Borders, Dumfries & Galloway

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Both the Borders and Dumfries & Galloway regions offer stunning landscapes and wide open spaces so plenty of opportunities to head out into the great outdoors. For runners the natural environment is an unrivalled resource with great trail runs within jogging distances of all locations.

There's a solid formal structure too with long establish names like Gala Harriers (over 100 years old) and vibrant newer clubs like Dumfries RC (see profile) while names such as Lauderdale Limpers and Kelso Crawlers reflect the wider appeal of running in the modern world. A solid network of jogscotland groups in both the Borders and Dumfries & Galloway means that the needs of runners from beginners level to club competitor are well catered for.

There's a great programme of races too - Dumfries half marathon celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2011 and its yearly appearance is something of an occasion for the market town; Stranraer boasts popular half marathons and 10Ks (good opportunities for juniors here too) while in the Borders the Jedburgh festival of running is an autumn highlight, and the jogscotland 5K challenge at Dryburgh in June is well supported. For hardier runners, the Borders winter cross country series - 7 events including Galashiels, Peebles and Berwick - has many devotees.

Like many rural areas Dumfries & Galloway and the Scottish Borders punch above their weight in running terms. You don't get the mega events held in the cities but you do get lots of locally-based activity, small, friendly and well-run events and a warm welcome at the network of groups and clubs.

Have a look through the sections below to find out more about the running community in the area!