Mull of Galloway Trail events – briefing

Registration

Race registration will take place near the parkrun in Agnew Park, between the park and adjacent car park (What3Words ///regretted.positive.spaceship).

Marathon from 7am until 8.15am, then from 9am to 10.15am for Sandhead 10 runners, and the Fun Run and walk participants.

There is also opportunity to register on Friday night at Custom House, Stranraer between 18.00 and 19.30.

Possible but not preferred, registration can take place at the race start line.

Route

The route is very much multi terrain. Grassy fields, sand beaches, gravel and shingle beaches, tarmac roads, sand dunes, nettles and some muddier bits.

Shoe choice

Unless there is lots of rain between now and the race, road shoes will be suitable for the route. Must point out there is rain forecast!

Minimum kit list

Mandatory kit list – it’s simple, we’re not going to be overly proscriptive. Minimum requirements are a charged mobile phone (Race control numbers are: 07943 838805 or 07900530900 ), a foil blanket, and a bag, race vest, waist pack etc with ability to carry water and your GPS tracker.

We do however recommend carrying waterproof covering – we all know Scottish weather is unpredictable at best.

The mandatory kit is applicable to the Marathon only. Although we always recommend weather protection when running in Scotland!

Bag Drop

There are no drop bags available on the route. (except the finish see below)

Bus times

Marathon bus will depart at 08.30 from the marina at Stranraer.

Sandhead 10 bus will depart at 10.30. This includes participants for the Fun Run and Walk.

It is your responsibility to make sure you are on your bus on time. There will be an escort from registration to the bus. If you miss the bus it is your responsibility to get to race start. 

Buses 

There are local buses along the route which may be helpful getting to the start or back to your accommodation. Stagecoach website and google are friends for this. 

Finish Drop bags 

There is facility at race registration to drop a small bag which you can collect at race finish. Your race bib will include a baggage drop tag. All baggage and contents are left at owners’ risk. 

Chip timing 

Both Marathon and Sandhead 10 are chip timed. Tags attach to your trainer, and will be collected at the finish line. Our timing company have invested a good some in this equipment, you are kindly asked to ensure it is returned. The Fun Run and Walk are not timed. 

GPS tracking 

Marathon runners will be supplied with GPS trackers. Once switched on ensure you see a blue flashing light. It isn’t bright to save battery life, so look closely! This device works best when placed as high as possible – tucked into your beanie hat maybe! Just don’t bury it under your foil blanket and spare clothing. 

Marshals 

The course is marshalled from start to finish with volunteers. Please give them your thanks and gratitude. They also carry the full authority and backing of the race director. Abuse and ignorance will not be accepted. 

Road crossings 

There are several crossings and a few road sections. Do not take any unnecessary risks.  Please take care at crossings and on the roads. There is plenty of verge space if required, take a moment. Please obey the marshals, they can’t stop traffic, they can stop you. Ignoring marshals can lead to disqualification.  

Water Stations 

Water is available. It isn’t in bottles. You need to carry your own cup/bottle/bladder etc. We’re all about reducing disposable plastics, this is a little part of that.

Water is available at:

Drummore (10k)

Grennan (14k)

Ardwell Chalets (20k)

Sandhead (26k)

Clayshant (29.5k/3.5k)

B7077 (33.5k/7.5k)

Commerce Road (38k/12.8k)

Henry’s Bay House (40k/14k) 

Littering 

Simply put – don’t do it. DQ possible! 

Headphones 

Our race director Alex loves to run with music. Headphones are not banned. Running on the road sections and road crossings though is not permitted with headphones. Be sensible. Be safe 

Way marking type 

The Trail is marked in multiple manners. The Mull of Galloway Trail is in itself waymarked. These markings are intermittent, and mile markings are approximate.

Additional markings have been added with high viz signage and some temporary spray markings.  

Toilets 

Public toilets available at the start, Drummore, Ardwell, Sandhead and the finish adjacent to Driftwood Café 

Who’s done this before? 

Have you done this race before? Pay particular attention to the route. We’ve made a few small tweaks, especially near Ardwell and at the finish area. 

Cake for RNLI 

We’re raising money for RNLI. A cake sale will take place at the finish, and we’d love you guys to donate some cakes, biscuits and home baking to the cause. These can be dropped at registration.

Coffee opportunities 

Depending on where and when you start finish, you and/or friend and families can get coffee etc at Driftwood Café (Stranraer), Tigh Na Mara (Sandhead), Gallie Craig (Lighthouse)  

BBQ 

Rotary Club Stranraer are providing a complimentary BBQ to race finishers. Your race bib has a tear off tag which will be used for both you bag drop and your BBQ ticket. Family and friends can “buy-in” with a donation to Rotary Club Stranraer. Recommended donation is £5. 

Covid

Please do not attend the race if you have tested positive within the last 10 days, live in the same household with someone who has tested positive in the last 10 days, or experienced any covid like symptoms in the past 10 days.

We recommend all participants to take a lateral flow test before attending. Please consider the local community through which this event takes place.