Helensburgh Amateur Athletic Club (HAAC) is an inclusive athletics club based in Helensburgh. Located about 25 miles west of Glasgow situated between the north shore of the river Clyde and the hills that overlook Loch Lomond. As such, there is no shortage of off-road trails and beautiful scenery to help motivate whilst out running or in creating great races.
On this page there is summary information of the yearly races including the route maps. Each route has a link to a more detailed page which includes pictures, descriptions and GPS download files.
If you are interested in finding out more about the club itself please click on this link Helensburgh AAC to go to the club's website.
HAAC races
Currently there are three active races with a fourth, the "Hel n back hill race" paused due to ongoing forest works. The long standing "Helensburgh 10k" takes place in May each year and not including a couple of short hills is almost flat. The hill race during the "Helensburgh highland games" takes place at the start of June. The newest race is the "Trident X hill race" which takes place each August.
Click on the links below for more race specific information.
Helensburgh 10K
79.7 m
Max:
21.1 m
10 Kms
This can be entered on it's own or as part of the long established Babcock 10k series. The course starts and finishes at Hermitage Academy which provides extensive facilities for car parking, changing, toilets, showers, catering and prize presentations. The course is fast and largely flat and is a single circuit which takes in much of this delightful Victorian seaside resort. The roads are quiet and well marshalled. The event offers a warm welcome to Olympians, serious club runners and recreational runners alike.
Trident 10k
331 m
Max:
293.3 m
9.7 Kms
The ‘Trident 10K’ is a trail race like no other. It’s a beautiful but very challenging run starting at Helensburgh Rugby Club before passing through Duchess Wood and onto the high forest tracks above the town. Great views on the way down back to the Rugby Club for some well earned refreshments
Helensburgh games hill race
357 m
Max:
355 m
8.3 Kms
HAAC is out in force during the Helensburgh Highland Games organising and managing lots of athletic events for all ages during the games. One such event is the hill race, a real favourite in many a highland games across Scotland. This race was initially a free for all to the top and back again, basically follow whatever path suited you. This has changed and now follows a designated route to the top of Tom na h-Airidh and back again. No runners lost in the forest now. Well marshaled and marked along the whole route.
Hel' N' Back hill race
361 m
Max:
263 m
12.3 Kms
Unfortunately the Hel'n'Back hill race is currently on hold while forest work takes place on the John Muir way. This is challenging hill run that offers brilliant views over the Clyde, the Gareloch and Loch Lomond along the way. Given that this is the Helensburgh area this race is anything but flat. Indeed the short section from the start line might be the only flat bit. The original edible medal was replaced by a standard metal one so take care before trying to eat it.
