Welcome to the sign up page for the 2024 Dunoon Presents Dunoon Ultra Marathon and Relay!

Here is some key information to note:

• The race will start at 0900 on the 14th of September from Benmore Gardens

• The route is 48km / 30miles long with ~1200m / ~3950ft of elevation

• There are two checkpoints along the route, one at around 17km / 11miles, and a second at ~30km / 19miles 

• The cutoff time is 6hrs 30mins to get to Auchafour Farm (~30km / ~19miles)

• Solo entries cost £50

• Relay entries cost £60 per team

  • Can the person who has signed up email details of the other team members to info@pa23.org.uk

• These fees include

  • Free coach transfer from Dunoon Pier to Benmore Gardens if required which can be selected when signing up

  • Changing facilities post race

  • Full event support including chip timing, bag drop, and a goodie bag

  • Free branded neck warmer for all runners

    • Please note refunds can not be issued closer than 6 weeks to race day
• Runners competing in the individual ultra must be aged 20yrs or over on the day of the race 
• Runners competing in the relay race must be aged 18yrs or over on the day of the race

Race Description

The race begins at Benmore Gardens and travels south along puddle lane running parallel with the river Eachaig (on your left).  Turning left over a short metal bridge and past Uig Hall, on your right, you will cross over the A815.  Continue for 100 metres then turn right.  After approximately 1/3 of a mile turn left up Pucks Glen.  Follow the path up and it will eventually meet with the forestry track.  Turn left.  Continue on this trail for approximately one mile to the top of the Big Tree Trail on your left.  Run down this trail and onto the single-track road taking you back to the A815.  Cross over to Uig Hall, now on your left, and over the metal bridge.  Turn left and follow the river, there will be some road running involved here, it is normally very quiet.  The trail will bring you across the B836 bringing you into Glenkin forestry car park.  The terrain begins to climb again, then descends to Checkpoint 1 and the first relay changeover, at the top of John Street (11 ish miles).  There is no vehicle access but there is parking in Hanover Steet car park.  Relay runner 2 can walk from here to the rirst Relay changeover at Checkpoint 1, a 15 minute walk to meet their runner.  From Checkpoint 1 continue past the viewpoint, keeping the River Clyde on your left and follow the forestry road all the way to Auchafour Farm (19 ish miles).  Please remember to look up to take in the views, especially over to the Isle of Bute, with Arran in the background and Ailsa Craig (on a clear day lol).  Checkpoint 2 is at Auchafour Farm and the second Relay changeover.  (Only the relay runners will be able to access this area for the changeover.  Parking is available at Toward Sailing Club or Ardyne Forestry car park.)  You then head onto a short road section, keep to the right.  At about ½ mile turn right at Gortanansaig Farm.  Run up to the marshalled two gates, you will then take a right, and follow the forestry road, to the last climb.  In about two miles this forestry road will run in front of the Bishops Seat then descend (phew).  After approximately two miles you will arrive at the view point, which you passed just after Checkpoint 1 earlier in the race.  Turn right and follow the forestry road, turn left after the bridge until you drop down onto Kilbride Road turning right along to the road junction crossing over to the start of the prom then veering left along the West Bay Esplanade where Dunoon Pier will begin to come into sight (ensure the river Clyde is on your right).  

Relay Sections 

Information about the relay sections can be found at the links below

Leg 1: https://www.strava.com/routes/3257679755063121524

Leg 2: https://www.strava.com/routes/3257681041976788584

Leg 3: https://www.strava.com/routes/3257686127627070068

• • Route can be found here: https://www.strava.com/routes/3256280248052451248

Race numbers will be issued at registration on:

• Friday 13th September 1730 to 1900 at Dunoon Pier 

  • No bag drop available

• Saturday 14th September 0715 to 0845 at Benmore Gardens 

  • Bag drop available

After the race, why not go out and explore our beautiful town? There are many cafes where you can go and have some lunch and many places to take in our beautiful scenery. If you want some more guidance of things to do see the links below:

https://www.dunoonpresents.co.uk/things-to-do/

https://www.dunoonpresents.co.uk/food-drink/

Accommodation ideas are listed here: https://www.dunoonpresents.co.uk/accommodation/ 

Please note, late sign ups may not be entitled to T-shirt orders due to time proximity to race day