The Big Ones for 2023

The Cairngorms National Park is a honey pot of superb and diverse fitness events - events that will challenge and inspire, in an environment that will touch your soul.

Here are our top picks for fitness and challenge events that will be taking place throughout 2023. There is fabulous diversity - from 5 km you can walk to 60 km wilderness ultras. Take a look, feel inspired and get outside - your body and brain will thank you!

Loch Morlich Running Festival Saturday 7th January takes in the canopy of Glenmore Forest and the shores of Loch Morlich beach. In competition or simply for fun; solo or with family and friends - what a way to kick off 2023.

Fitnessat58° Wellness Festival Saturday 4th March - Join the first Wellness Festival and get exclusive access to an incredible line up of leading fitness and wellbeing influencers to support your wellness journey.

Glenlivet 10k April 2nd in the stunning landscape of the Glenlivet Crown Estate, the route follows quiet country roads that meander around the River Livet, passing ancient castles and offering amazing views of this secret glen.

Run Balmoral 22nd and 23rd April has races for children, a range of distances, a duathlon and even a corporate team option - as iconic as its location, this event has something everyone can get stuck into.

Grantown Try Tri Back for Spring 2023 and embodies everything that is great about giving it a go. Beginners and kids can feel as involved as the pros, and you can race as a team. The atmosphere will be phenomenal.

Cairngorm to Coast (aka C2C) is a 100km hike and bike challenge that takes place along the beautiful scenery of the Dava Way on the 27th May. What a way to see the magnificent Cairngorms.

The Cairngorm Ultra Saturday 3rd June; a 60 km trail race, spectacular and challenging in equal measure. The trail from Mar Lodge is superb: race in true wilderness. Places are limited and sought after.

Bikeathon 2023 With Cycle Friendly Kingussie, Sunday 18th June is set to be a bumper celebration, marking 30 years since the first Bikeathon. Family friendly and brilliant fun. The Cairngorms on two wheels are hard to beat.

Lairig Ghru Hill Race Sunday 25th June is a Long Hill Race run over 43 km between the police stations of Braemar and Aviemore, a classic race over the historic drover road.

Aviemore Half Marathon & 10K The perfect autumn challenge. Starting from Badaguish, runners will take in the fabulous forests, lochs and mountain scenery - let the landscape spur you on; the colours will be breathtaking.

The Glenmore 24 2nd and 3rd September takes endurance to the next level. With 12 or 24 hour options, runners will be on a 4 mile loop (with a wee hill on mile 2 and 3!).

The Aviemore Triathlon

Sunday 17th September - The Loch Morlich waters and the Glenmore forest trails are unbeatable. This triathlon has to be one of the most beautiful on the tri circuit - come and get stuck in!

The Illuminator At the end of October, this is night trail running at its best. Setting off from the beautiful Glen Tanar Estate, the trail is challenging, the dark sky awe inspiring and the lighting zone a true spectacle. Race the Cairngorms by night. The Glen Clova Half Marathon Our November closer. Picturesque, undulating and with runners needing to be ready for winter sun, rain, ice or snow (and maybe all four). This one is for the dedicated…but what an end to your running year!

Here are Sam Cairns from Fitnessat58° Top 3 Tips for Winter Training

1. Take the time to warm up - a cold start increases your risk of injury, the time spent on your warm up will pay dividends. 2. Dress for the conditions - use layers when you train outside, and remember to take them off and put them back on again depending on your body temperature, with extra protection for your head, hands and feet. 3. Mindset - is key for winter training. Dig deep and understand your ‘why’. This will help you to get out on the coldest of days.

Starting small…

All of this adventurous chat can feel overwhelming, tiring (!) and a bit out of reach. But the good news is that being active does not have to mean hours pounding the trails if that is not your thing - it can be as simple as a 20 minute daily walk and stepping into nature is brilliant for our emotional wellbeing too. Start small and keep it simple. And the New Year is the perfect time to get going. You can make your walk social too - Health Walks throughout the National Park are regular, social and great fun. Parkrun Aviemore is a fabulous community event, it can actually be a Parkwalk…and maybe you will build up to a Parkrun... Keep it small. Keep it simple. Enjoy it. You will not get a more beautiful place to do just that.

The list goes on and on - The Cairngorms and each of its villages & towns is brimming with festive & fun things to do, there truly is something for everyone to make sure you have a super special Christmas which will leave you with everlasting memories. The Cairngorms really are Where Winter Comes To Life.