Blog Post
Creag Choinnich Hill Race 2018
Ballater Hostel • Jun 20, 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.
www.facebook.com/creagchoinnichrace
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.
www.facebook.com/creagchoinnichrace
UPCOMING EVENTS
Saturday 22 & Sunday 23 April, 2023
Thursday 11 – Friday 26 May, 2023
Friday 12 - Sunday 21 May, 2023
Saturday 13 - Friday 19 May, 2023
Sunday 14 May, 2023
Saturday 3 – Friday 9 June, 2023
Sunday 4 June, 2023
Sunday 25 June, 2023
Sunday 25 June, 2023
