The Scottish Co-op Goatfell Hill Race on the Isle of Arran takes competitors from Brodick to the summit of Goatfell (874m–12km) and back, using the standard ‘tourist’ path, but with a ‘twist in the tail’ this year. The Goatfell Hill Race is a Scottish Athletics permit event.

The 2007 race has been chosen as the Scottish Athletics Championship Race. The race, with its usual prizes and trophies, is open to all runners aged 18 and over, but only members of Scottish Athletics are eligible for inclusion in the championship results. The race will also be used as the inaugural Scottish Athletics Inter-District Championship, and is one of the counting races in the Scottish Hill Runners U23 Championship.

The race base will be at the Ormidale Pavillion in Brodick, where there are changing facilities with toilets, showers, baggage storage and refreshments. In order to avoid a large number of runners racing along the main road, the race will start in the field at the end of the castle drive, approximately 1 kilometre from the pavillion. The start time will be put back to 12:30 p.m.

Competitors travelling to Arran on the day will need to catch the 0700 or 0945 ferry from Ardrossan, and can return on the 1640 or 1920 ferry. Contact www.calmac.co.uk for more information.

For accommodation details, contact the local tourist office 01770 302401.

All runners will be required to carry waterproof jacket and trousers, whatever the weather conditions, plus a whistle. There will be a kit check. First Aid cover will be provided on the hill by the Isle of Arran Mountain Rescue Team, and at the finish by St Andrew’s Ambulance Corps.

The route will be signed over the lower sections and the final section to the top of the mountain will be flagged. Much of the race takes place on steep, rocky ground. There is a real possibility of serious injury. Do not take part if you are not confident of your ability to race over this type of ground.

New route details are available.

Full event information and rules are also available.