Lochinver Lights

Embark on an enchanting night of adventure with our 5K, 10K, and family-friendly 2K Fun Run races. Race through the shadowy trails of Culag Woods, guided by the glimmer of head torches and hundreds of neon glow sticks, where fleeting pools of light add a magical touch—creating an unforgettable evening for runners of all ages.

Lighting up the winter darkness

Experience the magic of Lochinver Lights under dark winter skies with night-time 5km, 10km, and family 2km Fun-Run races around Culag Woods. With only the glow of starlight overhead, and small pools of illumination to guide you through the forest, this is an unforgettable night-time run, suitable for all ages and abilities.

Where - Lochinver, Highland, Scotland, just off the world famous NC500

When - 1st November 2025 - Fun Run from 16.30, 5km and 10km mass start at 18.00

What - Night time running! A mixture of race distances suitable for absolute beginners, up to experienced trail runners!

Terrain - Fun-Run on good forest paths. 5km on some good forest track, some rough trail with some steep & slippy terrain. 10km, as the 5km, with some road sections.

Entry - Fun-Run - £5, open to children and adult over 6 years old. (Children require a paying parent/guardian. Maximum 4 children to 1 adult).

5km - £25, open to all aged 16 to 70

10km - £30, open to all, aged 18 to 70.

All entries include an exclusive Lochinver Lights Medal.

Race Details - 10km

Starting at Race HQ (Assynt Leisue), you'll begin your nighttime running adventure racing along Lochinver's scenic seafront before tackling the notorious Radio Mast Hill—a grueling half-mile climb with a 15% gradient.

Reach the summit and you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Lochinver Bay.

Catch your breath as you descend, picking up speed toward the sea.

Keep an eye out for seals lounging on the harbor rocks as you dash along the breakwater, then join the 5km route through Culag Woods.

In the forest, a mixture of rugged, muddy paths and wide well-made tracks wind past ancient trees and secluded beaches.

Brace for another challenging hill, but pause at the top—you might catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights shimmering to the north!

The final kilometers weave through the forest on good paths, where patches of deep forest darkness contrast with vibrant glowsticks, fairy lights, and floodlights illuminating the way.

It’s a magical journey to the finish line back at Culag Park, where medals, merch, food, and drinks await!

A rough, tough and hilly mixed terrain 10km alternating between the darkness of a Highland winter and the magic of an illuminated forest finale!

Race Details - 5km (ish)

Kicking off after sunset, you’ll race along Lochinver’s breakwater, (where porpoises and seals might be spotted frolicking in the water) before switching on those head torches as you enter the darkness of the forest.

Then, brace for the first of Culag Woods’ punishing hills! At the top, you'll pass our beautiful Wishing Tree, before you navigate a mix of rugged, wet trails and smooth forest tracks, weaving past ancient trees and hidden beaches, and conquering another leg-burning, lung-busting climb.

Pause at the summit and glance north—on a lucky night, the Northern Lights may shimmer in the sky!

As you run, the winter night’s deep darkness is transformed by enchanting patches of light, with hundreds of glowsticks, fairy lights, and floodlights illuminating the forest paths.

Cross the finish line back at Culag Park to find medals, merchandise, food, and drinks waiting to celebrate your triumph!

Weave through the forest trails by torchlight on this beautiful but punishing 5km trail race.

Family Fun Run - 2km(ish)

Embark on a magical journey through Culag Forest’s wide, well-crafted paths, where you can run, jog, or walk at your own pace.

Traverse through patches of deep winter darkness to find the dazzling pools of forest we've illuminated with hundreds of glowsticks, fairy lights, and floodlights, creating a mystical, unforgettable experience for all ages.

Explore as far along the trails as you wish, but be sure to return to Race HQ, where food, drinks, music, and family-friendly activities await!

Fun Run starts at 16.30, and is available for anyone over 6 years old. All children (6 - 18) must be accompanied by a paying adult. Maximum 1 adult per 4 children.

Walk, Jog or Run this short, family-friendly course on well made forest paths.

