Pippa Handley and Eastern Promise Road Races

Returning for 2026, two races on the challenging Gladhouse circuit. This circuit has one main climb, the finish being at the top of it after three full laps. There are several other small climbs round the rest of the course along with faster sections. The race is based in Eddlestone, 15 miles south of Edinburgh. For entry visit the British Cycling Event page.

In 2026 there are two races:

• Eastern Promise Road Race - Open 3/4 @ 10.30am

  Eastern Promise is a long running open race, and ERC riders compete to win the Eastern Promise Lantern. Run over 3 laps of the Gladhouse Circuit 39.3miles/63.3km. Route on strava.

• Pippa Handley Road Race - Women 2/3/4 @ 1pm
  
  The Pippa Handley Road Race is run in memory of Pippa, a club member who competed in many races before dying far too young. For 2026 the race will be the finale of the Scotia series with Santini (https://scottishcycling.org.uk/events/scottish-national-events/scotia-series/)

  Run over 3 laps of the Gladhouse Circuit 39.3miles/63.3km (note: that this will mean the points will drop down a band as it is less than 70km). Route on strava.

Volunteering

We can't run events without a small army of volunteers. This includes such roles as marshalling at a corner on the course, driving a car in the race convoy, to handing out numbers at sign-on, as well as more specialist jobs such as finish line and first aid. If you, or a friend or relative is able to help out at this or future events, please contact Chris Banks our volunteer coordinator for these events, and/or join our volunteers WhatsApp group. More details of how you can help are on our volunteering page - for those new to helping out then rest assured you'll be paired with someone more experienced.

Volunteering is fun way to help road races happen, but there will be food and hot drinks provided to volunteers, travel expenses can be claimed and ERC members even get volunteer points towards kit purchases. If you need transport to the race,then please speak to the volunteer co-ordinator about lift sharing, or riding out with other volunteers.

Race HQ

The race is based at the Eddlestone Village Hall, where sign-on will be open a couple of hours before the race, and food will be provided after each race, along with the results ceremony. Toilets and changing facilities are available, although are likely to be busy in the lead up to the race. More details on things such as timetable, parking and the start list will be provided in the rider pack in the week before the event.

The Course

This circuit has one main climb, the finish being the top of it, but several other small climbs round the rest of the course along with faster sections.

The race is based in Eddlestone, 15 miles south of Edinburgh. (Please note that the route will not be closed to traffic, but the event is marshalled with lead cars, motorcycle outriders and corner marshals and other officials to make sure that traffic is aware of our prescence and the event is as safe as possible.)

The race is neutralised from race HQ north on the A703, turning right onto the Temple, Gorebridge unclassified road until the top of the Westloch climb and past the finish area. Once deemed safe, the flag will be pulled in and the race starts!

Riders follow the race route east (anticlockwise direction), turning left at Upper Side, straight on past Mount Lothian before a left turn at the next crossroads. At the Howgate roundabout turn left for Leadburn then left again down the A703 signed Peebles. A left turn at Waterheads completes the first of three laps, with race finish i at the top of the Westloch climb.

All junctions and roundabouts will be signed and marshalled but usual road rules apply (marshals will only be pointing the way, not stopping traffic). Some of the roads are narrow and twisty, and open to public at all times. Riders should keep to the left and under no circumstance should they cross the solid white lines on the Howgate to Leadburn section. Particular care should be taken at Leadburn Junction where there is a left turn out onto the main Penicuik – Peebles road.

We hope to see you there for a great day of racing!

Alan, Chris and Charlotte (Race Organisers)