Welcome to the 2023 Dunoon Ultra Marathon and Relay - Saturday 7th October 2023

Race start time: 9am 

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1058423398

General information about the route:

The route set out below is the normal and beautiful one, run since the inception of the race. 

The race begins at Benmore Gardens and travels south for a mile 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 then turning right after 100 metres towards Pucks Glen. You will follow the narrow path up the Glen staying alongside the river before finally reaching the forestry track turning left. This trail will lead you to Inverchapel over a bridge and following the single track path as it winds and climbs up towards the forestry track (please close all gates after you). The track will be well signposted but as a rule follow the white banded forestry marker poles. Eventually you will find yourself crossing the Ardentinny High Road where the first drop bag point (7.5 miles) is (no parking is recommended for supporters due to very narrow single track road). From here you will continue to climb to 1000ft above sea level (don’t forget to look back as you reach the radio mast as the views are spectacular). After a couple of more short climbs, passing by the new hydro dam you will begin the long fast descent towards Invernoaden (first checkpoint and first change over for the relay teams – 13.5 miles). A short half mile or so run along the unpaved A815 will see you turn left into Glenbranter (a short alternative route is being sought to try prevent running on A815). Glenbranter will be the second drop bag point (14.5 miles), toilets and plenty of car parking available. The run heads south down the flatter side of Loch Eck, 9 miles from Benmore Gardens. Benmore Gardens will be the second checkpoint (23.5 miles) and last change over for the relay teams. Toilets and parking available. You will return back down puddle lane, continuing to follow the river, there will be some road running involved however 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, reaching the last major climb until you begin to descend into the Bishops Glen. Keep your eyes on the markers, the reservoir will be on your left until you drop down onto Kilbride Road turning right along to the road junction crossing over and veering left along the West Bay Esplanade where Dunoon Pier will begin to come into sight (ensure the River Clyde is on your right).

Registration:

******Please note that race numbers will not be getting posted out this year....see below******

 Numbers will now be issued at race registration as follows:

 Friday 6th October:  1730hrs to 1900hrs on Dunoon Pier (no bag drop)

Saturday 7th October: 0715hrs to 0845hrs at Benmore Gardens (bag drop available)

First shuttle bus transfer will leave Dunoon Pier at 0700hrs, Saturday 7th October

We have considered the matter of entry fees closely and taken many factors into consideration and due to a major increase in some event running costs, have had to apply a small increase to the fees for both races: 

Your entry fee for this beautiful and scenic event on the Scottish Ultra Marathon running calendar will be:  

Individual - £44

Relay teams of 3 - £50 - the lead team member should e mail the contact details of the other two runners to: info@pa23.org.uk ***

The lead team member of the relay team should e mail: info@pa23.org.uk with other team member details and purchased Dunoon Ultra Marathon and Relay t shirt sizes, where applicable.

Race entry fees include:

1. Free coach transfer (if required) from Dunoon Pier to the race start at Benmore Gardens. ***PLEASE ENSURE YOU ANSWER THIS QUESTION WHEN ENTERING - AND THE QUESTION ABOUT T SHIRT PURCHASE OPTION.***   
2. Excellent changing facilities post race in the stunning surroundings of Dunoon Pier
3. Full event support including electronic chip timing, check points, drop bags and food/water stations first aid back up and at the finish, a fantastic goodie bag as a momento of a great day.
4. Free high quality/branded Dunoon Ultra Marathon buff for ALL runners.  
5. Important information : Please be aware of the following age limits for both events -

          The Ultra : You will need to be aged 20years or over on the date of the run.

          The Ultra Relay (teams of 3) : You will need to be 18years or over on the date of the relay run.