Run Scotland on The Ultra Tour of Arran

Rat Race Adventure Sports will again stage the audacious 100km off-road running challenge on the Isle of Arran, Scotland in miniature, on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th April!

Article Source: The Ultra Tour of Arran
Last Updated: 25 March 2019 10:33

On Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th April 2019, Race Race Adventure Sports, the UK’s favourite adventure challenge event organiser, will return to Scotland’s west coast for The Ultra Tour of Arran (UTA), a two day, fully supported and waymarked, off-road adventure run, packing a hefty 100km ultra distance route around the island with an overall vertical gain of 10,679 feet. With entries closing at midnight on 7th April 2019 there is still plenty of time to sign up.

They say that the mythical Isle of Arran is Scotland in miniature, the perfect outdoor playground, and the fantastically varied and distinct 50km trail running routes on the two days of audacious adventure highlight this perfectly. There are delights at every turn, from dense enchanting forests and coastal beaches in the south on day one to the iconic castles, deep glens and dramatic mountains, including Goatfell at 2,867 feet, in the north on day two. View both routes - http://ratrace.com/uta/the-route/

Jim Mee, MD of Rat Race Adventure Sports, said: “We are very pleased to be returning to Arran in 2019. The island has so much to offer our Rat Racers and their supporters over and above the huge variety of running terrain from north to south. It has its own whisky distillery, brewery, craft gin, artisan cheese, aromatics, quality local food and drink together with that incredibly special island hospitality.

“What seemed to appeal most to our 2018 particpants was setting sail to a stunning and dramatic location where they felt a million miles away, yet they were less than an hour from the mainland; a true adventure weekend.”

The UTA is suited to a range of athletes from elite fell runners to amateur sporting enthusiasts with a good base level of fitness. It is an achievable step up from a marathon into ultra-running territory, for both solos and pairs, who have prepared well and put in the training miles.

David Hellard was the first to cross the finish line in 2018 after two days of tough off road running in a time of 10:27:21. David’s girlfriend, Claire Briggs, was the first female to finish in a time 12:00:51. The average time for the 100km distance from 239 runners that took part over the weekend was 15:15:00. Can the winning times be beaten by one of the 500 runners who have already signed up for the challenge in 2019?

Allie Bailey, a female ambassador for Rat Race Adventure Sports who took part in the UTA in 2018, said: “I love Scotland and I love a challenge. It was my first time on Arran and the island is glorious. The landscape is beautiful with such a great diversity of terrain. During the race we reached many places that other people would not ordinarily see. I will be back to do it again. I enjoyed it so much.”

When signing up runners will have the option to take on the challenge of day one only (45km) or the full two-day 100km Ultra distance. Day one (between four and eight hours of running) is characterised by quiet paths, forest trails, some boardwalk sections, some tarmac sections through villages and a lot of forest dirt roads. Day two (between six and twelve hours of running) is virtually all off-road with some serious mountain sections (there might even be snow on the hilltops), where the going is decidedly rough underfoot. There will be several scheduled pit stops interspersed on the route each day, for that much needed quick rest and refuel.

Jim Mee added: “We are delighted to have the support of EventScotland for the Ultra Tour of Arran this year, helping us to bring more runners and multisport enthusiasts to Scotland to experience the stunning range of adventure playgrounds.”

Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events, said: “Arran is the perfect stage for such an exciting and challenging adventure run. With such a varied landscape, taking in glens, beaches, forests and more, we are sure participants, families and friends alike will enjoy a stunning event on one of Scotland’s most beautiful islands.”

As with all of their events, to ensure runners, their families and friends have the best weekend possible Rat Race will operate from a central Basecamp, for UTA located in Brodickjust one kilometre from the island’s ferry terminal. This hub will have all the quality trappings of a Rat Race event - good food and drink, great amenities, friendly and hospitable staff and Saturday night entertainment. A complimentary shuttle service from the ferry, together with camping, full serviced glamping; and limited paid parking options will also be available.

All runners still looking to tame the challenge of The Ultra Tour of Arran should head to the website for more information and to sign up: http://ratrace.com/uta/. Prices vary depending on when you enter.

Rat Race is partnered with Children With Cancer UK, the leading national children’s charity dedicated to the fight against childhood cancer, in a pledge to fight the UK's biggest child killer. Rat Racers have raised over £1,000,000, across all Rat Race events, since the campaign began in 2015. If runners take part in the Ultra Tour of Arran 2019 and raise £750 through Virgin Money Giving for Children with Cancer UK before race day, Rat Race will return their entry fee. For details go to http://ratrace.com/uta/run-for-charity/.

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Edinburgh News

Gilded Balloon and Edinburgh Street Food announce new, dog friendly comedy night

Edinburgh’s top street food hang-out and leading comedy producers Gilded Balloon have today announced a brand new partnership, bringing the city’s funniest night out to Edinburgh Street Food.

The one that started it all: Edinburgh Science Festival announces its new Director

Edinburgh Science Festival drew its 35th anniversary edition to a close last weekend and now announces its new Director, Hassun El-Zafar, and dates for the 2025 Festival.

Pomegranates Festival kicks off next week

There’s just one week to go before the Pomegranates Festival of International Traditional Dance (25-30 April) kicks off at the Scottish Storytelling Centre and various venues across Edinburgh.

Top tips for visiting the Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show

Now in its 30th year, the show is the go-to exhibition for any self-builders or renovators looking for practical tips, expert advice, or the chance to view 1000s of products.

Edinburgh Seafood Festival returns to St James Quarter

The popular Edinburgh Seafood Festival returns to St James Quarter, with even more opportunities to get a taste of the finest Scottish fare!

