Go! Festival is here to STAY
More than 1000 runners and nearly 500 cyclists took part in the first Go! Festival in Ayr on Saturday.
And organisers say it proved the town can handle major events.
Race Director John Lloyd said: “I have organised races and events across the UK and run in races across the world and few come close to what the people of Ayr produced on Saturday.”
The race routes showed off the historic sites around Ayr and Alloway and was voted a big hit with the runners.
The day was rounded off with a spectacular air display and beach fireworks.
The festival will return on Saturday August 29 next year, ahead of the Scottish International Airshow which will take place on September 4- 6.
Event director Doug Maclean said: “We brought runners from as far away as the USA and Switzerland and all were delighted to be in Ayr.
“A 25 strong Canadian police pipe band loved being involved.
“My youngest daughter ran her first 10K race exactly a year after giving birth to her first child.
“She was delighted with the support she received during the race.
“Families were out cheering and encouraging the runners, children were “high fiving” runners and people were giving out sweets and water to anyone who needed a wee extra boost on the way. There are things we can improve on for next year but the decision of South Ayrshire Council to bring the Go! Festival to Ayr and to help us design the routes was a real vote of confidence in Ayr.”