Sandhead10 2025 race brief

Thank you for entering the 2025 edition of the Sandhead 10 – again the biggest one we’ve had with over 100 names on the start list!

This year we’ve dedicated the event to the memory of Tony Cooke, a fan and proponent of the event, a local runner, a family member and a friend to many. Tony tragically died earlier this year after suffering a cardiac arrest whilst training for Manchester Marathon.

Hoping to avoid another tragic story, Acorn Trails have invested in a defibrillator to be made available at all our events. Hopefully we never use it.

Our event charity was chosen by Tony’s widow Karon, and it’s a local organisation, Better Lives Partnership for which we’ve raised nearly £400 via the race, and additionally a JustGiving page has been started by his friends with a target of £500. This page is well on it’s way to achieving that goal. Further donations details can be found by clicking here…

Below are some details for the event.

Bus to the start

Two options were offered on sign-up, 9am and 9.30am.

A minor tweak to the plans means there will be two smaller buses at each departure time. All the spaces available on the buses are allocated.

Bus time allocated – click here

If you didn’t request a space at sign up, unfortunately the only way we’ll squeeze you on is if someone else doesn’t turn up! Not an advisable plan!

The bus will depart from next to the Stranraer Tourist Information office.

Alex will be there in Acorn Trails attire with a new flag!

Location on the map link below.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/YXFZhd1nsQwT5Day5

The bus will drop you at registration in Sandhead, where you will collect your race number and pins.

Race

Starts at 10.30am.

Registration is from 9.15 until 10.15.

The race route is multi terrain, with beach, sand dunes, under growth, over growth, grass fields, dirt roads, tarmac roads, pavements….. you get the picture!

There are some road crossings. Please be extra vigilant at these points, but also be careful even on the quieter country lanes which the route follows. Ear phones are not recommended for this route.

Route marking will be in place throughout the route, bright hi viz arrows, some large, some small! The Mull of Galloway Trail also has it’s own route markings and information boards along the way.

We continue with last year’s route change not long after the start, where we will follow the beach further north before cutting into the dunes near Culmore Burn.

There is a half lap of Agnew Park after running past the Oyster Festival which is on this weekend. The perfect place to unwind after the race.

GPX file for download here or see the Strava link below.

Shoe choice – should be fine in road shoes, but there will be some muddy bits, and wet bits given the forecast.

Kit – we have no specified minimum kit, although as the race is in Scotland, we do recommend waterproofs! The current forecast is a bit driech. (For the non-native speakers, that’s wet!)

Water stations will be available on the route at approximately 5km and 11km, and again at the finish. The 5k station will have water but only for top-up of your own flask, bladder, or collapsible cup etc.

Public toilets are available at the start in Sandhead, and adjacent to the finish behind the Driftwood cafe. Nice coffee!

Drop bag – you can drop a bag at the start which will be taken to the finish for you. Please be mindful of space, and don’t pack a huge holdall! A baggage tag is included with your race number. You will require your race number to collect your bag at the finish.

Prizes

There will be prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd and 1st in age category.

See you all Sunday!