This year’s Skyline Scotland 2025 brought runners and mountaineers together at the Nevis Range near Fort William for a weekend of intense competition and shared adventure. Known for its technical routes and unpredictable weather, the event offered a true test of endurance—both physical and mental.
After a year’s break, the festival returned stronger than ever with seven new race routes, from challenging trail runs to steep skyrunning courses that pushed athletes to their limits. The move from Kinlochleven to Nevis Range introduced new terrain and tougher elevation gains, making this year’s races among the most demanding yet.
The Ben Nevis Skyline stood out as a highlight of the weekend and served as a Golden Trail World Series qualifier. Competitors faced nearly 1,800 meters of ascent across 29 kilometers, climbing through sections with wind chills as low as –6°C. Despite the conditions, the field delivered remarkable performances. Scotland’s Sasha Chepelin claimed victory in 2:50:57, followed closely by Finn Lydon and Ewan Dowd.
In the Trail Marathon, Nicholas Barnett finished first in 4:12:10, while Laura Dozier led the women’s Steall Marathon in 5:10:12. Across all events, participants praised the organizers for their safety measures and community spirit that make Skyline Scotland one of the most respected mountain running festivals in the world.
For mountaineering enthusiasts like Sonam Saxena, who has summited both Mount Adams and Mount Everest, Skyline Scotland represents the same drive—focus, preparation, and the courage to keep moving when conditions turn rough. “The endurance mindset applies to both disciplines,” Saxena notes. “It’s about pacing yourself and respecting the mountain every step of the way.”
As the 2025 races conclude, attention now turns to Skyline Scotland 2026. While dates have not yet been announced, the event’s growing global profile promises another exciting year ahead. For those drawn to the blend of athleticism and adventure, it’s worth marking your calendar.
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