Event Director’s Report – Salomon Skyline Scotland® 2025

Introduction 

Salomon Skyline Scotland made its return this weekend after a year’s break, and what a comeback it was, with almost 1,700 runners, from first-time 10K participants to seasoned 100-kilometre ultra runners, entered from across the UK, Europe and beyond.  

For the first time in the event’s history, we decided to stage all the races within a single 24-hour period. This vision was to transform our Event Village into a vibrant festival of mountain, trail, and ultra running at the Nevis Range in Fort William. From the midnight start of the Jacobite 100 to the climax of the Steall Marathon and the iconic Ben Nevis Skyline, the weekend posed an incredible logistical and operational challenge for the team at Ourea Events and our dedicated freelance staff and volunteers.  

The Highlands themselves, with their stern beauty and unpredictable weather, ensured that every finisher had a story to tell. 

Despite the challenges, runners thrived ©Tanya Raab Photography

This year’s Ben Nevis Skyline was a prestigious Golden Ticket race with the men’s and women’s podium all winning tickets to the Golden Trail World Series Grand Finale in Italy. On Britain’s highest mountain, athletes faced alpine-scale adversity with temperatures plunging to –6°C with windchill on the summit ridges. Passing showers dampened the glens below, but higher up, the boulder fields and ridges of Ben Nevis tested even the strongest runners. First-place woman Elle Twentyman described the course as “absolutely brutal”, highlighting the steep climbs, slippery rock descents and the exhilarating downhill finish via the Blue Doon MTB track. 

Despite these challenges, the event confirmed Scotland’s place on the global trail running map. The podiums were a proud moment for Scottish running. Mia Padmanabhan stormed into second place in the women’s race, while Sasha Chepelin and Finn Lyndon, both representing Carnethy Hill Running Club, took first and second in the men’s. Edinburgh-based Ewan Dodd completed the men’s podium in third. These athletes held their own against international competition and, alongside their fellow podium finishers, will now travel to the Golden Trail World Series Grand Finale. 

The atmosphere at the Nevis Range was equally inspiring. The Event Village buzzed with supporters, families, and friends who cheered on finishers as they crossed the line. The sense of exhilaration and exhaustion was written across the faces of runners as they arrived, embraced by their loved ones and welcomed into a vibrant, celebratory atmosphere. For me personally, there were moments on that Saturday when everything seemed perfect: delighted finishers, a cheering crowd, and the hum of activity across the village. Those were the moments that reassured me that moving Skyline Scotland to Nevis Range was the right choice. This was always intended as a proof-of-concept year, and it is clear now that the concept works and I’ll be excited to expand on this next year. 

The Event Village was buzzing ©No Limits Photography

Of course, not everything went to plan. The single biggest frustration was the failure of DPD to deliver all the finishers’ medals on time. A series of mishaps meant that on Friday morning, we had no finisher’s medals. One of our team drove for hours to a DPD depot, and eventually most of the missing boxes were found… but not all. I am embarrassed by this and sincerely sorry to the runners who did not receive their medal on the day (we have been in touch directly with any runners impacted by this). They will be sent out as quickly as possible. This episode was a humbling reminder of how small details can undermine an otherwise outstanding event. 

Another challenge lay in route signage. With seven races weaving through Leanachan Forest and converging on the Nevis Range, we invested a significant amount of effort into planning and preparing clear course markings. For the most part, it worked. The vast majority of runners followed the correct routes without incident. Yet there were still notable exceptions. At one point, after two runners appeared unexpectedly at the finish just minutes into the Trail Marathon, we investigated a junction to see another runner misinterpret a “straight ahead” arrow and turn left instead. On other occasions, mountain bikers interfered with crowd control barriers, creating confusion. These instances highlight the difficulty of making signage bombproof when runners are fatigued, disoriented, or simply not thinking clearly at speed. This will be a significant focus of our planning for 2026. 

Despite these frustrations, the event was rich with successes. The live streaming, trialled for the first time, brought parts of the race to an audience far beyond Fort William. Much was learnt about this technically demanding initiative, which we hope will become a regular feature of Skyline Scotland and other Ourea Events races. Most importantly, the professionalism of the Ourea Events team shone through. I am incredibly fortunate to work with such competent and committed colleagues, and to be supported by an outstanding group of freelance specialists. Together with the large number of dedicated volunteers, who poured energy and enthusiasm into almost every aspect of delivery, they created the conditions for Skyline Scotland’s successful return. 

Looking ahead, Skyline Scotland 2025 has proven the foundations are strong. The move to Nevis Range has been vindicated: it offers space, facilities, and a world-class mountain arena. Compressing all races into one day has created a powerful sense of festival and continuity. The event has reestablished itself on the international stage and demonstrated what is possible. For 2026, our priorities will be refining signage, expanding our live media coverage, and considering the addition of new races to further broaden the format. 

