Highlands & Islands

Gallery: Runners brave fearsome Glamaig Hill Run to 2,500ft summit on Skye

The annual event is described as one of the toughest races in Scotland.

Runners make their way over the old bridge in Sligachan at the start of the Glamaig Hill Race. Image: Simon Riddell

By David Mackay

July 9 2023, 4:58 pm

July 9 2023, 4:58 pm

A packed field of runners have braved the Glamaig Hill Race on Skye, which is dubbed as one of the toughest of its kind in Scotland.

Although the event is reasonably short with a distance of just under five miles, the ascent to the peak is punishing.

Runners have to climb about 2,500ft in the short distance to reach the summit of Glamaig before returning to the Sligachan Hotel.

The annual event, which is run by Skye and Lochalsh Running and Athletics Club, began in the 1980s and attracts a range of entrants eager to test themselves against the ascent in the Red Cuillin range.

Glamaig Hill. — Glamaig Hill. Image: Simon Riddell

This year’s men’s event was won by Alistair Thornton in a time of 51 minutes 29 seconds, while the women’s race was won by Ellen Downs in a time of 1 hour 6 minutes 54 seconds.

Photographers Simon Riddell and Dom Davda captured the best of the action.

Runners set off from the Sligachan Hotel. Image: Simon Riddell

Runners make their way through the beautiful scenery. Image: Simon Riddell

Speeding by! Image: Dom Davda

Spectators with a great vantage point! Image: Dom Davda

Alistair Thornton cruises along the course. Image: Simon Riddell

A runner powers on. Image: Simon Riddell

Returning from the heights of Glamaig Hill. Image: Simon Riddell

Fastest male, Alistair Thornton as he crosses the finish with a finish time of 51m:29s. Image: Dom Davda

Cheers at the finish line! Image: Dom Davda

Fastest female, Ellen Downs with a finish time of 1h:06m:54s. Image: Dom Davda

Still smiling despite the gruelling course! Image: Dom Davda

High fives from the kids! Image: Simon Riddell

Muddy, exhausted but happy! Image: Dom Davda