Ochil Hill Relays
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Overview
The Ochil Hill Relays is a hill running relay race for teams of four, scheduled for a Saturday in early March. The event totals approximately 27 km with around 2255m of ascent across three separate legs. Registration and post-race facilities are located at Cochrane Hall in Alva.
Format and Course
The relay consists of three distinct legs run in sequence:
- Leg 1 is approximately 9.75 km with 660m of ascent.
- Leg 2 is approximately 8 km with 715m of ascent.
- Leg 3 is a paired leg, run by two team members together, and is approximately 9.5 km with 880m of ascent. Checkpoints are provided on individual maps. Runners must follow solid red lines marked on the maps as compulsory routes; between other checkpoints, they may choose their own route.
Participation and Rules
Entry is limited to 87 teams and is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. The event is open only to affiliated running clubs, with no limit on teams per club. The entry fee is £60 per team, plus a booking fee. Team managers register and pay for teams, then add individual participant details closer to the event date.
All runners must carry mandatory safety equipment, including full body waterproof cover (top and bottoms), hat, gloves, a detailed map of the course, a mobile phone, a compass, and a whistle, as per Scottish Hill Runners (SHR) guidelines. There will be compulsory kit checks before the start. Runners are asked not to climb over fences, using stiles or gates instead.
Categories and Prizes
Teams compete in various categories with one prize awarded per category. Prizes are based on aggregate time for all three legs. The categories are:
- Open Senior (no restrictions)
- Open 40+, 50+, and 60+ (all runners must meet the minimum age)
- Female Senior, 40+, 50+, and 60+ (four women per team)
- Mixed Senior, 40+, 50+, and 60+ (two male and two female runners per team) If a team qualifies for more than one prize, they are awarded the prize for the higher-placing, younger age category.
Facilities
Post-race food and hot drinks will be available in Cochrane Hall from 1pm to 3pm. The hall has toilet facilities, though private changing areas are limited. The race start and finish point is at the entrance to Alva Glen, which is 700 metres from Cochrane Hall. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
