Ben Nevis Race

A daunting hill race to the summit of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles. Standing In the late 19th. and early 20th.

In 1895 when William Swan, a Fort William barber, set off on the first recorded timed ascent and descent of Britain’s tallest mountain he could not have envisaged the modern day Ben Nevis Race which now has a field of 600 runners accepting a challenge which is not for the unfit or faint-hearted. centuries a number of races were organised on an ad hoc basis. However it was not until 1951 that the B

en Nevis Race Association was founded with the intention of formalising arrangements for an annual race. Since that first field of 21 runners, the race has grown beyond all recognition and it has been run every year since with the exception of 1980. That year the elements won and, with competitors on the start line, a last minute decision was made to cancel the race for the safety of the runners and officials on the mountain. Safety of all is paramount for the organisers and the Ben Race should not be treated as a ‘fun-run’ and therefore entrants have to be experienced hill runners. The BNRA liaises closely with Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team and we are grateful for their and our own volunteer marshals’ vital assistance on race day. The record times for both men and women have stood since 1984 when Kenny Stuart and Pauline Stuart (nee Haworth) respectively recorded 1h 25m 34s and 1h 43m 25s. In 1989 Kenny ran the Houston Marathon in a then world class time of 2h 11m 36s thus creating a benchmark by which mountain running times and the Ben Race record, in particular, can be judged. It is fair to say that hill/fell running champions are worthy of the respect afforded to top Olympic athletes. The Ben Race has been variously described with superlatives – oldest race, toughest race, most iconic race, the supreme test of fitness etc. – and whilst these claims are open to challenge, the Ben Nevis Race Association will always defend its status as a very special event. However this is not necessary as runners testify to this on our behalf. The Ben exercises a hold over runners and during the winter month they forget the pain and the strain of the first Saturday in September. Thoughts turn to getting another ’Ben’ under their belts, especially for those nearing 21 completed runs and a coveted Connochie Plaque. Today the race, which is limited to 600 runners for safety reasons, can be oversubscribed within two days of the entry forms going live in late January. If you qualify (see conditions for entry) and wish to take part, then check our site for the entry opening date.

28/08/2026

With this year's race only a week away, could all runners please read and adhere to the 'Reminders' that have already been posted.

Also, a big thankyou to our sponsors and supporters who contribute to the running of the event:
BEN NEVIS DISTILLERY
ALVANCE
BRAKES WHOLESALERS
NEVIS CYCLES
OFFBEAT BIKES
PETE BLAND SPORTS
ACE TAXIS
M & S FORT WILLIAM
NEVIS BAKERY
ACHINTEE INN

Also, a huge thank you to the 40 volunteers who are giving up their day to marshal either in the field or on the hill - the event would not be possible without you!

My apologies if I have missed anyone out but your contribution is gratefully received and really valued.

I hope everyone has a great day!

Graham S. Macnab
Chair
Ben Nevis Race Association

05/08/2026

Reminders for all runners 2026:

• Registration opens at 9.00am on race day at Claggan Park.

• Race Start – 1.00pm

• Cut-off times: Halfway – 1 hour 15 minutes
Summit – 2 hours 15 minutes
Complete course – 3 hours 30 minutes

Athletes who do not make the halfway or summit cut-off times will be turned around. Failure to follow this instruction will result in them being deemed as no longer part of the race, as official timing points will start to be dismantled with race marshals and the race ‘sweeper’ beginning their decent.

• Route – the race route must be followed in both ascent and decent. Failure to do so will result in disqualification from this, and future races.

• Full Body Cover – all athletes MUST carry, or wear, full body cover including hat and gloves. Water and/or energy snacks are also recommended and these should reflect the weather conditions on the day.
Random kit checks will take place by marshals.

• Race numbers – must be worn on the front part of the body (chest) and visible.

• Runners’ responsibilities – your safety is primarily your responsibility although, there are many marshals on the hill there to assist if required. Please ensure you have done the appropriate level of training, have the appropriate kit with you and are well hydrated before the start.
All athletes must also be responsible in their actions and respect all other hill users who also have an equal right to be there.

• Drop – out: if you have to drop-out of the race, for whatever reason, please inform the nearest race marshal and also inform the timing tent/race-control when you return to Claggan Park.

• Parking Restrictions – there will be NO parking near Claggan Park and this will be clearly marked, signed and marshaled.
Local runners are advised not to drive to the race and to seek alternative methods of travel.
Non-local runners are advised to park in local car parks/on-street parking and to walk to the registration/start.

• Prize-Giving – this will be at 6pm in the Nevis Centre.

06/07/2026

Now that training for the Ben Race is now well under way, with this weekend's Triple Hirple:
Just a reminder of cut-off times for the Ben Race:

Halfway - 1 hour 15 mins
Summit - 2 hours 15 mins
Course completion - 3 hours 30 mins

Happy training!

30/04/2026

Ben Nevis Race emails:
We hope that we have now resolved our email issues and apologise for any problems this may have caused. If you have emailed us over the past couple of weeks, could I ask you to email us again at [email protected] and, hopefully, we will be able to get back to you!

17/04/2026

We are having difficulties accessing our emails at the moment but are working to try and resolve this, as soon as possible.

06/03/2026

REMINDER:
Ben Nevis Race Association AGM - Wed 11th March '26, 7pm in the Meeting Room, Nevis Centre.
Please attend if you can, to ensure the continuance of our great event.

26/02/2026

Ben Nevis Race Association AGM - Wed 11th March '26, 7pm in the Meeting Room, Nevis Centre.
Please attend if you can, to ensure the continuance of our great event.

01/02/2026

Ben Nevis Race 2026 - entries go live at 6pm, 21st March '26 via SiEntries.

02/01/2026

MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL!

LAC memberships for the 2025/26 season are due to be renewed. Below are some examples of the things your membership money goes towards:

- Juniors training & facilities
- Timing systems
- Winter League and other local races
- Courses for Jog Scotland and Tuesday night training coaches

Advantages of having a membership:

- 15% discount at Cotswold
- 10% discount at Off Beat Bikes & £100 off accessories when you buy a bike
- 10% discount at Nevis Cycles
- 15% discount at Ellis Brigham
- 10% off at Well Pharmacy
- Pride in running for a team

Remember, you need to be a member of an affiliated athletics club to take part in the Ben race, so why not make it Lochaber Athletics Club?

Follow the link below to sign up!
https://www.sientries.co.uk/event.php?event_id=14317

25/12/2025

200 Club Draw December / Christmas 2025 Winner

Mrs Ishbel Morrison No.136, Congratulations!

Has won this years December 2025 Draw for the sum of £200.00.
Ben Nevis Race Association 200 Club Draw.

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Location

Fort William

Website

http://www.bennevisrace.co.uk/

Address

C/O 4 Lochy Road, Inverlochy
Fort William
PH336NJ

Ben Nevis Race

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