Fife Pilgrim Way Ultra 2026: A Stunning Inaugural Journey Across Fife

From Dawn Legs to Post Race Glory
On Saturday 2 May, runners gathered before dawn in North Queensferry for the inaugural Fife Pilgrim Way Ultra, setting out on a 90 kilometre journey across the Kingdom of Fife towards the ancient streets of St Andrews.

What followed was far more than just an ultra marathon.

From nervous smiles at 4am registration to emotional finish line reunions nearly 15 hours later, the first ever Fife Pilgrim Way Ultra delivered everything trail running should be. Tough climbs, changing landscapes, unpredictable Scottish weather, moments of struggle, moments of joy, and a powerful sense of shared adventure stretching from the Forth to the Tay.

The route took runners through woodland trails, quiet villages, open countryside and historic sections of the Fife Pilgrim Way, with support from local communities, volunteers and families cheering loved ones along the course. Many local runners discovered new corners of Fife they had never explored before, while visiting runners experienced the county at its wildest and warmest.

Out of 121 starters, an incredible 111 runners completed the journey to St Andrews. Even those who reached Markinch had already completed an ultra marathon distance of 32 miles, proving just how demanding the route truly was.

The inaugural course records have now been set and they are formidable benchmarks for future editions.

Scott Hendrie stormed to victory in a remarkable 7:48:34, becoming the first ever male winner and course record holder of the Fife Pilgrim Way Ultra.

The first female finisher, Iszy Hinkley, crossed the line in an outstanding 9:06:49, placing 8th overall and setting the women’s course record in the process.

For full results and category standings, visit the official results page.

The feedback from runners throughout the weekend painted a vivid picture of the event experience. The route was described as tougher and hillier than expected, especially under unusually warm conditions, yet runners consistently praised the constantly changing scenery and terrain. One hill in Kennoway seems to have developed its own reputation already.

The finish at Holy Trinity Church Hall in St Andrews became a place of celebration, recovery and storytelling, where runners swapped trail tales over hot lasagne after washing the salt and sweat from the day away.

The event also carried an emotional layer behind the scenes. Organiser Cat and co director Susie brought the event to life while navigating Cat’s ongoing cancer treatment and recovery from surgery. Their determination, alongside an army of volunteers, marshals, medical teams, drivers and local venues, helped create an event that felt deeply personal from start to finish.

Special thanks were shared across the community, including the marshals who staffed checkpoints from before sunrise until late evening, tail runners supporting those at the back of the field, Fife Medical Group, Open Track Timing, Fife Countryside Trust, checkpoint venues along the route, and the DoubleTree Hilton North Queensferry for hosting registration. Alongside this incredible support, runners, marshals and volunteers also helped raise around £400 for Methilhill Community Children’s Initiative, adding a meaningful community impact to the event.

The official event photography is now available to view, with Michael Philp capturing the spirit of the day from the earliest hours of the morning. Runners are encouraged to support the photographers whose long days on the trails help preserve these unforgettable moments.

The inaugural Fife Pilgrim Way Ultra felt less like a race and more like a travelling community stitched together by muddy shoes, aching legs and determination. A modern pilgrimage with aid stations, boiled potatoes and hydration packs instead of staffs and cloaks.

And judging by the reaction from runners, families and volunteers alike, this is only the beginning.

If the Fife Pilgrim Way Ultra has sparked your curiosity and you’re tempted to take on the journey yourself, entries for the next edition are already open, with early bird pricing currently available. Whether you’re chasing a new ultra challenge, your first 90K adventure, or simply want to experience one of Scotland’s most scenic point to point routes, now’s the time to secure your place on the start line.