Seven Hills of Edinburgh The Race

View all races for Jul 2026

The Seven Hills of Edinburgh: The Race is a competitive urban navigation event for experienced runners seeking to complete one of Scotland's most distinctive endurance challenges at speed. Starting and finishing on Calton Hill, competitors follow an unmarked course across Edinburgh's seven famous hills, combining road running, trail running, hill running and urban orienteering.

The course covers approximately 14.3 miles with around 2,200 feet of ascent. There is no marked route, with competitors choosing their own lines between six compulsory checkpoints before returning to Calton Hill. Success depends on both running ability and efficient route choice, making every edition slightly different.

The Race includes an optional team competition, with teams of three or four runners competing for the best combined placings. Its unique blend of navigation, strategy and varied terrain has established The Seven Hills of Edinburgh: The Race as one of Scotland's most iconic and challenging running events.

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