The course is approximately 6 miles (9.7 km) in length with around 2,500 feet (760 m) of ascent, and the terrain is mostly grass and heather with some scree.
In 1979, a ladies’ race took place over Carnethy only, the women having in previous years been restricted to a cross-country route round Penicuik Public Park.
In 1980, the hill race was cancelled due to thick mist which led the police to feel that allowing the runners to cross the A702 road was unsafe.
However, only twenty-six men and women ran the cross-country course, with 103 others disregarding the cancellation decision and running the hill race.
[6] A considerable number of runners have completed the race twenty-one or more times, an accomplishment for which an engraved quaich is awarded.