Ben Nevis Race - a brief history

The earliest recorded timed run up and down Ben Nevis was that by William Swan of Fort William on August 2nd 1895 and took 2 hours, 41 minutes.

Other attempts were made sporadically, but the modern Ben Nevis Race really began in 1937 with the presentation of the MacFarlane Cup by the late George MacFarlane, former provost of Fort William.

Photo: Copyright A McKenna

Now the race is well established on the first Saturday in September and up to 500 entries are accepted from suitably qualified hill runners The record for men stands at 1 hour, 25 minutes and 34 seconds and is held by Kenneth Stuart of Keswick AC and for ladies it is 1 hour, 43 minutes and 25 seconds, held by Pauline Haworth, also of Keswick AC.

The Connochie Plaque was instituted in 1972. It is awarded to those runners who complete 21 Ben Nevis Races. The Late Eddie Campbell of Fort William holds the record for the most Ben Nevis Races.

Click on the What's On icon above for details of this years race.