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/.
Eddi Reader is set to take her highly anticipated 2024 spring tour to the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on Sunday 28th April!
READ MOREFull cast and creatives announced for the tour of Maggie & Me, the first stage adaptation of Damian Barr's award-winning memoir touring UK in May and June!
READ MOREThe winner of the Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award will be announced at GICF's Comedy Gala on Saturday 30th March at the city's King's Theatre!
READ MOREWest End star Steven Webb (Oliver!, Book of Mormon) will join the cast of Dolly Parton musical Here You Come Again when it comes to the King's Theatre Glasgow in October!
READ MORENot managed to get your hands on Glastonbury tickets? There's a chance to see some of the artists performing at TRNSMT hot off the heels of their Worthy Farm appearance!
READ MORECineworld, the UK’s leading cinema chain, will be holding its seventh annual IMAX Film Fest on Saturday 20th April 2024 with tickets on sale for just £3!
READ MOREDobbies today launches Dobbies Community Gardens, to offer support for community and charity groups across the UK to help transform, restore or start their indoor or outdoor green spaces.
READ MOREThis spring, Mamasan in Glasgow is set to redefine the Southeast Asian dining experience with the introduction of an innovative new casual dining menu.
READ MOREA new blockbuster exhibition showcasing Sir William Burrell’s complete collection of prized works by Hilaire-Germain-Edgar Degas (1834-1917) will open at The Burrell Collection on Friday 24th May.
READ MORECelebrity interior designer and broadcaster Anna Campbell-Jones is set to host a special event in The Mitchell Library in Glasgow on Thursday 14th March to discuss sustainable home renovations.
READ MOREComedy giant Paul Whitehouse is to reprise his West End starring role as the lovable Grandad in the smash hit show Only Fools and Horses The Musical coming to the Theatre Royal Glasgow!
READ MOREThe forward-thinking Govan Music Festival opens in Glasgow today as it gears up for four days of progressive performances and inclusive cultural participation at venues across the historic district.
READ MORECoronation Street star Sue Cleaver will swap the Rovers Return for rosary beads as Mother Superior in the UK and Ireland tour of Olivier Award nominated production, Sister Act The Musical!
READ MOREThis year marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of John Duncan Fergusson (1874-1961), the longest-lived and most international of the pioneering group of artists known as the Scottish Colourists.
READ MOREA sinister story involving 'stovies' and a grisly tale about the strange sheep of Greshornish have been chosen as the winning and runner-up stories in The Glencairn Glass crime short story competition
READ MOREThe National Trust for Scotland is going hopping mad for Easter and hosting a bumper 35 Easter egg trails at the special places in its care this spring.
READ MOREToday, the producers of the 2024/25 UK and Ireland tour of Hairspray are delighted to announce initial casting for the smash hit musical coming to the King's Theatre Glasgow!
READ MOREBringing together two leaders within the dance world, an Accident / a Life is an exciting collaboration between Marc Brew and Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui.
READ MORENew wine brand, Greasy Fingers, partners with top burger chefs to develop the ultimate burger and wine pairings!
READ MOREProducers of the global sensation & JULIET are delighted to announce Gerardine Sacdalan as Juliet, Sandra Marvin as Angélique and Lara Denning as Anne in the upcoming UK tour!
READ MOREGlasgow Film Festival Industry Focus has unveiled its 10-Year Vision for Glasgow Film Festival's Industry programme, with ambitious plans to become the UK's main destination for independent filmmakers
READ MOREGreat Run 2024 series highlights inspirational stories from runners around the UK.
READ MOREA popular spot in Glasgow, Mikaku, has officially launched its new food offering in its existing site at 45 Queen Street.
READ MOREComedians Chris Forbes and Josie Long marked 1 week to go until Glasgow Comedy Festival kicks off by performing their shortest sets ever in city centre bar VEGA's very own disco lift!
READ MOREFan-favourite and winner of Best New Musical (What'sOnStage Awards 2023), Bonnie & Clyde The Musical has announced full casting for the production's first ever UK & Ireland tour!
READ MOREPlatform, one of Glasgow's coolest venues, is set to mark its sixth birthday anniversary with a series of exciting events and special customer incentives throughout March!
READ MOREDobbies, the UK's leading garden centre, is bringing back its much-loved Easter event, inviting families to hop along to their nearest store and enjoy an Easter Bunny Breakfast egg-stravaganza.
READ MOREThe Homebuilding & Renovating Show, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, will be back at the SEC Glasgow on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th May.
READ MOREProvand's Lordship, the oldest house in Glasgow, will reopen on Friday 29th March 2024, the charity Glasgow Life has confirmed.
READ MOREFriday 8th March marks International Women's Day and to celebrate Vue is set to screen four inspiring films which follow the achievements of incredible female leads.
READ MOREGo Radio | Number 1 for Glasgow & The West - Listen on DAB, Online or on your Smart Speaker, just say "Launch Go Radio"