Scenic trail marathon returns to south-west Scotland
Ambitious event organisers The Run Bible, the team behind the current South by 5 series of Sunday morning races in Glasgow, have announced details of another new project for 2020. The Run Bible has taken over the Mull of Galloway Trail Marathon and set a date of Saturday, 6 June.
The Mull of Galloway Trail, one of Scotland's Great Trails, is tucked away in the far corner of south-west Scotland, south of Stranraer. The trail stretches from Scotland’s most southerly point, marked by the Mull of Galloway lighthouse, which is dramatically perched on the edge of a 260 ft. high cliff.
Leaving the race start near the lighthouse behind, runners travel northwards along the east coast of the Mull of Galloway heading for Stranraer. Their route is generally good coastal path and well waymarked. There is no scrambling and no large ascents.
The last 6 miles are in part on very quiet roads with little traffic. The trail is very scenic looking over Luce Bay and ending at Loch Ryan with views over Ailsa Craig and Arran in the distance. The marathon finishes at Stranraer marina.
The feature marathon is one of a three-run package which also includes a 10 mile race and a fun run. The Sandhead 10 will start opposite the Tigh Na Mara Hotel in Sandhead and participants will compete over the fastest 10-mile section of the Mull of Galloway Trail. Organisers expect some quick times for the Sandhead 10.
The 6 June programme is completed by the Ardwell Chalets Fun Run and Walk which will follow the course of the 10-mile race. Unpermitted, this event allows walkers, walking poles, dogs, buggies, prams and accompanied children!
Race director Alex Osborne told runABC Scotland: "The Mull of Galloway Trail Marathon was a popular event on the race calendar under previous organisers the Rotary Club of Stranraer until 2018. The Run Bible is now aiming to attract runners from the trail and ultra communities in Scotland plus local South West runners. We also plan to continue to support Rotary, and the voluntary work they do to maintain and promote the Trail.
"We've partnered with the Stena Line to offer discounted travel so we're expecting a few participants from Northern Ireland. We're also discounting previous participants and that has attracted a lot of interest as well.
Alex is also promising: "Runners and walkers alike will be rewarded for their endeavours with a well earned BBQ and beer/refreshments afterwards."
You can enter the Mull of Galloway Trail Marathon, Sandhead 10 and Fun Run from the event listing at runABC Scotland website.
Image courtesy Rotary Club of Stranraer
