adventure that will test you across a number of disciplines, look no further than the Monster, a packrafting event hosted by Rat Race. Packrafting is a discipline that combines trekking and kayaking as you carry an inflatable raft over land, before boarding the raft to cross bodies of water. This isn’t strictly a race, as you join like-minded athletes in a ‘small-group-guided’ style expedition. Expert guides will accompany you through the most stunning mix of mountain, forest, loch and river as you cross through Knoydart, Kintail, Glen Affric and past Loch Ness. At the end of your long days of travelling you will be greeted by a support team who will provide all of your meals for you and accommodate you in luxury campers. This is an epic odyssey that you can undertake safe in the knowledge that the small details are expertly handled for you!

When: 1 - 6 June

Where: Starts at Morar, West Highlands

Website: Home - The Monster (ratracemonster.com)

The Cape Wrath Ultra

Billed as the UK’s answer to the Marathon des Sables, the Cape Wrath Ultra is an epic 8-day, 400 km ultramarathon through some of the world's most inspirational landscapes, including Knoydart, Kintail, Torridon, Assynt and Sutherland. Expect to scale mountains, cross rivers and navigate your own way from point to point. Accommodation is provided in huge eight-man tents so there is a strong sense of camaraderie and community-spirit in this race. It is certainly not for the faint-hearted, but if you have any experience in ultramarathons then this race has to be on your list.

When: 22 - 29 May

Where: Starts at Fort William

Website: Cape Wrath Ultra®

The Celtman

Part of the XTri World Tour, this extreme triathlon set in Torridon will take you on an adventure like no other. This extreme race is certainly that, with the 3.4 km swim through jellyfish infested waters, a 200km cycle on highland roads and a 42km run over two Munros. You will have to battle the Scottish elements as well as the extreme geography that the north-west of Scotland has to throw at you.

When: 18th June

Where: Torridon, West Highlands

Website: CELTMAN! — XTRI World Tour

The Mighty Deerstalker

2023 will be the last year of the Mighty Deerstalker Rat Race. This race starts at night at the atmospheric Traquair House and the contestants hurl themselves up through bramble and scree fields to summit a Munro, before descending the equally treacherous route down and through the lined streets of Innerleithen and back to Traquair House for a mighty party to match. The one catch in this race is all contestants must wear tweed, in honour of deer stalking tradition.

When: 11 March 2023

Where: Innerleithen, Scottish Borders

Website: The Mighty Deerstalker 2023 - The Mighty Deerstalker 2023

The Starman

Starman Night Triathlon is the UK’s first midnight, middle-distance triathlon. Set in the mighty Cairgorm National park this one-of-a-kind race involves a 1.2 mile swim, a 56 mile bike and 14 mile run. This race will test your nerve as well as your physical abilities as you swim across the erie dark waters of Loch Morlich, ride the snaking roads of Speyside and climb the exposed mountain summit of Cairn Gorm illuminated only by moonlight.

When: 13 & 14th August

Where: Cairgorm Ski Centre

Website: Home - STARMAN Night Triathlon

The Great Adventure Race - Gleneagles

For those who want to challenge themselves but also experience a little luxury, Gleneagles offers the perfect mix as part of its Great Adventure Race. Teams of two will canoe 4km across a loch, run 16km over Ben Vorlich and cycle 35km through winding Perthshire roads before feasting at a glamorous dinner and prize giving. The entrance fee includes 2 nights stay at the 5 star Gleneagles hotel, where you will be can fuel up with a hearty breakfast before the race and you’ll have the chance to relax your tired bodies in the steam, sauna or Jacuzzi afterwards. Team Meander are excited to be entering the race this year, so we look forward to seeing you there and enjoying everything that Gleneagles has to offer.

When: 13 & 14 May

Where: Gleneagles Hotel

Website: The Great Adventure Race - Gleneagles

What races have you signed up for this year? let us know in the comments below.