Creag Choinnich Hill Race 2018

Wednesday 20 June, 2018

BRAEMAR

Britains oldest recorded hill race. Distance 3.5km, climb 250m. Start at Braemar Castle.

The history books have Creag Choinnich as the oldest recorded hill race dating back to 1064. Yes 1064! King Malcolm II looking for the fastest man to deliver his despatches arranged the race up Creag Choinnich. The first home was the younger of two MacGregor brothers who received "a handsome sword, a baldric and a purseful of gold" (a baldric is a belt worn like a sash to support a sword).

Fast forward to the Victorian age and the hill race was included in the Braemar Highland Games, that is until Queen Victoria witnessed her ghillie spitting blood after winning the 1850 race. In deference to her sensibilities, the race was suspended thereafter.

The race resumed about ten years ago being run from the Highland Games Park as part of the Junior Highland Games.

After 2016 the race returned to its former location at Braemar Castle and is now run as an evening race close to the longest day.

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