Cineword celebrates Danny Boyle

Cineworld Edinburgh celebrates the acclaimed British director Danny Boyle from May 7th to May 28th with a limited time big screen re-release of four of his classic titles at only £5 per ticket!

Johnnie Walker Princes Street Introduces Sunrise Yoga Experience

Johnnie Walker Princes Street is inviting guests to find their flow and embark on a journey of tranquility and connectivity with its latest offering, Sunrise Yoga on 3rd May!

Red Carnation Unveils 100 Princes Street, a historically rich new hotel in Edinburgh

Red Carnation Hotels, the family-owned hotel collection, proudly announces the opening of its latest masterpiece and first property in Scotland, 100 Princes Street.

Edinburgh Zoo named best zoo in Scotland

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo has been named the best zoo to visit in Scotland by TripAdvisor, the world’s biggest travel guidance platform.

Ambassador Theatre Group becomes ATG Entertainment

Ambassador Theatre Group (“ATG”), a leading live entertainment organisation, and owner of the Edinburgh Playhouse, today announced that it is rebranding as ATG Entertainment.

New Finds at Culloden Battlefield shed more light on intensity of battle

Latest investigations by National Trust for Scotland archaeologists at Culloden Battlefield have recovered a wide range of artefacts.

First Look and opening date confirmed for The Spanish Butcher in Edinburgh

RUSK & RUSK, the independent Scottish restaurant group, today shares first look impressions of The Spanish Butcher, Edinburgh, and confirms it will officially open on Friday 10th May.

New Edinburgh Dog Friendly Brunch Spot Opens Today

Sip & Bark is opening its doors today on Raeburn Place in Stockbridge, with a delicious brunch offering, a selection of cocktails and fine wines, plus it’s dog friendly!

Port Edgar Open Weekend is back with a splash as it celebrates 10th Anniversary

The annual Open Weekend returns to Port Edgar, the largest watersports and activity centre in Scotland, for a special 10th-anniversary event on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 May!

Kinky Boots struts into Edinburgh

Broadway and West End phenomenon Kinky Boots The Musical, is strutting into Edinburgh in a brand-new production starring Strictly's Johannes Radebe and rising star Dan Partridge!

Laser Station Teams Up with Cash For Kids for Fundraising Event

Laser Station will be hosting an exciting fundraising event from April 22nd to April 28th, aimed at raising funds to support Cash For Kids initiatives.

Lloyds Early Careers event coming to Edinburgh

Lloyds Banking Group is hosting a free event on Saturday 13th April in Edinburgh for young people wanting to explore the wide range of careers options available in the banking industry.

Owen Thompson MP visits Newtongrange inspiring community garden to mark Community Garden Week

Volunteers at the Newtongrange Community Garden were delighted to welcome a special visitor on Tuesday 2nd April - Owen Thompson MP.

Scottish Game Fair returns for its 35th year

The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair (SGF) is back for 2024, celebrating its 35-year anniversary at Scone Palace.

New UNIQLO store to open on Princes Street on 25th April 2024

Global apparel retailer UNIQLO will open its doors to Edinburgh’s highly anticipated store on 25 April 2024, with the arrival marks the regeneration of the shopping scene in Scotland’s capital.

Dobbies Garden Centres unveils Afternoon Tea and Planting Experience

Dobbies, the UK's leading garden centre, is inviting plant enthusiasts and foodies alike to a brand new Afternoon Tea and Planting Experience at its stores nationwide.

POSTPONED: Springfest at Loch Lomond Shores

This year's Springfest, set to take place this weekend, has been postponed due to forecasted high winds.

Duck & Waffle Edinburgh is Back with Breakfast 7 days a week and Kids Eat Free the Easter Break

Duck & Waffle Edinburgh is thrilled to announce the return of breakfast service seven days a week and to celebrate KIDS EAT FREE for the Easter break!

Cracking line up of cinematic classics and big screen blockbusters at Vue this April

A fantastic range of brand-new blockbusters, haunting horrors, theatre productions and all-time action classics lead the roster of releases heading to Vue this April.

Edinburgh Folk Club looks to future with wealth of musical talent and annual Songwriting Competition

Edinburgh Folk Club’s weekly folk, roots and acoustic nights are set to continue into the spring and summer, along with the return of their annual Songwriting Competition.

Over 65 shows announced by Gilded Balloon for Fringe 2024

Gilded Balloon have today added over 65 shows for 2024’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe line-up including Michelle Braiser and Mhairi Black!

New figures reveal the growing popularity of Edinburgh Resident Rewards scheme

More than 5,400 people took advantage of exclusive offers available only to residents within the City of Edinburgh Council area last year.

Elaine C. Smith joins the star cast of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in Edinburgh

Elaine C. Smith will play the role of The Childcatcher in the new production of the most fantasmagorical musical of all time, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, when it comes to Edinburgh Playhouse!

Historic sites across Scotland get ready to reopen their doors

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has announced that over twenty sites across the country are set to reopen their doors to visitors this weekend.

Diabetes Scotland will host a virtual event for young people 11 to 25 living with type 1 diabetes

Join Diabetes Scotland for a virtual event about an exciting new programme supporting children and young people 11 - 25 living with type 1 diabetes - Together Type 1.

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall

Run Scotland on The Ultra Tour of Arran

Rat Race Adventure Sports will again stage the audacious 100km off-road running challenge on the Isle of Arran, Scotland in miniature, on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th April!

Sponsored Links

Latest Edinburgh News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings