It may have been four years since its last outing, but Dumfries Harriers are confident that runners in South West Scotland (and beyond) will join them for the return of the Mabie 10K Trail Race this June (4th).

Dumfries and Galloway's Mabie Forest offers a stunning location with the start/finish point located at the popular Mabie House Hotel. Just four miles south of Dumfries, on the Solway Coast, Mabie Forest is home to numerous award-winning paths and world class 7 Stanes mountain bike trails.

The course, follows a mixture of the main fire roads and some of the walking paths around the forest, there are occasional crossing points with the mountain bike routes, all of which are open to other users during the race. The route itself is undulating but suitable for runners and it should be noted that trail shoes are recommended.

Back in 2019 the race was won by Leo Blamire in 42:08 while first woman home was Claire Wilkinson of Galloway Harriers in a time of 46:12.

Speaking about the event, a previous entrant commented: "The first 3K is pretty tough being mainly uphill on forest tracks with some difficult climbs at points. The route then evens out a bit with another climb at about 4K. The second half of the race is less uphill but contains some more technical trail sections.

"This was a friendly race, with a good local feeling and good value for money including a nice wooden medal, chip timing, a mid course water station and water/sweets at the end. If you're in the area when it's on and are looking for a tough (but friendly) trail race I would strongly recommend it!"

If you'd like to know more, visit the Mabie 10K Trail race website.

Image: Dumfries Harriers Facebook