Completed a marathon, got the medal to prove it and wondering what's next? Why stop at just 26.2 miles? If you're looking for an even greater challenge, then the River Ayr Way Challenge could be the thing for you! This year's event will take place on 14 September, so that's around 11 weeks to get yourself race ready for this 40 mile ultra-marathon.

The River Ayr Way is Scotland’s first source to sea path network and it passes through some of Ayrshire’s most spectacular and varied scenery with an abundance of wildlife to be spotted as it runs from its source at Glenbuck Loch to the sea at Ayr. Expect to see otters, badgers, herons, hen harriers and much more.

The route also passes through areas steeped in history with links to many famous Scottish figures including Robert Burns, William Wallace, John Loudoun Macadam and many Covenanters.

As you would expect with a riverside course, this race is mostly off road with some small sections on quiet roads. The last five miles give those with some reserves in the tank a chance to stride out as they are all on tarmac.

If you're worried about support en route with such a lengthy distance, you needn't - there are water stations every 5 miles and fruit, cold drinks and a friendly welcome at checkpoints every 10 miles. And as the race finishes at Dam Park track in Ayr you can look forward to a stadium welcome as you cross the finish line - definitely a finish befitting of an ultra race champion!

If 40 miles seems a bit too intimidating, relay teams are also welcome, organisers advise running in teams of three for this but it can be done with a team of two if that's your preference.

In 2023, David Mclure of Kilmarnock Harriers & Athletic Club won the race in 5:34:48 while the first female was Jennifer Brown in 7:08:52. The first relay team home was The SIS in 5:10:43.

If you'd like to know more then visit the East Ayrshire Leisure website here.

Image: East Ayrshire Leisure