Event Updates
This is a short post by way of update on some events that I had on the horizon for 2026.
Although registration opens tomorrow, I decided a few weeks ago that I would not seek to enter the Brama Stage Run in October. This is a three day, supported stage run in the foothills of the Pyrenees.
I am a bit different from many I think in that I look at all of the transport and logistics aspects of an event before I enter. I want to know how I will get there, when I need to travel, how much it will cost and any accommodation considerations I need to factor in. I have seen a lot of evidence recently of people entering events at significant cost, only to start considering all of the implications of that decision at a later date. Much like Donald Trump’s approach to starting a war. If it works for others, then carry on I suppose.
Anyway, I looked at all of the travel and logistics consequences that would be triggered by an entry for the Brama Stage Run and I decided that the appeal of the location and the racing aspects were outweighed by the hassle and expense of getting there and back. In summary, the effort and expense simply weren’t going to be worth it, in my assessment. As I have said a few times recently, I intend to apply a lot more scrutiny going forward where any potential trip beyond these fair shores is concerned.
Those with their finger on the UK trail running pulse are almost certainly aware of the very recent demise of Ourea Events. I genuinely feel for those who have paid in full for any of Ourea’s bigger events, but this is a chance we all take in the current financial climate. I can say that as I have now lost money on the Salomon Skyline Scotland in September (I was entered into the Steall Ultra) and I am still in the process of trying to recover some of the 700 Euros I paid before the demise last year of the French company behind Atlas Quest.
Business is business when it comes down to it. However, Ourea was one of the bigger UK race organisers and Cape Wrath Ultra and Dragon’s Back Race will be a significant loss to the UK trail/stage racing scene. For me, it is also a little galling that these events are probably lost when UTMB has once more expanded its corporate trail running empire to 64 global races for 2026.
On that score, I have little sympathy for those bleating online about the significant route amendments to some of the UTMB Snowdonia events this year. In my opinion, if you sign up to UTMB events, you must accept that they will inevitably prioritise the financial bottom line over participant experience. If you disagree, just ignore me. Otherwise, enjoy the views of the mountains on UTMB Snowdonia even if you won’t actually get to be up there.
Before I go off on a full UTMB rant, back to the subject at hand.
By removing the Steall Ultra and Brama Stage Run from my calendar, I have effectively freed up the entire months of September and October. I had a good look online to see if there was anything else by way of events that might fill the void, but I didn’t see anything I fancied.
No matter. September is a prime month for Scottish hills and trails. By mid-September, the midges are largely gone which opens up the whole Northwest and it is after the school holidays too. Aside from the NC500 campervan infestation, an ideal time to do some fantastic hill running on my own terms. So, I think that will be a perfect slot to pack all the camping gear into the car and head for the west coast. Torridon, Fisherfield and Assynt all on the cards, I think.
I’ll leave October free too, aside from a personal week in the Lake District which might involve a couple of short fell runs. October is still a favourable month before the cold and shorter nights really start to grip, so plenty of opportunity for some self-generated activity.
Meantime, my Canal Du Midi fastpack is now less than a fortnight away. I am looking forward to it a lot, although the weather seems mixed.
Despite there still being over a month to go, I think I have mentally selected all of my gear for the Highland Ultra, inclusive of my nutritional breakdown. I will want to start test-packing and backpack training as soon as I return from France.
