Hour to the Tower
06 Sep 2026
Organiser's Description
West Edinbrugh Running Club Presents
Hour to the Tower
Hour to the Tower grew from a simple question…
"How many times do you think you could run up and down Corstorphine Hill in one hour?"
The clock starts and runners are sent on a 1 km lap taking them from the base of Corstorphine Hill, climbing up towards the historic Corstorphine Hill Tower…and back down again.
How many laps can you complete?
A brand new and exciting Scottish Athletics licensed race in one of Edinburgh’s most beautiful settings.
The Basics
When?
10:00am Sunday 6th September 2026
Where?
Corstorphine Hill, Clermiston Road
https://maps.app.goo.gl/JnTdtZmYQB3v2gcL9
https://w3w.co/look.plot.gossip
Who?
Open to anyone over 18
How much?
Scottish Athletics Members
£18
Non-Scottish Athletics Members
£21
How many places?
200
How It Works
Laps
A lap is a marked 1km (approximate) loop that takes you from the base of the hill, to the tower, and back down again. You are competing to see how many laps you can complete in the time. Only fully completed laps count.
The clock
You can begin a lap at any time before the clock strikes one hour. The race does not necessarily finish on the hour but runners will not be permitted to begin a lap after 60 minutes. Laps started before the clock strikes the hour, even by one second, will count upon completion.
The pit stop
The start/finish area doubles as a rest area. Head straight back out or take a breathe… just don't rest too long!
Winning
The runner with the most completed laps wins. In the event that two or more runners are tied for the most amount of laps, their arrival times back at the base will determine the winner.
The Course*
Each lap is approximately 1 km of mixed trail and grass with 60m of ascent.
The loop begins at the base of Corstorphine Hill adjacent to Clermiston Road, heading south along the grass before climbing east up the trail path north of the Corstorphine Hill Walled Garden. Runners continue up to the checkpoint at the Tower, then descend via the north side of the radio mast, through a fast downhill trail section back to the grassy start/finish area.
And repeat!
*We reserve the right to make minor adjustments to the course prior to race day for reasons of safety or respect to the community and wildlife of Corstorphine Hill
The Tower
Corstorphine Hill Tower is an incredible monument that has inspired this unique event. Friends of Corstorphine Hill are a charitable organisation that maintains and promotes the tower and walled garden.
We are grateful that they have supported the race and are excited to announce that immediately after the prize-giving the tower will be open for runners and spectators to head inside, climb to the top and marvel at the amazing views. Absolutely unmissable.
Am I Too Slow?
West Edinburgh Running Club are proud to say that everyone, regardless of speed, is welcome at our training sessions…the same goes for our inaugural race.
Yes…this is a tough one.
Yes…it is hilly.
Yes…some runners will be lapped by other runners.
Some will run 10+ laps.
Others will have their laps counted in the single digits.
And that is OK!
Treat the race as a race. Treat it as a training run. Treat it as a personal challenge.
All of those options are…OK!
If you run, you are wanted and welcome at our race.
West Edinbrugh Running Club Presents
Hour to the Tower
Hour to the Tower grew from a simple question…
"How many times do you think you could run up and down Corstorphine Hill in one hour?"
The clock starts and runners are sent on a 1 km lap taking them from the base of Corstorphine Hill, climbing up towards the historic Corstorphine Hill Tower…and back down again.
How many laps can you complete?
A brand new and exciting Scottish Athletics licensed race in one of Edinburgh’s most beautiful settings.
The Basics
When?
10:00am Sunday 6th September 2026
Where?
Corstorphine Hill, Clermiston Road
https://maps.app.goo.gl/JnTdtZmYQB3v2gcL9
https://w3w.co/look.plot.gossip
Who?
Open to anyone over 18
How much?
Scottish Athletics Members
£18
Non-Scottish Athletics Members
£21
How many places?
200
How It Works
Laps
A lap is a marked 1km (approximate) loop that takes you from the base of the hill, to the tower, and back down again. You are competing to see how many laps you can complete in the time. Only fully completed laps count.
The clock
You can begin a lap at any time before the clock strikes one hour. The race does not necessarily finish on the hour but runners will not be permitted to begin a lap after 60 minutes. Laps started before the clock strikes the hour, even by one second, will count upon completion.
The pit stop
The start/finish area doubles as a rest area. Head straight back out or take a breathe… just don't rest too long!
Winning
The runner with the most completed laps wins. In the event that two or more runners are tied for the most amount of laps, their arrival times back at the base will determine the winner.
The Course*
Each lap is approximately 1 km of mixed trail and grass with 60m of ascent.
The loop begins at the base of Corstorphine Hill adjacent to Clermiston Road, heading south along the grass before climbing east up the trail path north of the Corstorphine Hill Walled Garden. Runners continue up to the checkpoint at the Tower, then descend via the north side of the radio mast, through a fast downhill trail section back to the grassy start/finish area.
And repeat!
*We reserve the right to make minor adjustments to the course prior to race day for reasons of safety or respect to the community and wildlife of Corstorphine Hill
The Tower
Corstorphine Hill Tower is an incredible monument that has inspired this unique event. Friends of Corstorphine Hill are a charitable organisation that maintains and promotes the tower and walled garden.
We are grateful that they have supported the race and are excited to announce that immediately after the prize-giving the tower will be open for runners and spectators to head inside, climb to the top and marvel at the amazing views. Absolutely unmissable.
Am I Too Slow?
West Edinburgh Running Club are proud to say that everyone, regardless of speed, is welcome at our training sessions…the same goes for our inaugural race.
Yes…this is a tough one.
Yes…it is hilly.
Yes…some runners will be lapped by other runners.
Some will run 10+ laps.
Others will have their laps counted in the single digits.
And that is OK!
Treat the race as a race. Treat it as a training run. Treat it as a personal challenge.
All of those options are…OK!
If you run, you are wanted and welcome at our race.
Prices
For each sign-up, the organiser pays the Service Fee of 4% (min 50p). You pay no surcharge
Dates and Status
Date: 06/09/2026
10:00:00 - 12:59:00
Status: Open