The Taynish Run Festival is an event organised to raise funds for MacMillan Cancer Support.  To ensure we raise as much funds as possible for the chairty we will provide all finishers with our unique Taynish Run race medal and a ticket for post race food.  

Based in the village of Tayvallich, Mid Argyll, we offer the participant the choice of three different routes to run within the Taynish National Nature Reserve.

There are a total of 100 spaces across the three separate races.  Start times for all events are noon.

The Taynish Cross Country Trail Run (6.8 mile)                    

The Taynish 10K Road Race                             

The Taynish 5K                                                                            

Check out the Taynish Run Facebook page for route maps etc.  (N.B. there is a link in the essentials)

The race is organised by Colin MacFarlane, supported by the local MacMillan Cancer Support group and promoted by Mid Argyll Round Table.

Race registration and briefing will be at Tayvallich Village Hall (PA31 8PW), Mid Argyll.  The follow timings apply:

Registration          Briefing          Start

9:15 - 11:30         11:40            12:00

The race will start and finish at Tayvallich Village Hall and take the runner into the beautiful Taynish National Nature Reserve. The course will be marshalled, have water stops and will be covered by first aid support. For each course, prizes will be awarded to the first, second and third place male and female finishers.

Limited car parking is available at Tayvallich Village Hall and within the village itself.

Entry Fee:

All individual races entries are £20.  There will be no refunds under any circumstances.  Think of your race entry as a donation (cause that's what it is) to MacMillan Cancer Support, with the added bonus that you'll get to run in Taynish NNR and then recover with good food, banter and a medal around your neck.  In the event you cannot make the race, or if the race is cancelled at anytime (i.e. before or during) your entry will be donated directly to MacMillan Cancer Support.  There will be no refunds but you can of course take out event insurance, if you wish. 

Entrants cannot transfer their number to another runner.

The start area in Tayvallich is narrow so we ask that slower runners and walkers stay near the back to ease congestion.  All routes start on a hill (sorry).

You have three route choices:

 Route 1 – Cross Country Trail Run – Approx 6.8 miles

This is a challenging course with uneven and varied surfaces, as well as steep climbs and undulating single track.  Although a good introduction to cross country and trail running I would not recommended this route to inexperienced runners due to the technical nature of some of the trails/surfaces. This route utilises all three of Taynish NNRs trails including a steep ascent/descent of the Barr Mor, the flat Linne Mhuirich trail and the undulating and sinuous Woodland trails.

This route includes all types of terrain from tar mac, pitched path and steps, muddy and rough ground – it’s hard but awesome.    Trial shoes recommended.  Traffic is excluded from approx 85% of this route.

Route 2 – Taynish Run 10k

This is an out and back route that takes you down the spinal road in Taynish, meeting the path that runs down to the Linne Mhuirich. This is a flatter and easier route than route 1, suitable for all runners, with the main climb being at the start. Surface; some tar mac; mainly rough road with odd pot hole; then a good all access path to Linne Mhuirich. Return along same route.  Traffic is excluded from approx 75% of this route.

Route 3 - Taynish Mill 5K

This is an out and back route that follows the c-class road down into the reserve to the formal car park.  From here you’ll take the all abilities trail down to Taynish Mill and to the Loch Sween Shore.  Dip your toe in the water, if wished, and then return by the way you came back to Tayvallich.

All routes utilise the single track C-Class road out of Tayvallich down to Taynish NNR. Both runs will be sign posted and marshalled however expect to meet the odd slow moving car on your run (you might even overtake it?!).

Particpants should not wear headphones during the race to enable them to hear traffic, other runners and directions from marshals especially where the course crosses roads that will be open to traffic. There are also sections of the course that run along public roads. Being able to hear traffic, other runners and other users is vital to the safety of runners, road users and public alike. We therefore hope that you understand the no headphones rule. Non compliance of this rule may result in disqualification.

All runners must obey any instructions from race marshals, in particular at road crossing points. The roads will be open to traffic and vehicles have the right of way. Please ensure you give way to traffic and be aware that our marshals do not have the right to stop traffic. It is the runner’s responsibility to cross the road safely.

Taynish National Nature Reserve will be open to other users including walkers, cyclists and horse riders. Please be vigilant for other users and take appropriate care when passing. If during the race you need to drop out or require medical assistance please find the nearest marshal and let them know.

The trail runs are generally wide enough to allow runners to pass, however when overtaking fellow runners please do so in a considerate manner. Do consider calling out if you think that a runner or group of runners has not heard you approaching. Try to avoid sudden changes in direction such as veering across the path as you may cut across runners approaching from behind. Use your observation to be aware if runners around you.

The Finish

For all routes you will be running downhill – well you went up it so you might as well enjoy coming down it – and returning to the village hall the way you left it. There are plans for extremely yummy (and definitely not to be missed!!) refreshments for competitors at the finish which will be provided by the local MacMillan Girls in the Village Hall with all donations going straight to MacMillan Cancer Support. I hope that you will stay around after the race to enjoy these refreshments and give generously for a great cause.

As this is a charity event we will be providing a medal and ticket for the post race buffet for all participants at Tayvallich Village Hall.  Supporters can also purchase a ticket for the buffet at the event. 

Prize giving is planned for 2pm (or sooner if results are in). I don't have a chip timing system so we thank you for your patience while results are assembled but we ask that you do not disturb the race timings team during the race and immediately after. I will look to email the results and publish them on the Scottish Athletics website as soon as possible

 I really hope you enjoy the event. Your entry will be directly helping raise money for the MacMillan Cancer Support.