- Sat 4 Apr 2026
17:00
Age 16 & over
£52
- 5 hrs trail running
Event overview
Set within and around a medieval-style village, this unique 5-hour multi-lap challenge blends endurance running, team strategy, and immersive atmosphere. Runners will begin in full daylight and finish under torchlight, as the village transforms from bustling race hub to a dramatic nighttime fortress filled with flame, music, and crowd energy.
The objective is simple: complete as many full laps as possible within five hours.
Whether you race solo or as part of a team, every lap counts.
The experience
From the moment the race begins, runners will loop through the heart of the village, passing spectators, team camps, and the central start/finish area on every lap. As the sun sets, torches are lit throughout the course and traditional music fills the square, creating a powerful atmosphere for the final hours of racing.
This is a race designed to be:
- Challenging but inclusive
- Competitive yet fun
- Spectator-friendly and visually striking
Expect constant energy, encouragement on every lap, and an unforgettable transition from day into night.
Categories
- Solo – take on the full five hours alone
- Pairs – share the challenge with tactical changeovers
- Quads – team endurance, strategy, and support
Team categories race relay-style, with only one runner on course per team at a time.
Fancy dress
Fancy dress is strongly encouraged and fully embraced as part of the event’s character.Medieval, fantasy, or creative interpretations are all welcome.
Prizes will be awarded for:
- Best Individual Costume
- Best Team Theme
- People’s Champion (crowd vote)
Costumes must be safe to run in and comply with race kit rules.
The Iron Keep is not just a race. It is a test of endurance, strategy, and resilience — from daylight to darkness, from first lap to final bell.
Prepare for the siege.
Event photos
Event details
- All fitness levels
- Dogs allowed at venue
- Event expo
- Event village
- Families
- Fancy dress
- Free venue entry
- Spectators
- Traders at event
Route
- Entertainment
- First aid
- Food stations
- Headphones allowed
- Marshals
- Mass start
- Multiple laps
- Navigation not required
- No cut off time
- Timed section
- Toilets
- Traffic free
- Water stations
- Way markers
- Entertainment
- Free parking
- Music
- Park
- Toilets
Event HQ
Duncarron Medieval Village
Denny
North Lanarkshire
FK6 5JL
UK
The Iron Keep takes place at the remarkable Duncarron Medieval Village, a fully reconstructed early medieval fort nestled within woodland near Stirling. Built using traditional methods and materials, Duncarron is not a replica in spirit alone — it is a living, breathing reconstruction of Scotland’s ancient past.
Surrounded by forest, palisade walls, and timber roundhouses, the village provides an authentic and immersive setting unlike any other event venue. As you run, you’ll pass through and around this historic stronghold, with every lap bringing you back into the heart of the action.
- Chip timing
- Medal
- Race photo
Aid & Event Hub
The village square acts as the heart of the event, featuring:
- Tavern-style aid station
- Team camp and rest areas
- Live announcements and music
- Clear lap counting and race updates
This central hub ensures constant engagement for runners and spectators alike.
Awards
In keeping with the theme, winners earn titles rather than medals, including:
- Iron Keep Champion – most laps overall
- Lord & Lady of the Keep – solo winners
- People’s Champion – best costume
Sustainability
- Trees not tees
- Age 16 & over
- 400 places
- Entries open
- Enter online
Entry fees
Entry fee
£52.00