The race sold out in four minutes. The waiting list is now also closed due to high demand.
First held in 2000 and last run in 2019, the Barrathon became a sell-out favourite capped at 300 runners. Now, Barra Running Club is bringing it back and excitement is already building.
Schedule 2026
Friday 26th June
Registration 5.30PM-7.30PM
Castlebay School
Saturday 27th June
Race Day
0900 Registration at Castlebay School
1000 Fun Run U10's
10.20 Pre-Race Briefing at Castlebay School
1040 Barrathon
1100 Fun Run U17's
1330 Prize Giving and Lunch for runners
Saturday Evening Ceilidh
7.30pm - 10.30pm
Castlebay School
Tickets to be purchased at registration
The Barrathon, Barra half marathon route is a road run within the Western Isles. The loop covers a distance of 13.1 miles (21.09kms) and has an elevation gain of 928 feet (283m).
The Barrathon begins in true island style, with runners gathering at Castlebay School for 10.20 am for pre-race briefing before being led to the start line near the Dunard Hostel by the amazing Comhlan Pioba Sgoil Bhàgh a' Chaisteil ready to set off at around 10.40am. The course is well marked out and there are mile markers to guide you. Water Stations are situated around the course every few miles. Water will be handed to you and please drop empty compostable cups at the side of the road preferably in buckets provided! These will be recycled. This event is taking place on open roads and marshals will guide and cheer you along. If you feel unwell or need assistance, please approach the nearest marshal.
Cyclist and Coastguard marshals will also be on hand. Just flag them down if you need any help.
When you finish the race you will receive a stunning bespoke medal and you are invited to have a delicious lunch with us back at Castlebay School, just show your medal. Food for spectators can be purchased from various food outlets based near the finish and also local shops and hotels.
The Barrathon is as challenging as it is beautiful—and for those who still have energy left, the celebrations continue long into the evening with a traditional ceilidh. These tickets can be bought when registering your place and will be limited to two per runner.
The Course
Running on Barra
We strongly advise all runners to collect their race bibs and t-shirts if ordered on the Friday evening. This will really help with the rush on race day plus you can wear your t-shirt to run in!
All runners in the U10 and U17 Fun Run should also register on the Friday evening at Castlebay School 5.30pm-7.30pm
Site Parking and Road Closures
There will be a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order in front of school for the day from 9.30am- 1.30pm. Should you wish to park on the ground known as the waste ground adjacent to the school please ensure that you do so before 9.30am at which point the road will close and there will no access. It is the responsibility of all athletes to find parking around Castlebay. There will be no specific parking for the event.
Huge thanks to the following.....
The runners for putting in the training and the effort to travel to our beautiful island along with the community of Barra for supporting this event.
A special thank you goes to all our volunteers including marshals, first aiders, Castlebay School and Castlebay Sports Centre.
A final thank you to the Barrathon Committee who have worked so hard to resurrect the Barrathon!
Lastly, this race could not have gone ahead without the donations and sponsorship we have received. These include Scottish Water, Castlebay Coop, Castlebay Hotel, The Folio Trust, Mowi Scotland, ClubSport Uist & Barra and Spagan Microgrants, Tunnocks, Scottish Athletics.
