Perth Road Runners’ Kinnoull Hill Race 2022

Results from 2022 race

This race was held on Tuesday, 3rd May 2022. It was a one-off race to fill the gap of the normal KHR not being held. We look forward to the return of the ‘real’ KHR (run by Perth Strathtay Harriers) in 2023. Thanks to all who raced or helped out.

What it isn’t: It is not a direct, like-for-like copy of Perth Strathtay Harriers’ traditional Kinnoull Hill Race (KHR). This is a (slightly) different course, and operates on a slimmer logistical basis! PSH are unable to hold their race this year.

What it is: The KHR is part of the PRR schedule. It’s in our club calendar, part of the Hills Are Alive series and is our stand-alone hill-running champs (the trophies for which have not now been awarded since 2019). It’s also in the race series for a number of our neighbour clubs. So we are holding our own race for us and selected, invited clubs (KRR, DRR, FRR and such members of PSH as would like to attend). It will be a little more shoestring: no trophies and prizes beyond the PRR internal ones, no buffet etc. But it will be a chance to run a good course at Kinnoull against a strong field.

A Walk Up Kinnoull Hill in Perth

Entries: are on the night. You do not need to, nay cannot, enter before then. You simply turn up at the start line and we give you a number. There is no entry fee (although we will be making a donation to the NTS, and any individual or club contributions to that will be gratefully received). Last distribution of numbers will be at 7:15 pmPlease bring safety pins.

The start: is on the west side of Kinnoull Hill, just above the town and the Tay, near to the start of the traditional KHR. We are deliberately starting off the tarmac road, for reasons of safety and of not annoying local residents (!). From Fairmount Terrace, the start line is most easily found by taking the minor road uphill alongside Balnacraig School (passing/keeping this to your left), and then turning immediately right onto the off-road track just above. The start line lies directly ahead.

Parking: we are strongly asking runners not to park kerbside on Fairmount Road or Fairmount Terrace. There are two preferred options:

  • For runners able to reach the start in plenty of time, we suggest the South Inch car park (see map). This is a barriered, pay-and-display car park but a) is free after 6pm and b) despite the barriers, can easily be exited after that time. From here, it is a 1-mile jog to the start line using the railway/pedestrian bridge over the Tay (see map).
  • The National Trust for Scotland are kindly letting us use their Branklyn Gardens car park on Fairmount Terrace (see map). This is closer to the start line, but will hold only around 20 cars. For runners pushed for time to reach the start, we suggest this option, but ask that you park thoughtfully to maximise the number of cars that can be accommodated.

Toilets: The NTS have also kindly allowed us to use their facilities at Branklyn Gardens (see map). These are limited in number. We have been fortunate to secure these, and we strongly ask that they be used “with respect” and are left tidy.

The course: can be seen here and a Strava segment can be found here. It is 6.5 km in length. It climbs Kinnoull Hill twice, once on the way out and again – albeit from a greater starting height – on the way back. There is a steep and slightly stumbly descent from the top of Kinnoull Hill after the second ascent – care is required for that first 50 metres or so. Note also that the last 50m of the race are slightly uphill and provide something of a Sting In The Tail. The course will be marked (signs and flour arrows) and marshalled at key points. Trail shoes with a moderate grip are recommended for all but the wettest conditions.

Timing and results: timing will be manual – this is not a chipped race! Results will be compiled after the race and posted on the PRR website on this page and sent to other clubs their various pages. There will be a short get-together at the finish after the race to congratulate winners, but, as stated, there are no prizes or medals.

Club kit: club vests/shirts/etc are strongly preferred. For PRR runners competing in the HAA and Hill Champs, they are mandatory!

Also (in response to a few Qs asked):

  • full hill-run kit (whistle, map, waterproof, rucsac) is not required;
  • minimum age to run is 16 on day of race;
  • the start can be tricky to find; do bring the map, and we will see to make a few PRR signs point to the start.