This is a relay race. The most usual format is a team of 3 runners each doing 22 miles so as to cover the 66-mile route in roughly 12-13 hours. Because of the hilly terrain, with some difficult off-road parts, each 22-mile section will take you longer than a normal 26-mile marathon. That is why we call it an “Ultra”.

You can download full briefing notes as a .pdf file HERE.   If you don't have Adobe Acrobat installed it can be downloaded free of charge HERE

• Distance runners wanting to gain some experience of hill-running
• Hill runners wanting to gain some experience of longer distances
• Runners training for long-distance challenges on other well-known trails such as the West Highland Way
• Members of clubs in other sports (e.g. shinty, soccer) who are looking for both the training and the team-building

You can change runners at any of the checkpoints, but not anywhere else. If you haven’t got your own transport to/from checkpoints, don’t worry - lifts can be arranged (provided we know in advance).

Timeouts

To ensure that all runners are finished by 20:00, there are strict timeouts at each checkpoint (see table above). For example, suppose you are in a team of 3 with changeovers at Clachan and Brackley. If the first runner has not reached Clachan by 11:10, the second runner will be asked to set off anyway. If the first runner then reaches Clachan, say, 15 minutes later, the extra 15 minutes will be added on to final finishing time in Campbeltown.

Can’t make up a team?

You don’t have to enter a complete team right away. You can put in your own entry now and then form a team later. Or you can put in an individual entry, telling us the distance you would like to run (minimum 10 miles/16km), and let us make up on-the-spot teams. These teams will not be finalised until registration on the Friday evening (to allow for last-minute cancellations).

What to bring...

• Map - Ordnance Survey Landranger 62/68 or Explorer 356/357
• Compass and whistle (in case mist comes down … path is sometimes indistinct)
• Windproof full body cover (because weather can change quickly)
• Mobile phone (but note: some places out of reception, depending on network)
• Emergency rations

Check-in/registration:

Friday evening 9 May, at Templars Arts & Leisure Centre, Tarbert, 17:00 to 21:15

Check-in for the Novices Relay: either Friday evening as above, or in Tayinloan Village Hall on Saturday 10 May, 08:00 to 09:00.
Late check-in for the Ultra Relay is possible on Saturday 05:00 to 05:30, but only by prior arrangement with the organizers.

Purpose of check-in:

• to let us know your final decision on who is doing which section
• so that if anyone can't make it because of sickness,etc, we can make last-minute substitutions, for example by co-opting an unallocated runner
• to perform a kit check, i.e. to make sure you have map, compass, whistle and body cover
• to assign running numbers

Every member of your team must check in personally.

At check-in, you will be given a hi-vis yellow bib with the Kintyre Way logo. This is a memento to keep, but also must be worn during sections on or near any public road (and preferably throughout the race).

Presentation of certificates:

• Tayinloan Village Hall - 20:30
• Every runner will receive a personalised certificate.
• Ceilidh/feast starting 21:00, following the presentation.
• The presentation is open to everyone, but you need tickets for the ceilidh/feast.