Ultra X Scotland is a striking trail-running festival in the Scottish Highlands, featuring multiple ultra-distance options around the legendary Loch Ness and the Great Glen. Held over a weekend in early May, this event invites adventurers to challenge themselves amidst some of Scotland’s most invigorating scenery.

Key Details

• Dates & Times

  • Saturday, 1 May 2027: Start at 07:00 AM for 110 km (single-stage or first of two stages) and 60 km events.

  • Sunday, 2 May 2027:

    • 50 km race begins at 08:00 AM

    • 25 km and 12 km races start at 11:00 AM

• Location – Set in the Scottish Highlands—starting around Inverness and surrounding Loch Ness, with stages covering the Great Glen Way and South Loch Ness Trail.

• Event Types – Trail ultramarathon offerings include:

  • 110 km (single-stage or two-stage: 60 km Saturday + 50 km Sunday)

  • 60 km (Saturday only)

  • 50 km (Sunday only)

  • 25 km (Sunday)

  • 12 km (Sunday)

• Organiser – Ultra X, a global multi-stage ultramarathon series known for adventurous, off-road trail events

Race Description

This route circles Loch Ness, combining iconic Highland landscapes with demanding elevation gains. The two-stage 110 km race includes an overnight camp at Fort Augustus. All races traverse the Great Glen Way and the South Loch Ness Trail through forests, glens, mountain trails, and lakeshores, offering truly immersive wilderness running.

Participants face ascents up to ~699 m and mountain terrain that demands both endurance and mental resilience. Checkpoints show up every ~10 km for aid and support.

What’s Included

• Fully marked courses with medical and ground support throughout

• Water, snacks, and hot water stations at checkpoints and at Saturday camp site

• Camping included for those in the two-stage 110 km event; optional for 60 km runners

• UTMB® World Series Index qualifying for 110 km (100 k category), 60/50 km (50 k category), and 25 km (20 k category) races

• Finisher’s medal, GPS tracking, and access to optional event photos

Additional Information

• Under-23s run for free across all distances.

• Cut-off times are enforced—checkpoints approximately every 10 km, with time limits to keep the event safe and inclusive.

• UTMB Index Points are awarded, enhancing qualification opportunities for future UTMB events.