The Mhor Marathon starts from McLaren High School, Callander. After leaving the school grounds the route takes runners off the road and on to a trail path through Coilhallon Wood. Emerging out of the wood there is a short section on then off road before joining Sustrans Route 7 at Kilmahog. The route then follows Garbh Uisge (River Leny) north towards Strathyre along the length of Loch Lubnaig. It offers breathtaking views of both the Loch and surrounding mountains including Ben Vorlich, Stuc a’ Chroin and Ben Ledi.
Arriving into Strathyre after 10.5 miles runners head along Stronslaney Road towards Stronvar and Balquhidder, parallel to the River Balvaig. Once in Balquhidder the route turns right to pass the burial site of Rob Roy MacGregor at Balquhidder Kirkyard and continues along the road to Mhor 84 Motel. Relay participants will switch at Mhor 84 Motel after runner 1 has completed 16 miles. Runner 2 will run the remaining 10 miles to the finish, rejoining the route as below.
Just before reaching the Motel runners will turn right onto Route 7 and run back to Strathyre Village to complete the loop section of the course by retracing their steps along Stronslaney Road back to Stronvar. On arrival at Stronvar, for a second time, the route turns left and sends runners down the South Side of Loch Voil towards Tuarach and Loch Doine. The view down the length of Balquhidder Glen is spectacular and as runners follow the undulating track to the finish they will see the imposing Ben More in the distance. The final mile includes a descent to cross the river between the Lochs and then a few hundred metres through the fields to the finish at Monachyle Mhor Hotel.
ROUTE ELEVATION:
Full Route: 2250 feet (approx)
Relay Leg 1: 1550 feet (approx)
Relay Leg 2: 700 feet (approx)
