LOAF
The Longest Day logo

Event cancelled
More information to follow

The Longest Day logo

The Challenge:

10 hours.

7K laps.

Solo, pairs or teams.

The Longest Day is an endurance event for runners who love an off-road adventure! Based in the spectacular surroundings of Cademuir Forest in the Tweed Valley, run solo or with pals to notch up as many laps of our demanding trail as you can in 10 hours.

Head into the forest at midday with the Scottish sun on your back and finish your final laps as night falls. In true Trail Run style, there’ll be a lively event village to kit you out and keep you fuelled and a celebratory beer or two at the finish line! Camp with us overnight and celebrate your epic day on the trail with all your running mates.

Race Format:

Our midsummer event will kick off at noon and finish 10 long hours later. You can choose to run as a pair, in teams of 3 and 4 or go it alone for extra kudos. There’s also a special ‘party’ category for groups of 5 – fancy dress is optional but comedy team names are not (we’ll have prizes on the day for the best!).

Young runners will also get the chance to join in the action with a special kids race earlier in the day.

Only one runner can be on the course at a time if you’re competing as a pair or team, and breaks are 100% fine by us – we’ll have food stalls, music and a buzzing event village to help you recharge back at base.

Whether you’ve got your eye on an ultra or just want to experience a beautiful 7K trail run in the Tweed Valley, The Longest Day has a challenge for every runner. But here’s something to aim for:

  • 1 lap = 7K
  • 3 laps = half marathon
  • 6 Laps = full marathon
  • 7+ Laps = ultra marathon

More news about the event and camping coming soon! Sign up to our newsletter below to be the first to hear.

Get Involved!

If you’re not taking part in the event, there are other ways you can get involved and enjoy the buzz The Longest Day will bring!

An event like this needs a small army of helpers to make it work, so we are recruiting a marshalling team. It’s a great way to be part of the action and join in the excitement of this amazing day. Anyone who isn’t running (and is 16 or older) can apply.

Sign up here if you’re interested!

 


 

Who’s making it happen?

Volunteer & Crew Coordinator, Sarah Birks, dedicates all her time at Hillside Outside to all things volunteers. You can keep up to date with all the volunteer action at @the.valley.crew on Instagram and @thevalleycrew on Facebook.

FAQs

Are there any age restrictions?

The Longest Day trail run is open to anyone over the age of 16.

Younger runners can show us how it’s done in a special race for kids earlier in the day.

Will there be an official campsite for runners?

Yes! You can book your spot on the campsite here.

How does registration work?

Runners will register at Event HQ. More details to follow.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

Nope! All you need to do is show us your email confirmation. We’d prefer if you didn’t print it, every little counts.

Is the event safe?

There will be marshals positioned throughout the route. They will be in radio contact with Event HQ and can help in the very unlikely situation that you might need help.

The course will be clearly marked throughout with arrows and course tape where required.

What should I wear?

One of the joys of trail running is that all you really need is a pair of trainers and some water. Best to bring a waterproof and an extra layer just in case. Please dress appropriately for the weather.

Footwear with adequate grip for slippery off-road conditions required (trail shoes are strongly recommended for this event).

What is the course elevation?

Great question. This will be announced in our Runners’ Notes approximately 1 week before the event – so keep an eye on your inbox! But be prepared for some punchy climbs …

How should I prepare?

If you haven’t run in a trail race before, please consider the following as you prepare:

  • The course will be undulating on a variety of terrains. Get used to running up and down inclines, and negotiating mud, roots and uneven tracks.
  • Become comfortable with your footwork – hips, ankles and legs aren’t used to uneven ground and changing direction if you’ve only run on tarmac before.
  • You will discover your pace is far more erratic in a trail race with both slow and fast sections, so you may not achieve your goal pace/race time.
  • You should start the race well hydrated and fuelled. You may want to carry an energy gel during the race.
  • There will be a water/refreshment stop on the course, but please do not rely solely on this.
How do I get there?

Peebles is easily reached from all over the UK and a short transfer from airports and train stations. Regular bus services in the area are provided by First Group, Bus number 62.

If you are arriving by car the main roads into the Tweed Valley are the A7 and A701 from the South and the A701 from the North.  And if you’re arriving by air you will probably arrive via Newcastle or Edinburgh Airport.

The closest stations are Edinburgh Waverly Station or the brand new Galashiels Railway Station. Check Travelline Scotland for dedicated bus connections.
Share car transport whenever you can – there’s a very useful car-sharing website at www.tripshareborders.com

www.visittweedvalley.co.uk

What's the refund policy?

Important – We are now working with Booking Protect and all refund requests must go through them. Booking Protect is available at the time of ticket purchase. We highly recommend you add this option.

Purchasing Booking Protect allows you to apply for a refund in case you are unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances outside of your control. Please see the Booking Protect terms and conditions to find out if you are eligible for a refund. Please see the latest coronavirus guidance for how Booking Protect handle claims for Covid 19. 

Booking Protect ensures a fast, fair and transparent process for all customers. For more information and/or to apply for a refund please visit https://bookingprotect.com/apply-for-a-refund/

Can I transfer my ticket to another name?

Yes, you can swap your entry through SiEntries to a different runner; follow these instructions and you can do so 1 month prior to the event. After this, you must contact office@hillsideoutside.com so we can transfer your entry and there will be a £10 admin charge per ticket transfer.

  • Go to the My Entries/Memberships tab
  • Click Edit on the entry
  • Then Edit/Substitute on the entry you want to change
  • Then Substitute
  • You will need to click Next, tick the disclaimers again and Save Entry to confirm.

No transfers will be allowed from the Monday before the event.

For safety reasons, NO runner may use another’s runner’s event number without the permission of the event organiser.

What is the open category?

This category is open to participants regardless of age, gender or other categorisations.

Please choose your category according to the Scottish Athletics Policy, which can be found here, with more information here. Their policies are continually under review and will endeavour to keep as up to date as possible and always aim to be fair in everything we do. If you are unsure which category to select, please just get in touch.

I am no longer able to attend, can I defer my entry to 2024?

If you are unable to attend the event and did not purchase Refund Protect, no refund will be issued. You can transfer to the same event the following year up until 10 days before the event date and can do so by emailing office@hillsideoutside.com

How can I contact the organiser with any questions?

If you have specific questions about the event day and how it will work, you will receive Runners’ Notes approximately 1 week before the event. If you still can’t find what you’re looking for, drop us a line at office@hillsideoutside.com

Can you recommend any accommodation?

There are lots of fantastic places to stay in the Scottish Borders – check out a selection pulled together by our friends at Go Tweed Valley.

How and when do I get further information about the event?

Make sure you are following us on Instagram and Facebook for all the latest news. We will send you all the specific event details you need in the form of Runners’ Notes approximately 1 week before the event. This will include info on the final event schedule, registration, the course, facilities and much, much more.

Interested in event management, injured or have friends/family members running?

Why not volunteer with us? There are lot of ways to help; we have roles in the office in the run up to events, course marking, event marshalling (this is the best seat in the house) and roles within the event village.

Sign up here.