Inside the Dramathon: Scotland’s whisky-fuelled marathon

Burns Night is a time when whisky takes centre stage across the UK.

(Photo: Andy Upton)

But in Scotland, the amber elixr is an ingrained into the culture. So much so, that Scots will run for miles to get their hands on a dram. Literally.

Registration has just opened for whisky-lovers to take part in the third annual Dramathon, a marathon that runs along the Speyside Way in Aberdeenshire, home to some of the world’s most revered scotch distilleries.

The race, running from from Glenfarclas distillery to Glenfiddich distillery, takes in several distilleries along the route, and depending on the distance you run, you can even pick up a few miniatures along the way.

(Photo: Andy Upton)

Speyside distilleries including Ballindalloch, Craigellachie, Dalmunach, and Aberlour, will welcome runners on 19 October. Participants have three distance options. There’s the “full dram” extending from Glenfarclas to Glenfiddich, a half marathon and a 10km race, all of which wrap up at the Glenfiddich and Balvenie distilleries. Runners will receive a selection of drams dependent on the distance the length of the race they took part in.

Last year, around 1,500 people took part in the race, 20% of whom came from overseas.

Tickets start from £31 for the 10km race, to £57 to take part in the marathon, which takes in idyllic Speyside scenes like the manicured lawns of Ballindalloch Castle and dramatic Ben Rinnes mountain. Relay teams are also welcome.