The 41^st Two Breweries Hill Race

about

The Two Breweries Hill Race was the brainchild of Frank Smith, brewer at Broughton Ales and keen fell runner, with the support of both Sir David Younger of Broughton Ales and Peter Maxwell Stuart, the twentieth Laird of Traquair, who had been brewing at Traquair House's brewery since the 1965. This much-loved race has been held every year since 1983 with the exception of 2001 (due to the foot and mouth outbreak), and 2020 (due to Covid). As well as bringing experienced hill runners to explore the local hills, it celebrates the beers and ales produced in the local breweries, and all those who make it to the finish line are rewarded with a bottle of ale, IPA or lager.

The race is always held on the 4th Saturday in September, starting on the lawn in front of the historic courtyard gates at Traquair House at 12 noon and finishing at  Broughton Ales brewery.

The record (2:33:57) was set by John Taylor in 1992. John was an international athlete who died in 2002, aged 33, from a heart condition known as cardiomyopathy. The John Taylor Foundation was created to raise awareness of this condition, and to assist young athletes. The womens record (2:53:56) was set by Angela Mudge in 2000.

Previous race winners

You can find photos of previous races on Michael Philp's page, and on Flickr.

route

The race is around 30km / 18 miles, and includes some 1500m / 4900ft of ascent. The terrain predominantly follows hill tracks, but includes sections of open heather with some short sections along country roads. A custom Harveys map of the route (1:40k scale, double-sided on waterproof paper, with all checkpoints marked) is available for £5 at race registration, or contact the organisers.

This race is an arduous event which should not be undertaken by runners who are unfit or are inexperienced in the hills. Full emergency kit comprising wind and waterproof full body cover, a map of the entire race route, orienteering-type compass, whistle and food equivalent to a chocolate bar must be carried by all runners. Runners must be at least 18 years old.

There are eight marshalled checkpoints. Water is available at Glenrath Farm and Stobo Home Farm. These checkpoints are also retiral points. Hill rescue cover is provided by  Moffat Mountain Rescue.

This fly-over of the route will give you an idea of what to expect.

entries

The race is on-line pre-entry, via ProTay. If you are unable to enter on-line, please contact the race director.

Entries are usually opened around Easter.

A bus leaves Broughton for Traquhair at 10am, with race registration at Traquhair. There is a strict kit-check before the race.

Prize giving is held at Broughton Village Hall, where runners and supporters can enjoy hot soup, cake and perhaps even a well-earned beer!

results

local

We are delighted to be supported by Traquair House and Broughton Ales, both of whose fine products regularly appear as prizes. The race would not be possible without the kind permission of the local landowners.

We are also delighted to be associated with Tweedgreen, a voluntary organisation of local people working towards a self-sustaining Tweeddale by promoting local food, encouraging local energy generation, and reducing energy use and waste.

Locals taking part will appreciate the beauty and interests of the Scottish Borders. Those coming from further afield may be interested in what the Borders has to offer. Why not treat the family to a weekend away! Local accommodation and information about the area can be found at the following tourism sites:

• Scotland Starts Here
• Visit Scotland
• TouristNet
• Stobo Home Farm

links

• Facebook — www.facebook.com/twobreweries.org.uk, a public forum for discussions about the race.
• Scottish Hill Runners — www.scottishhillrunners.uk is an independent organisation supporting hill running in Scotland. SHR organises the Scottish Championship race series, and provides race insurance for the TBHR. The images on this web site are courtesy of SHR.
• Scottish Hill Racing — www.scottishhillracing.co.uk contains a comprehensive calendar and results for hill races all across Scotland.
• Moffat Mountain Rescue — moffatmrt.scottishmountainrescue.org provide hill cover for the TBHR. If the weather closes in, you will be glad to know they are out there.
• The Fell Runners Association — www.fellrunner.org.uk, a UK-wide fell running organisation.
• Scottish Athletics — www.scottishathletics.org.uk, the national governing body for athletics in Scotland.
• Westerlands Cross Country Club — www.westerlandsccc.co.uk, arguably one of the best small-to-medium sized hill running clubs in the West End of Glasgow. The TBHR is one of seven or so hill running events organised each year by the Westies.

contact

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about the race.

Please check your email address is correct. You may like to include an alternative contact method in the body of your email, such as a phone number.