For me, this year’s edition has been both stressful and deeply satisfying. There were many sleepless nights in the run-up, as I worried whether the gamble of relocation and reformatting would succeed. But in the end, the vibrant atmosphere, the resilience of the runners, and the pride of seeing Scottish athletes perform on the world stage left me convinced that Skyline Scotland is not only back, it is ready to thrive. With the lessons of 2025 behind us, we can now charge forward into 2026 with confidence and renewed ambition. 

Scottish athletes dominated on home turf ©No Limits Photography

Donations to Mountain Rescue in Scotland 

When participants entered this year's Skyline Scotland, we asked if they’d like to make a voluntary donation to Mountain Rescue. We are delighted to have raised £2,214.03. We will share this amongst the three Mountain Rescue teams whose areas the race route passes through. This includes: 

• Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team 

• Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team 

• Oban Mountain Rescue Team  

Thanking the Event Team 

I’ve already expressed my gratitude to the Event Team above, but I also want to recognise the entire group of professionals and volunteers and share a bit about their work at this year's event. They are the team that made everything possible- an incredible group of talented individuals. Thank you. 

Event Village and Registration Team 

This team helps set up the Event Village, particularly the branding around the site, ensuring registration is smooth and supporting all the ancillary tasks essential to keeping the show on the road, which vary hugely from handing out finisher’s medals, meet-and-greet, bag-drop, and more.  

• Ailsa Janzen 

• Andy Coghill 

• Anne Johnson 

• Annia Roberts 

• David Campbell 

• Ellie Sewell 

• Fiona Mackenzie 

• Geoff Osbaldestin 

• Kirsty Oliver 

• Michelle Wong 

• Nicole Morgan 

• Paul Imrie

• Ruth Howie 

• Sammy Sutton 

• Sebastian Gidelski 

• Sylvie Grenon 

• Thomas Janzen 

• Wim Chalmet  

Catering Team 

Our dedicated Catering Team prepares hundreds of hot meals daily, including breakfast, lunch, and a main evening meal, to keep the Event Team fed and happy. They also supply packed lunches for staff on the course each day.  

• Cathy Lowe 

• Fi Massey 

• Laura Smith 

• Nic McNally 

• Tim Glasby 

Course Operations 

This is the team placing and collecting waymarking, putting our radio repeaters out and marshalling on the course. This is always an ‘in demand’ role at our events, but let’s recognise the huge hours spent out in all weather, and long shifts standing still at the marshal points encouraging runners and pointing them in the right direction. 

• Andy Hastie 

• Bill Johnson 

• Bruce Mitchell 

• Cameron Lamond 

• Cameron Livingston 

• Catherine Burton 

• Colin Harding 

• Craig Wallace 

• Cristophor Butuc-Mayer 

• Elizabeth Barr  

• Emma Hadley 

• Ian Young 

• Jim Gray 

• Jo Shelmerdine 

• Kasia Sambora 

• Laurie Diaz-Steptoe 

• Lucy Emery 

• Luke Welch 

• Lyndsay Cameron 

• Manouk Wilkinson 

• Marcus Taylor 

• Martin Hier 

• Martin Slack 

• Nick Summerton 

• Paul Maddison 

• Paul Rusk 

• Robert Sparks  

• Shyamala Stott 

• Stuart Gardner 

• Susan Nicol 

• Wiebke Lammers 

Info Point Team 

The friendly team at the Info Point is the first point of contact for any enquiries from runners and spectators, working tirelessly throughout the event to field a massive and varied range of questions and queries, as well as selling Skyline Scotland merchandise. 

• Duncan Kendrick 

• Jill Morton 

Site Crew Team 

Safely erecting and dismantling our large white marquees (in all weathers), gazebos, and other temporary structures is the role of this team. This is a physically demanding role and this team worked through some very tough weather on the Thursday as we started building the Event Village site. 

• Alastair Baillie 

• Ella Stevens 

• James Manville 

• Kieran O'Sullivan 

• Jules Landwehrkamp 

• Max Wainwright  

Media Team 

The Media Team is responsible for showcasing the event with their excellent photography, videos, commentary, and the creation of the Live Feed. They greatly influence the event's visual and thematic identity, often working late into the night to curate all daily content. 

• Alfie Marsh 

• Andrew Paylor 

• Andy Johnson 

• Ben Girdwood 

• Christiaan Le Roux 

• David Wood 

• Eddie Sutton 

• Elena Melton 

• Georgia Tindley 

• Harriet D'Alessio 

• Jack Anstey 

• Jimmy Hyland 

• Joseph Dalton 

• Lowri Morgan 

• Martyn Warwick 

• Neil Hart 

• Paul Hadley 

• Reuben Tabner 

• Rob Hyland 

• Bob Gilbert 

• Ryan Balharry 

• Simon Wootton 

• Steve Ashworth 

• Stewart MacKellar 

• Tanya Raab 

• Will Hempstead

Medical Team 

Our medical team plays a vital role in supporting the runners (and Event Team) at Skyline Scotland, assisting at the Event Village and each Support Point.  

