The Dramathon is actually four races: The Full Dram (nearly 42km), The Half Dram (nearly 21km), The Wee Dram (just over 10km) and the relay (We Dram).
All are trail races, mostly on well-maintained grassy paths along the beautiful Speyside Way. The route takes in several distilleries along the route, offering sights and smells to ignite your senses. Depending on the distance you run you will pick up the corresponding miniatures of single malt at the end of the race.
The finish line for all the races is at Glenfiddich Distillery in Dufftown. The full marathon starts at Glenfarclas, the half-marathon starts at Tamdhu, the 10K in Aberlour and the various legs of the relay divide up the marathon route into roughly 4 x 10km.
The course is mostly pretty flat, and largely follows the old railway line of the Speyside Way, but there are a couple of hills in the first half of the full marathon (and the first 2 legs of the relay). The final stretch from Craigellachie to Dufftown is a gradual uphill slope. Some occasional short sections on minor roads.
The Spey Valley will be in full spectacular Autumnal bloom on race weekend – come and experience one of the most beautiful and interesting corners of Scotland.
The Dramathon is beautifully structured and well-paced with a great finish. Just like a Speyside malt in fact.
How it all started
The Dramathon was dreamed up by Jon Dunderdale and Ian King over a dram or two. We are running and single malt enthusiasts (one of us is better at running, the other is better at whisky).
We aim to create an event which is well-put together and professionally organised, but that retains a sense of humour, a chilled-out atmosphere, is inclusive, and great value for money. This is all supposed to be fun – right?
To deliver The Dramathon we have partnered with Durty Events, run by Paul McGreal.
Paul’s done a load of stuff – running, cycling, adventure racing, but now organises great events, and still races occasionally. Though not as often as having a beer or a dram.
The FULL DRAM | 42km (ish)
Start from Glenfarclas distillery on the flanks on Ben Rinnes.
Some hilly terrain before the manicured lawns of Ballindalloch Castle and your first stop at Ballindalloch, pretty plain sailing along the beautiful Speyside Way to Tamdhu and Knockando before passing the award-winning architecture of Dalmunach distillery and onto Aberlour.
The last 10K have got a few surprises in store before the grand finale taking you through Balvenie and Glenfiddich to claim your drams and catch your breath before the post-race party.
The half DRAM | 21km (ish)
The route starts at Tamdhu Station near Tamdhu Distillery.
It then follows the beautiful River Spey along the Speyside Way, through Aberlour, past Craigellachie and on to the finish line at Glenfiddich Distillery.
The We DRAM Relay | 42km (ish)
Tackle The Full Marathon route in teams of four.
Each stage is about a quarter of the full marathon route (see below).
Some hilly terrain before the manicured lawns of Ballindalloch Castle and your first stop at Ballindalloch, pretty plain sailing along the beautiful Speyside Way to Tamdhu and Knockando before passing the award-winning architecture of Dalmunach distillery and onto Aberlour.
The last 10K have got a few surprises in store before the grand finale taking you through Balvenie and Glenfiddich to claim your drams and catch your breath before the post-race party.
The wee DRAM | 10km (ish)
The race starts at Aberlour and follows the River Spey along the Speyside Way to Craigellachie.
It then turns right up the River Fiddich to the finish line at Glenfiddich Distillery. The route is not difficult but from Craigellachie to Glenfiddich there is a gradual climb.
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