The 2026 Highland Cross, a 50-mile midsummer duathlon through the Highlands, is set to raise over £300,000 for five selected charities following a rigorous independent selection process. The event involves participants running or walking 20 miles through Kintail and Glen Affric before cycling 30 miles to Beauly. Beneficiaries include Dundonnell Mountain Rescue Team, which will receive a new 4×4 vehicle to support rescue operations, and Glenurquhart Care Project, which seeks funding for a second people carrier to expand its services for older and vulnerable individuals in rural communities.

Other recipients are the Highland Group Riding for the Disabled Association, which will purchase a mechanical horse to provide therapeutic riding experiences; the Isobel Fraser Care Home in Inverness, which will acquire a minibus to enhance residents’ community engagement and transport to health appointments; and Skye and Lochalsh Young Carers, which will gain a minibus to improve service reliability and reduce costs for young carers. The event, scheduled for June 20, will feature 265 teams aiming to raise significant funds to support these vital Highland organizations.