Stranraer may be tucked away in the picturesque south-west corner of Scotland but it still attracts some of Scotland's top club runners for its annual early spring half marathon. Robert Gilroy (Ronhill Cambuslang Harriers - 1:08:29) and Jennifer Emsley (Central AC - 1:18:20) are the course record holders and Robert's team mate Kerry Liam-Wilson was the winner last year.

They come to enjoy a good test on a course that starts in the rural town of Stranraer before heading into the beautiful surrounding Galloway countryside. The course is undulating so there's interest in both the route and the views.

This year's race is scheduled for Saturday 3 March and race organisers bill the event as ideal for beginners, and excellent for seasoned runners wanting to improve their personal best times. They also offer a 4 mile option and have partnered with Wigtownshire Active Schools and Community Sports who are running a 'Couch to 4 Mile' programme from the town's Ryan Centre Gym on Saturdays (12.00-1.00pm) starting 20 January (details on Facebook). There is also a full programme of junior races as part of half marathon day.

Top club runner Jenn Wetton (aka Jennifer Emsley) gave the Run Stranraer Half Marathon a big thumbs-up when she chose the race as a favourite in a 2016 feature in runABC Scotland magazine. She said: "…a very well organised race, providing great value for money and a challenging course in a really nice part of the world."

To find out more and to enter visit the event website.