£5 - £30 250 spaces available

Race Highlights

Explore stunning visuals from our exciting race to the base.

Frequently asked questions

How do I book?

Follow the links above - you'll be redirected to our booking partners, where you can book and pay securely.

How dark will it be?

This is a night time race, so expect total darkness in places. All participants will be required to wear a headtorch. Road sections will be lit with street lighting, and some small sections of the forest will be illuminated with glowsticks, fairy lights and floodlights, but other sections (including some beach sections) will remain completely dark.

Where do I collect my race number?

Your race number for the 5km and 10km races will be waiting for you on the day of the race at Assynt Leisure Centre (IV27 4JP). Registration must be completed between 14.00 and 17.45 (16.00 for the Fun Run). No race number is required for the Fun Run, but you must still register.

Is there an age limit?

Yes, for insurance purposes, participants for the 10km must be 18 years old on the day of the race, with a maximum age of 70 years old. The 5km race has a minimum age of 16 and a maximum of 70 years old. The Fun Run is open to anyone between the ages of 6 years old and above. Participants under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a paying parent or guardian, and remain the sole responsibility of their parent / guardian throughout. Maximum of 4 children to 1 adult.

Is there a mandatory kit list?

A working head torch is mandatory kit for both the 5km and 10km events. Hand held torches are permissible for the Fun Run.

This is a 'Leave No Trace' Race. This means our water stations will not hand out bottles or single use cups. Instead, we ask runners to bring their own water receptacles that can be filled at the water stations - either a hydration pack, reusable bottle or collapsible cup. While these aren't mandatory, you wont be able to hydrate at the water stations without your own receptacle.

When do ticket sales close?

Tickets for the 5km and 10km event will be available to purchase online until 25/10/25. Fun Run entries can be bought right up until Race Day.

Can I register on the day?

Only for the Fun Run. For insurance purposes, the 5km and 10km are available for pre-booked tickets only.

How hard is the race?

Not hard at all. The 10km has a couple of steep hills, and both the 5 and 10km races have some uneven, slippery terrain to navigate in the forest, but the races are accessible to all levels of runners.

What shoes should I wear?

We'd strongly recommend trail running shoes. While there are sections of road and hard track (especially the 10km) much of the race is run on forest tracks. In wet weather (likely in November), these tracks become quite slippery.

Is there a time limit?

Yes. The Fun Run ends at 17.30, to allow the 5km and 10km races to take place. Both 5km and 10km races end at 20.00 (giving runners 2 hours to complete). This is for the safety of our competitors and of our marshals and volunteers.

Are there any water stations?

Yes, water will be available on the 10km route at approximately half way.

Do I need navigation skills?

No. The entire route is on paths/roads, and is well way-marked. There will be marshals at junctions.

Will there be any first aid?

Yes - we have outdoor trained first aid volunteers available. However, please be advised that due to the nature of the course, and the remote setting, it may take First Aid personal some time to get to you.

All participants will be required to fill out a medical declaration stating they are fit and healthy, and that they can confidently expect to finish the race. This is for your safety and for the safety of our volunteers.

Can I use poles?

Yes, poles are permitted.

Can I bring a dog?

No. Sorry! We love dogs too, but the trial is too narrow in places to safely accommodate dogs. Also, there are deer and sheep loose along some of the course.

Can I compete in a wheelchair?

Sorry no - the track is completely unsuitable for wheelchairs.

Can I wear headphones?

Bone conduction/open ear headphones are permitted, but we recommend not using them in the forest or on the road. No over or in-ear headphone are allowed.

Can I cancel?

Yes. If you cancel your booking more than 6 weeks before the event date, you will receive an 85% refund (our booking partner takes 15% on bookings made that we cannot refund). Cancellations within 4 to 6 weeks before event day will receive a 50% refund.

Cancellations made within 4 weeks of race day cannot be refunded, but may be transferred to another participant by emailing the race organisers (contact@runrugged.co.uk). Participants are responsible for securing a runner to fill their place should they wish to transfer a place. No cancellations or transfers may be made within 7 days of the event date