Rat racers ready for Ultra Tour
More than 400 runners will descend on Arran this weekend to take part in the Rat Race Ultra Tour of Arran across both the north and south of the island.
The two-day event, covering approximately 27 miles each day, will start at the beach near Fisherman’s Walk on Saturday when around 100 runners will head south towards Kildonan and back, mostly using forest paths. On Sunday 300 runners will head northwards towards Lochranza and circumnavigate the north-eastern half of Arran.
Registration for the event, which is aimed at experienced runners, will take place at the base camp at Ormidale park in Brodick tonight (Friday) when participants’ essential kit will be inspected and entrants provided with a satellite tracker.
Base camp – where camping facilities, a restaurant, beer tent and toilets will be provided – will also be the finishing line for both days’ events. Runners can choose to do either a single day or run on both days.
Jim Mee, managing director of Rat Race Adventure Sports, said: ‘It’s been 10 years since Rat Race have operated an event on a west coast Scottish island and we couldn’t be happier to be staging this weekend’s Ultra Tour of Arran.
‘When our participants set sail from Ardrossan they will be gazing west towards the snow-dusted northern peaks and wondering what lies in store for them.
‘Well, we know already what will greet them: a superb running or trekking experience, coupled with fantastic local hospitality.
‘We hope to be coming back every year and growing the event steadily but, for now, we’re simply grateful to the island for having us and we promise to treat your home with respect.
‘We pledge to leave no litter and we will be approaching this undertaking with a healthy dose of outdoor and mountain awareness too.’