THE FILM
Learn more about Martin, the Foundation and Robin's completion of the Round. Film by JHP Visuals.
In August 2022, full-time staff nurse and athlete Robin Downie became the first person to complete the Martin Moran Round, an endurance challenge set amongst the rugged peaks and wild glens of the North-West Highlands of Scotland.
Inspired by the local mountains of his youth and by Martin Moran’s own record-breaking Munros round in 1984, Robin dreamt up this epic challenge both to raise funds for the Martin Moran Foundation and to push his own personal limits.
“These were Martin’s local hills, he knew them better than anyone and shared them with many of us throughout his life. Martin spent lots of time investing in the community he lived in, especially in the young people. Hearing about his adventures and reading his books has inspired me to push and challenge myself even further in my love for hill running.” – Robin Downie
Since Robin’s first completion, the Martin Moran Round has grown into one of the most demanding mountain running challenges in the UK. Covering over 90km of wild, pathless terrain and over 8,500m of ascent, it weaves together Munros and Corbetts of Torridon and Achnashellac. In 2024, additions were made by runner, Ian Stewart, and the standard route now includes 9 Munros and 8 Corbetts, this adaption was approved by the architect of the round, Robin and is now necessary to log an FKT.
This challenge stands as a fitting tribute to Martin, reflecting his love of wild hills around his home and his drive to test the limits of endurance and mountain skill.
If you would like to attempt the Martin Moran Round, you can officially register on this page.
Distance
90km
Elevation
8500m +
Summits
17
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ETHICS AND GUIDELINES
The Martin Moran Round is more than just a test of endurance, it’s a commitment to safety, respect for the landscape and honouring the spirit in which the challenge was created. Every attempt should reflect the Martin and Robin's values: self reliance, responsibility, preparation and deep care for the hills. By registering an attempt, you agree to follow these principles to help ensure the Round remains a meaningful, fair and sustainable challenge for all who take it on.
Responsibility & Safety
Attempts of the Martin Moran Round should to be taken on with full awareness, knowledge and personal responsibility. Attempt only if you have the necessary mountain skills, fitness and experience. Be prepared for rapidly changing weather, exposed ridges and rough, pathless ground throughout. Carry appropriate safety equipment and operate with a respect and awareness of the mountain environment.
Time Limit
The Martin Moran Round is a mountain running challenge and must be completed in under 24 hours to be officially recognised and recorded.
If you complete a multi day round, your time will not be officially recorded, that said, at it's heart the Round is about experience and challenge in the mountains and we support all variations.
Route & Variations
All 9 Munros and 8 Corbetts of the standard route must be summited to log an FKT. The circuit may be completed clockwise or anticlockwise, and while GPX files from past runners are available to show variations, we encourage you to take your own lines where you wish, provided every summit is reached.
Supported | Unsupported
We now recognise both supported and unsupported completions. We advise undertaking the Round with support. Any solo or unsupported attempts should only be made by those with significant experience in the mountains and an in-depth knowledge of the terrain.
Leave No Trace
This area is one of great natural beauty and must be treated with the utmost care. Please leave no trace of your passage and be mindful of wildlife. These wild places are fragile and precious and part of the challenge is to pass through them with as little impact as possible so that others can enjoy the same experience for years to come.
Our Role
Our role is to provide information, encouragement, and to record all registered completions. This is not a commercial event but a community challenge. We love hearing about your experiences and to share photos from completions on our platform. Where possible, we encourage fundraising to support the Foundation's work. For questions about the round, contact: alex@martinmoranfoundation.co.uk.
With Thanks to Torridon Mountain Rescue
A special mention goes to Torridon Mountain Rescue, of which Martin was a proud member for many years. This exceptional volunteer team provides vital emergency support in some of the wildest and most remote terrain in the UK, their presence gives reassurance to all who explore these mountains. Several members of the team have completed the Round themselves and know the hills and glens better than anyone, reflecting its close link with the local mountain community.
SUPPORTED COMPLETIONS
UNSUPPORTED COMPLETIONS
