Ok, so this is an unusual race if you haven't heard of it before it needs some explanation.

The rules are very simple, there are seven hills in Edinburgh, Castle Rock, Costorphine, Craiglockhart, Braids, Blackford, Arthur's Seat, Calton Hill and you have to go round them in that order - that's the rules. There are no routes, and pretty much no rules apart from that. You start and finish at Calton Hill.

There are water stations either at or near most of the hills (with the exception of Castle Rock which is near the start). You are running through suburban Edinburgh or parkland most of the time, unless the weather is unusually bad road shoes are fine. 

It is split into two events; the challenge (for people like me happy just to get round) and a race for those more interested in a time. The challenge heads off half an hour before the race.

There is no medal instead there is a coaster for getting round. T shirts ans sports towels are available for sale. 

This is a tough event, there are many points where it is not really possible to run and you will be hauling yourself up hills. The terrain naturally is very hilly (!) So you will find it very much saps your strength. A number of people (myself included) do find this harder than a marathon.

It is very much worth doing, both for the uniqueness of the event and the sheer challenge of such a physically tough event.

Beware that this event sells out vety quickly so you will need to be aware of the opening date on entry central.

A common question from new entrants is the route. I would recommend looking at the route on other people's Strava, there is also a very good picture guide on the archive section of Portobello Running Club website.

In summary a tough but very rewarding and wirthworth event.