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/.
Sponsored Links
Latest Edinburgh News
W Edinburgh partners with The Stand in Fringe Takeover
This August, the five-star W Edinburgh announces it is officially partnering with The Stand, one of Edinburgh’s most iconic comedy venues, in celebration of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Festival Unites Artists and Audiences in Search of Truth as Festival Launches
The curtain rises on the this year’s International Festival, welcoming audiences to explore opera, music, theatre and dance through the lens of the theme The Truth We Seek.
READ MORE
13 Food Vendors Not to Miss at the Fringe
Edinburgh University Students’ Association hosts ten of the city’s best local vendors, delivering award-winning and mouth-watering food and drink at their iconic festival venues.
READ MORE
TRUST pop up restaurant will be in town in August
This August, one of Scotland’s most exciting culinary talents is bringing an unmissable dining experience to the heart of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
READ MORE
Session schedule unveiled for Glasgow 2026
With packed venues and 30 medal sessions across 50 sport sessions, it's shaping up to be one of the most electric weekends in Glasgow's sporting history!
READ MORE
Dynamic Earth joins the Edinburgh Festival Fringe with Stellar Shows and a Unique Venue Experience
This August, Dynamic Earth is back at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe as Venue 315, transforming once again into a vibrant Fringe hub at the foot of Salisbury Crags.
READ MORE
Game changer for Edinburgh with first portable city edition Escape Room launch
The first ‘Escape Room - Edinburgh Edition’ board game is being launched exclusively at just four venues across the capital this August, just in time for the start of this year's Festival.
READ MORE
Glimmers films set to spread moments of joy throughout Travfest25
Seven moments of filmed magic to be shared with audiences in the theatre and at home throughout this year’s TravFest.
READ MORE
New Superfood Kitchen opens at Bonnie & Wild
New Superfood Kitchen opens at Bonnie & Wild as popular Scottish food hall hosts pop-up cider bar and free Fringe ceilidh this August.
READ MORE
A Mile for Every Year: Robin Dow Marks 25 Years of Mindroom with Epic Fundraiser
81-year-old Robin Dow, charity co-founder, will embark on a 25-mile walk from Leith to Tantallon Castle to celebrate Mindroom's anniversary to raise £50,000 for neurodivergent children & families.
READ MORE
SoBe Burger unveils Limited Edition Irn Bru Inspired Fried Chicken Burger for Fringe Festival
In a recent poll, Irn-Bru® claimed most votes for the flavour that best represents the nation. Now SoBe Burger unveils an Irn-Bru® inspired fried chicken burger available from 1 to 25 August.
READ MORE
Bongos Bingo announces Edinburgh dates during the Fringe
Anyone looking for an alternative night out during the Fringe Festival, then Bongo’s Bingo is the place to be!
READ MORE
EIFF announces In Conversation: Thelma Schoonmaker on Michael Powell
Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) is pleased to welcome legendary film editor Thelma Schoonmaker for a special in-depth In Conversation event at this year’s Festival.
READ MORE
Hardworking Fringe Performers to be fuelled with flavour at local world buffet
COSMO Edinburgh is stepping up to support the unsung heroes of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, its tireless, hardworking performers, by offering a meal discount throughout August.
READ MORE
The Eric Liddell Community unveils inspiring Fringe Festival Programme
Local charity, The Eric Liddell Community, has announced its lineup of shows and events taking place in its Bruntsfield-based hub, Venue 235, during the Fringe Festival.
READ MORE
Wahaca launches its first ever breakfast menu for Edinburgh Fringe
Right on cue for all the excitement of the Edinburgh Festival and Fringe, Wahaca launches its first ever breakfast menu for the entire month at its St Andrew Square restaurant.
READ MORE
Innis & Gunn launches new Edinburgh food, drink and entertainment venue Stockbridge Social
Scottish brewer Innis & Gunn is launching Stockbridge Social, a new open-air food, drink and entertainment venue on Raeburn Place, opening Friday 1st August.
READ MORE
Fringe Happening at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
With the Fringe Festival right on the doorstep, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is once again hosting a fantastic array of shows and activities!
READ MORE
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh unveils next Artist in Residence
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is proud to announce Jennifer Court as the latest Artist in Residence, taking up the unique creative post from August through October 2025.
READ MORE
Forever Edinburgh launches search for Local Legends
Forever Edinburgh is calling on residents to help shine a spotlight on the everyday heroes who make the city a better place to live.
READ MORE
Matilda the Musical Cast Announcement
Casting was announced today for the upcoming tour of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Matilda The Musical, coming to Edinburgh Playhouse in March.
READ MORE
Celebrate Tattoo with Expert Bar Crawl Guide with Glenfiddich
To mark Glenfiddich’s partnership with The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo this August, the whisky has released a guide to Edinburgh’s most characterful bars.
READ MORE
Four Points Flex by Sheraton opens its doors in Edinburgh city centre
Four Points Flex by Sheraton has debuted in Edinburgh, inviting guests to enjoy a convenient, affordable and comfortable stay right in the heart of the city centre.
READ MORE
Flight Club Reveals its Line up of Fringe Festival Treats
Flight Club, the lively fairground-inspired cocktail and Social Darts bar, has a brilliant line-up of treats on offer to escape the hustle and bustle of the Fringe.
READ MORE
Scots Language Awards on hunt for nominees
The Scots Language Awards are now welcoming nominations for this year’s celebration of Scots.
READ MORE
Top chef duo dive into first summer pop up on Edinburgh waterfront
Two of Scotland’s leading chefs are teaming up for the first time to stage a pop-up dining experience on Edinburgh’s waterfront for one night only on Tuesday 19th August.
READ MORE
Dobbies unveils spellbinding lineup of Autumn events
This October and November, Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting customers along to its trio of enchanting autumn events that are lined up across the country, helping kick-start the season.
READ MORE
The Palmerston and Pals kitchen takeover series launches this August
This August, The Palmerston will mark festival season by welcoming chef friends for The Palmerston and Pals, a series of kitchen takeovers taking place throughout the month.
READ MORE
Oasis fans who missed out on tickets can Roll With It to Fort Kinnaird
Fans who missed out on tickets to see Oasis at Murrayfield can still enjoy the iconic anthems at Fort Kinnaird on Sunday 10th August, thanks to a free live performance by tribute band ‘Oasus’.
READ MORE
Britannia sails to triple triumph
The Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh has sailed to triple triumph after being named Tripadvisor’s ‘Best of the Best’ visitor attraction in the UK and 12thin the world 2025/26.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links