Braid Hills Cross Country races are an annual event organised by Edinburgh University Hares and Hounds.
What and Where are the Braid Hills
The Braid Hills themselves are one of Edinburgh’s great open spaces. The relatively small area lies in the south of the city and rises above the surrounding terrain to give superb views north over the city to the Firth of Forth and Fife. Looking South, you see the nearby Pentland Hills. It is one of the seven city summits runners pass through on the Edinburgh Seven Hills route, either on training runs or in the annual race.
Most of the area is taken up and utilised by the Braid Hills Golf Course which is run by Edinburgh Leisure. As with other municipal courses in the city, runners, joggers, walkers and Golfers tend to co-exist and respect each other’s activities. Circling the golf course is a bridleway. This is a well-worn trail for hundreds of city runners. It offers close to a 3-mile loop that is relatively flat on the Northern side with some gentle undulations.
Should you run Clockwise or Anti-clockwise?
The south side, depending on which direction you go offers a gradual but challenging ascent of about a kilometre if run clockwise to the summit of the Hills. This is followed by a steep mildly technical descent.
If run in the opposite anti-clockwise direction, the steep mild technical uphill of around 400 metres offers a stiff challenge. After the climb, you can recover as you cruise the long kilometre descent east and northwards
Classic Edinburgh running route
All in all, it is a classic Edinburgh running route. A great loop that in training offers variety and the opportunity to have a nice trundle at a steady pace with stunning views over the city. The natural variety of the terrain is of course excellent for hill reps, fartlek or any number of training variations.
The bridleway makes up the course for the Braid Hills Cross Country course. Runners have the option of an approximate 5 kilometre-race (1 loop) or 10-kilometre-race, (2 loops ). It is not a traditional cross-country course with fields and woodlands, occasional river crossings and guaranteed mud. It is more undulating tracks and paths that can be challenging and very muddy in Early November when the event is traditionally held.
There are a few rocky sections and the tarmac in the golf club car park to negotiate. Competitors tend to opt for fell or trail shoes to cope well with the varied terrain.
The race has a strong student element
As well as attracting local club athletes and competent recreational runners, other university clubs from throughout Scotland and the North of England come and run as part of the winter university cross country circuit. This results in a lot of fast enthusiastic young students mixing it with the local club runners, as well as several just enjoying themselves.
The 2022 “10k” event was won by Sasha Chepelin of Carnethy Hill Runners in a time of 31.07. Alice Crane of Durham University was First Lady in 35.33. The “5k” was won by James Rashbrook from Durham University in 15.43. Kate Lowry of Leeds University took the women’s win in 17.41.
The Hares and Hounds organise an evening Caleidh that allows visiting students to relax and enjoy a sociable evening.
Braid Hills Cross Country Races
Details on the Braid Hills Cross country races can be found on the Edinburgh University Hares and Hounds Site
Edinburgh 7 hills race and route
Details of the Edinburgh 7 hills race and route mentioned in this post can be found HERE
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