• Duncan Birse 

• Hatty O'Mara 

• Kathryn Scott 

• Louisa Bostock 

• Morag Bowie 

• Natalya Kennedy 

• Nick Record 

Mountain Safety Team 

The Mountain Safety Team is deployed to the course, positioned at critical points, while also sweeping behind the final runners. Undoubtedly, this team makes a significant contribution to the safety of participants on the most technically demanding sections of the courses. 

• Aidan Robinson 

• Alastair Rose 

• Anna Danby 

• Cameron Wood 

• Clive Hebblethwaite 

• Craig McKay 

• David Lamond 

• David Williams 

• Derek Petrie

• Euan Larter 

• Giles Trussell 

• Iain Ballantyne 

• Jack Oliver 

• Jack Wright 

• James Coomber 

• James Seaman

• Jess Williams 

• Laura McAuley 

• Michael Hastings 

• Michael Mason 

• Naomi Clarke 

• Nathan Adam 

• Oliver Barr-Skeoch 

• Paul Barnes 

• Ramsay Mackay 

• Sarah Crowsley 

• Sarah Organ 

• Seán Fortune 

• Tara Grosvenor 

• Tom Fullen 

 Ourea Events Team 

This is the office team from Ourea Events, comprising current and former employees, each with a specific responsibility to lead and manage a component of the event. They are a truly extraordinary team of event professionals who play a key part in the magic that happens each year. 

• Alex Chesters 

• Charlie Williamson 

• Duncan Archer 

• Greg Mickelborough 

• Ian Stewart 

• Jen Edson 

• Jo Moore 

• Libbi McGibbon 

• Lorna McBride 

• Marie Cheng 

• Neil Davies 

• Olivia Jackson 

• Shane Ohly 

• Sue Dowker 

 Event Control Team 

Our Event Control team oversees and manages all the course operations, communications and emergency responses. Their primary concern is always the safety of the participants and event team deployed to the course, but they also play a key role in all our course operations and logistics.  

• Abbi Forsyth 

• Chris Plant 

• Daniel King

• Martin Cavill 

• Nikki Archer 

Response Team 

Our Response Team comprises of Mountain Rescue Team members from across the UK, providing us with a professional response capability throughout the event. 

• Abel McLinden 

• Alison Gallagher 

• Alistair Morris 

• Dave Howarth 

• Lucy Noble 

• Sarah Graham 

• Simon Verspeak 

• Stephen Smith

Support, Water Point and Transport Team 

This team delivered the various Support Points on the Jacobite 100, Steall Marathon and the two longer trail races. Again, a tough role with some of the most extended shifts once the drive-in is factored in, including setting up for the first runner, waiting for the last runner, and returning to the Nevis Range.  

• Alec Major 

• Anna Rybitw 

• Daljit Bhogal 

• David Horn 

• Geoff Cox 

• Ian Cowie 

• Jay Jones 

• Lauren McKay 

• Luke Elliott 

• Sophie Lapin 

Technical Services Team 

Our team consists of plumbers, electricians, and various technical experts who ensure the lights stay on and water continues to flow. 

• Kevin Nairn  

• Phil Sturgeon 

• Tom Rouse  

Timing and Tracking Team 

We maintain a close partnership with Open Tracking, who handle all timing and tracking for our events. They also create our results and support essential safety functions. Shane Ohly and James Thurlow also jointly organise the not-for-profit Adventure Sports Events Conference in November each year.  

• Chris Mills 

• Ewen Malloch 

• Ian Nicol 

• James Thurlow

The Scottish Highlands are a magical place to be ©Tanya Raab Photography

Results 

A full list of the finalised results, including split times and age category results, is now available below.

Tracking 

For the Ben Nevis Skyline, Jacobite 100 and Steall Marathon, which had GPS tracking, it is possible for runners to relive their race experience with the replay function on the GPS Tracking page. 

Bib Number Photography

Were in attendance, with a large team of photographers trying to capture every participant at one point or another. These photos are now available to view (and purchase) here! 

Conquer the Ben Nevis Skyline ©No Limits Photography

Feedback via RaceCheck 

Your feedback is very valuable to us. Whether positive or constructive, we welcome your thoughts. While we can't promise to implement every suggestion, we will read and thoughtfully consider all feedback. Participant input has been crucial in refining and enhancing the event over the years, making it better each time. Please don’t hesitate to share your comments via our contact form or email us directly. If you haven’t left a review yet, we would really appreciate it. 

Thank you to all who took part ©No Limits Photography

What’s Next?

There are still some places remaining on our Lakes, Dales and Moors Traverses next Spring. Explore the best of the Lake District in the challenging, yet beautiful 100km Lakes Traverse, or push your limits on the 55km Dales Traverse!

100km journey through the Lakes ©No Limits Photography

Fancy a Welsh adventure? New for 2026 we are hosting the Dragon’s Fire and Dragon’s Tail - two shorter, but no less mighty additions to the legendary Dragon’s Back Race. Test your nerves over the infamous Grade 1 Scramble of Crib Goch or explore the Bannau on foot to a spectacular finish at Cardiff Castle. Places are selling fast, so check out the website and join the adventure!

Take on the Dragon ©No Limits Photography