Welcome to ‘The Charmer’!

The ‘Cairngorm Charmer’ is a fantastic and novel adventure relay duathlon for teams of two which was set up in 2007. The word ‘Charmer’ is an acronym for ‘Cairngorm Hill Adventure Relay Mega Exciting Race’ and the event is organised as a fundraising challenge by Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS).

The ‘Charmer’ is designed to be challenging but achievable for a wide range of participant. It is a team event for teams of two who take part as a relay team each completing one lap of the course in turn. A lap of the course consists of a 4 mile run stage followed by a 4 mile mountain bike stage followed by a 4 mile run stage. The three stages are relatively short distance but ‘challenging enough’ and are set in some of the most outstanding scenic countryside in the Cairngorm National Park (very charming indeed). The route is set over excellent forest tracks with only two minor road crossings and includes the stunningly beautiful Loch Morlich, the gorgeous Allt Mor trail, Glenmore Forest and of course, a 'charming wee bit' of majestic Cairngorm Mountain (see Route).

Life is all about teamwork and hopefully the ‘Charmer’ will attract teams of mates, friends, partners, twins, couples, husband and wives, parents and offspring (aged 17 or over), mixed teams, work teams and any other teams you like as long as there is two of you!

The event is a two lap challenge. Each member of the team completes one lap each with the second team member setting off when the first team member finishes. The results will be based on the total time for the team to complete the two laps i.e. adding the finish times of each team member. Transition between run/bike/run and each lap will be continuous i.e. the clock keeps going! For details on entering the event see ‘How to Enter’ page.

In an effort to make the ‘Charmer’ as environmentally friendly an event as possible, the aim is to try and reduce the amount of paperwork involved (by using email and the event website), encourage team car sharing, avoid any adverse effects to the landscape, reduce, recycle or reuse all event items and arisings and wherever possible, manage the event in an environmentally sensitive manner. As part of this aim, there is a staggered start system used where runners are set off in small groups at a time (4-6) at one minute intervals thus avoiding a large multi-coloured group tearing down the trail. This also allows the field to spread out from the beginning and allows runners to enjoy the scenery! The timing system accommodates this staggered start system and so results are based on the actual team time to complete the two laps and not what their finishing position is.

The event objective is to raise much-needed funds for Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland who support those affected by chest, heart and stroke illness across Scotland. The event also raises awareness of the vital work of the charity and helps to promote healthy lifestyles and the ‘enjoyment’ of physical exercise! Funds are raised through the event entry fee and by optional event sponsorship and donations and we sincerely ask participants to consider getting sponsored for their challenge. Event sponsor forms can be downloaded (click here) or why not set up a JustGiving sponsorship page? And don’t forget Gift Aid which makes a real difference to every sponsorship pledge.

The ‘Charmer’ would not be possible without the outstanding support from many people. Very special thanks go to the following for their assistance: Cairngorm Mountain Ltd, Forestry Commission Scotland, Cairngorm National Park Authority, Aviemore Business Association, The Highland Council, Northern Constabulary, Glenmore Lodge and the many others who can be seen at the Supporters page
We welcome everyone to the exciting ‘Cairngorm Charmer’ event whether as a team, supporter, spectator or helper and I hope to see you at this year’s truly ‘charming’ day out for everyone…

Paul Corrigan
Event Organiser