This is our wilderness ultra-race weaving a majestic route deep into the remote Highland glens at the heart of Lochaber!
The route utilises the best possible trails, paths and tracks for a tour de force of the Lochaber highlands. Gradually ascending from Kinlochleven, the race starts by following the route of the hugely popular Three Mealls 18K trail race in reserve, weaving alongside the River Leven through a magical ancient forest. The mighty Blackwater Dam marks the start of the remote trails to come! From here runners will follow a path that continues climbing to reach Loch Chiarain. Seriously remote terrain lures runners onward and the true wilderness experience of this race becomes apparent with incredible views of nothing but mountains, as they descend towards Loch Treig. For the next 5km the route gently ascends the Lairig Leacach following a historical walking route through this stunning and breathtakingly beautiful glen. The route now turns west following excellent forestry tracks through Leanachan Forest allowing for quick onward progress. Emerging from the forest, the gigantic Ben Nevis looms ahead as the route now follows the renowned North Face path alongside Allt á Mhulilinn up to the famous CIC hut, before cutting under the towering cliffs of Càrn Dearg. Joining the main Ben Nevis path drops the runners down to the Visitors Centre before joining Scotland’s most famous path, the West Highland Way, which climbs out of Glen Nevis and provides a speedy route back to Kinlochleven and a well-earned celebration at the finish line.
Key stats: 80km / 2,000m ascent
Checkpoints
There will be a number of marshalled checkpoints along the route.
There will be two support points where there will be food and water:
After 35km – Roybridge
After 60km – Glen Nevis Visitor Centre
(These are provisional locations and will be confirmed nearer the time)
Parking
There is event parking in the centre of Kinlochleven. Overnight parking will also be possible. Prices for parking to be confirmed.
Registration
The registration marquee will be in the event village next to the Ice Factor in the centre of Kinlochleven. This is where mandatory registration and issue of competitors' race number will take place. Competitors should allow at least 1 hour to complete the registration process. Registration is open between 17:30 and 21:30 the day before the race on Friday 16th September.
The Start
Each of our trail races start from the arena in the event village next to the Ice Factor. There will be a real buzz at this location with the added atmosphere of the big international Skyline Scotland® races starting and finishing in the same location.
Start time: Saturday 17th September – ready at 06:45 for a 07:00 start.
Please note: Participants must ensure that they are in the start pen and ready to go 15 minutes before the start time. Remember there will be kit checks! So please make sure you have the mandatory items!
Supporters
Family, friends and members of the public are welcome to support participants at the event village, which will be a hive of activity!
Retirements
If you decide to retire then we would advise that you retire at a support point from where there will be transport available back to Kinlochleven. The two support points are:
After 35km – Roybridge
After 60km – Glen Nevis Visitor Centre
(These are provisional locations and will be confirmed nearer the time)
Emergencies
Any competitor requiring emergency assistance should alert a race marshal at the nearest Checkpoint along the race route. We expect fellow competitors to stop and assist another competitor in an emergency.
Sweeper
There will be a course sweeper following behind the last competitor.
Course Closure Time
Any competitor falling behind the average speed to complete the entire course within the course closure time may be retired at any checkpoint along the race route.
The course closure time is 22:00. Overall, you will have 15 hours to complete the course.
Cut-offs
Exact timings will be confirmed. Expected cut-offs:
After 35km – Roybridge (about 14:30)
After 60km – Glen Nevis Visitor Centre (about 18:30)
(These are provisional locations and will be confirmed nearer the time)
Prize Ceremony
This will take place at 17:00 on Saturday 17th September 2022.
Prizes - SPARTAN trophies, prize fund and age group winners medals
SPARTAN trophies will be presented to the first 5 men and women.
There is also a generous winners prize fund from SPARTAN - find out more.
SPARTAN medals will be presented to age group winners. This includes:
18-29 - 1st, 2nd, 3rd men and women
30-39 - 1st, 2nd, 3rd men and women
40-49 - 1st, 2nd, 3rd men and women
50-59 - 1st, 2nd, 3rd men and women
60+ - 1st, 2nd, 3rd men and women
SPARTAN Trophy 80k 2022
An example of the SPARTAN Trophies to be presented to the first 5 men and women at the Salomon Lochaber 80 Trail Ultra
Showers
Available in the Leven Centre in Kinlochleven from 11:00-19:00 on Saturday 17th September and from 11:00-21:00 on Sunday 18th September.