Business Details
11 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Adventure Awaits: Expert Event Management & Trekking Solutions
Breaking Strain is an event management company based in Scotland with a global reach, specialising in delivering races, corporate and charity challenges, and overseas treks. Our expertise lies in creating bespoke events that cater to both mass participation and intimate wilderness experiences. With a team possessing extensive experience in event management, charity fundraising, and logistical support, we combine passion for exploration with professional execution. Our ISO 9001:2015 certification underscores our commitment to quality standards, while our 'take only photographs, leave only footprints' policy reflects our dedication to sustainability. We collaborate with clients to develop tailored challenges, ensuring safety through rigorous risk assessments and operational planning.Our portfolio includes managing large-scale trail running events like Run the Blades and Run the Borders, as well as Arctic and mountain treks. We also provide health and safety consultancy for film productions and major venues. Backed by six years of military service and 15 years in emergency services among our leadership team, we bring unparalleled expertise to every project. Our approach combines meticulous planning with adaptability, ensuring every event meets its objectives while prioritising participant safety and environmental responsibility.
Services
Trail Running Races
Charity Treks
Corporate Challenges
Safety Consultancy
Event Logistics
Bespoke Expeditions
Film Production Safety
Fundraising Events
Adventure Planning
Risk Assessment
Details
- Year established: 2015
Highlights and features
- ISO 9001:2015 certified for quality management systems
- 15+ years combined experience in emergency services and event logistics
- Gold award for Resource Efficiency Pledge from Zero Waste Scotland
- Proven track record with 10+ annual events and 2.5M+ raised for charity
- Specialist safety consultants for major film productions and venues
Associations and certifications
- ISO 9001:2015
What people say
Amazing community
Well organised
Scenic routes
Inclusive ethos
Charity support
Services
Event Management
We specialise in comprehensive event management from concept to completion. Our ISO-certified team handles logistical planning, risk assessments, and operational execution for races, corporate challenges, and charity events. With expertise in both mass participation and bespoke adventures, we ensure safety and sustainability while delivering memorable experiences. Our services include route planning, safety cover, and post-event evaluation.
Trail Running Races
We organise some of the UK's largest trail running events including Run the Blades and Run the Borders. These multi-day events feature various distances from 10K to 109K with challenging terrain across wind farms, historic trails, and mountainous regions. Our races include full safety cover, checkpoint systems, and inclusive policies catering to diverse participants.
Charity Treks
Our charity treks combine adventure with purpose, offering Arctic expeditions, mountain climbs, and international challenges. We handle all logistical aspects while supporting participants in raising over 2.5 million for various causes. These events include training support, safety equipment, and full route guidance.
Safety Consultancy
Leveraging our team's emergency services background, we provide safety consultancy for film productions and major events. Services include risk assessments, operational planning, and on-site safety advisors for high-profile clients including Amazon Studios, Netflix, and BBC at locations like Murrayfield Stadium.
Bespoke Expeditions
We create tailored adventure experiences for corporate groups, private individuals, and charities. From Arctic treks to mountain summits, our bespoke expeditions include full logistical support, equipment provision, and safety management. We specialise in 'off the beaten track' challenges with customised route planning and support infrastructure.
People
Lee
Co-founder & Managing Director
Specialist in cold weather endurance racing with six years in British Armed Forces and 15 years in Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. Experienced in Arctic expeditions and Kilimanjaro treks.
Garry
Co-founder
Risk management expert with 19 years in Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. Ultra-runner and cyclist with expertise in logistical planning and safety assessments.
Nicole
Events Manager
Key team member managing event logistics and participant coordination. Brings extensive experience in event delivery and client relationship management.
Neil
Logistics Coordinator
Specialises in operational logistics and equipment management. Ensures smooth execution of events through meticulous planning and resource allocation.
Questions
What inclusivity policies do you have for events?
We welcome all participants regardless of gender, sexuality, or ability. We offer non-binary categories, disability accommodations, and flexible policies for pregnant athletes.
What happens if I can't attend an event after registering?
We offer refunds with 4 weeks notice or deferrals with 1 week notice. Retrospective deferrals aren't possible after event dates.
Can I run for charity in your events?
Yes, we support charity participation with discount codes and ticket bundles. Our events have raised over £2.5 million for various causes.
What safety measures are in place during events?
We provide first aiders at checkpoints, GPS tracking, mobile safety teams, and comprehensive risk assessments for all our events.
Do you offer team or relay options?
Yes, we offer relay formats for our longer distances including the 109K Run the Borders challenge with team sizes of four.
Reviews (4)
Ellen Lloyd
Jan 22, 2020
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Lee and the team at Breaking Strain Events are amazing. Having recently returned from one of the Arctic Treks I can honestly say they are the best, they are safety experts, local guides, motivators and above all exceptionally nice people!! Lee and the team at BSE looked after us from the moment we signed up for the trek to the moment we waved goodbye to come home. The professionalism and knowledge from all the team was outstanding and we all felt very safe knowing we were being looked after by the best in the business. I cant recommend the team at BSE highly enough.
Judith King
Jun 22, 2019
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Having started the process of a charity Arctic Wish Trek back in 2017 and signing up for the trek myself and successfully completing it in temps of -40 just this week the journey with the team at Breaking Strain Events has been a life experience for all involved. Meeting Lee & his incredible team you instantly warm to their enthusiasm to a life and love of adventure and their passion for what Breaking Strain Events is all about and what they strive to achieve from not only their incredible events but their mission of challenging people to explore the world outside their comfort zone. From my
Ruth Coates
Dec 23, 2018
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Breaking Strain organised and led our charity trek to Mount Kilimanjaro in September 2018 . Professional, friendly and with bags of experience, I would highly recommend their services.
Lauren Murphy
Sep 08, 2018
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These guys are absolutely amazing at what they do. They made our arctic trek an experience to remember for life. Not only Les and Lee out on the trail itself, where they work as guides, motivators, comedians and sometimes therapists but Neil and Jo who work tirelessly behind the scenes to set up camp and make sure everyone is fed and warm. The amount of work that goes into organising and pulling off these amazing treks is crazy and these guys all have my lifelong gratitude. I could not recommend them enough
