A new running event has been announced for next year.
Aboyne-based event organisers Firetrail will host the Solstice 24 Ultra Run to celebrate midsummer at Knockburn Loch Sports Centre.
The 12-hour and 24-hour lapped trail race will follow a scenic marked route on a mixture of grass, gravel and moorland paths.
One lap is 4.2 miles long with a 328ft ascent, and the participants are challenged to complete as many laps as possible in the given time.
Elite solo runners and teams are expected to complete 100 miles or more.
The 24-hour race on June 20 will start at 10am, with the 12-hour race joining in at 10pm.
Race director Alexandra Lawes said: “The success of the Illuminator, our 15-mile night race in October, has given us the confidence to take it up a notch and put on the Solstice 24.
“There is a growing appetite for endurance running and we are excited to bring this format of ultra racing to Aberdeenshire.
“The course at Knockburn Loch is fantastic, hopefully word will travel beyond Scotland and we can bring an international audience to the area.”
Local runner Steph Provan said: “This is a great race format as it will allow competitive solo runners like me to race with the support they need, but groups of friends or work teams can also to take part.
“You don’t need to be an elite runner to take part. I think it will be a really popular addition to the local race calendar.”
The organisers Firetrail have teamed up with charity Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland and participants are invited to help raise money for the cause.
