Mull of Galloway Trail

The 2021 edition of the Mull of Galloway Trail Marathon will take place on 18th September.

Designated one of Scotland’s Great Trails, The Mull of Galloway Trail is recognised for its stunning views in south-west Scotland. Stretching from Scotland’s most southerly point, it travels northward along the east coast of the Mull of Galloway heading for Stranraer. The lighthouse at the start was built in 1830 by Robert Stevenson, grandfather of Robert Louis Stevenson, the well know author of Kidnapped and Treasure Island.

Created and maintained on a voluntary basis by the Rotary Club of Stranraer, the Mull of Galloway Trail opened to the public in 2012. Upon reaching Stranraer, the path links to the Loch Ryan Coastal Path, and then onto the Ayrshire Coastal Path. The Mull of Galloway Trail now forms a key part of the International Appalachian Trail (Europe) as it winds its way through Scotland.

It 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.

Further information on the Mull of Galloway Trail can be found at www.mullofgallowaytrail.co.uk
The website includes additional details on the route, suggested accommodation and also some stunning photos of what you can expect to see along the Trail.

The Races

Acorn Trails will be offering three events on the day:

The Marathon:

Starting from the lighthouse, participants will run the full length of the Mull of Galloway Trail finishing at Stranraer marina.

Course record: Rick Williams 3:37:20 (2016) Lucy Colquhoun 3:46:00 (2015)

The “Ardwell Chalets” Sandhead 10:

Starting in Sandhead, participants will compete over the fastest 10-mile section of the Mull of Galloway Trail. We expect some quick times over this race.
Course record: Alex Allardyce 1:03:40 (2018) Tracy Wilkinson 1:15:34 (2017)

Ardwell Chalets – the perfect place to stop for exploring the Mull of Galloway Trail and surrounding area. Click the image for further details

The Fun Run and Walk

On the same course as the “Ardwell Chalets” Sandhead 10-miler, this event is not under Scottish Athletics permit. This enables walkers, walking poles, dogs, buggies, prams and accompanied children! (Dogs and buggies may not be allowed on the complimentary coach to the start – if you intend to be accompanied in this manner please check with us directly prior to the event). There is a few stiles on the route which will need to be negotiated.

Entry:

We have carry over entrants from 2020. There will be a further limited number of spaces available. Entries will re-open on 31st March via EntryCentral – click here

Registration:

Registration will take place in the Stranraer Marina office, Stranraer DG9 7RE

Start Time:

Mull of Galloway Trail Marathon will start at 10.00am. The complimentary bus will leave the marina at 9am. If you intend to make your own way to the start line please advise the registration staff.

The “Ardwell Chalets” Sandhead 10 and the The Fun Run and Walk will begin at 10.00am. The complimentary bus transfer to the start will depart the marina at 9am. Please advise registration if you intend to make your own way to the start.

On the route:

The Mull of Galloway Trail is a waymarked public footpath designed and maintained by Rotary Stranraer. There are miles makers as part of the general route waymarking. These are approximate.

There will be additional race signage along the route as necessary. There will also be marshals on the route for your assistance and safety. Please heed instructions and guidance from these volunteers. Failure to do so may result in disqualification from the event.

There will be periodic check points along the route. These will be stocked with water, cola and treats. If you have other specific food/nutrition requirements during the race, please carry it with you!

The finish:

The races finish at Stranraer Marina. There will be a barbeque and refreshments available at the finish. This is provided by Rotary Stranraer and is included as part of the event entry fee. If you have friends and family wishing to partake in the refreshments, this will be via donation to Rotary. Additional tickets for the barbeque will be available at registration.

Showers and changing are available at the finish. Bags can be left at registration – as usual this is at the owners own risk, and Acorn Trails can accept no responsibility for loss/damage.

Prize giving will take place during the barbeque about 4.30pm. All finishers of the Mull of Galloway Trail Marathon and the “Ardwell Chalets” Sandhead 10 will receive a race memento. Category prizes will be awarded to 1^st, 2^nd 3^rd Overall, 1^st V50, 1^st V60, 1^st V70 in male, female and non-binary (prizes will only be awarded in contested categories).

Race timing:

The Mull of Galloway Trail Marathon and “Ardwell Chalets” Sandhead 10 will be chip timed. Periodic check points will also be recorded. The Fun Run and Walk will be manually timed. Loss or damage of the race timing band will incur a charge for replacement.

Event merchandise:

Available to purchase at time of entry, merchandise will be available to collect at registration.

The Mull of Galloway Trail Marathon and “Ardwell Chalets” Sandhead 10 are “Tee or Tree” events, and we encourage all participants to consider the purchase of a Tree For Life instead of a race tshirt

RULES – short and sweet:

1. Respect the marshals. They give their time so you can run!
2. Always follow the marshal’s instructions, especially at road crossings. Failure to do so could result in being disqualified
3. Running under a false name/number will result in immediate disqualification from this and all future races. If you are also a member of a running club or SAL, we reserve the right to inform them too.
4. Don’t litter. Anyone caught littering will be banned from future races and disqualified on the day.
5. The route is shared with others. Respect them and they will respect you. Smile, say hello and remember you are doing something great!
6. No dogs. The race is under SAL permit

Race queries should be emailed to info@acorntrails.run