23rd June 2010. Advance entries have now closed as the race bus is fully booked. There is a public service bus which takes the same route to Blackwaterfoot via the South End of the island, which will get runners to the race in time. The same bus service will return to Brodick in time for the ferry. Entries will be accepted on the day from anybody who wants to use public transport to get to the race.

21st June 2010. We will not be able to use any of the String Road for the race itself. The race route will change slightly. The race will still start in the centre of Blackwaterfoot and will head NORTH on the main coast road as far as Machrie Bay Golf Course. Then it will turn right (as usual) onto the Machrie Moor road, as far as the second cattle grid, at Gate Cottage. There will be a water station here. Runners will about turn, and retrace the route back to the start, finishing by the sea in front of the Kinloch Hotel. Water will also be available at 3 and 10 miles (Ashlar farm).

22nd April 2010. It has just been announced that the road between Brodick and Blackwaterfoot, that is used by the race buses and the race itself, will be totally closed between 4th May and 30th June for major repairs. Buses will have to go round the south end of the island, with an increased journey time. The original raceday timetable has had to be changed. The start time of the race has been put back to 1300. Buses will leave after the race at about 1700. This will mean that the only return ferry option will depart from Brodick at 1920, arriving at Ardrossan at 2015. Depending on the state of the road works, the route may have to be altered to an out and back course.

The Isle of Arran Half Marathon takes runners round a thirteen mile route along public roads on the west coast of Arran. The race starts at noon 1300. The scenic route is officially described as undulating! The race is suitable for runners of all standards–if you don’t mind how long you take, we don’t either. Runners must be aged seventeen years or older on the day of the race. Trophies are awarded to the first male and female athlete. Shields will be presented in the following categories: SM, M40, M50, M60, SW, W35, W45, W55, First Team of 3. The race base is the Kinloch Hotel, Blackwaterfoot. There are toilets and changing facilities, and light refreshments will be served in the hotel after the race. Bar Meals will be available. There will be four water stations on the course, which is marked at every mile. First Aid cover will be provided by St Andrews Ambulance Corps. Competitors travelling to Arran on the day will need to catch the 0945 ferry from Ardrossan to Brodick, and can return on the 1640 or1920 ferries. For further information, contact Caledonian McBrayne www.calmac.co.uk. Special buses will be provided to take runners and spectators the ten miles from the ferry terminal in Brodick to Blackwaterfoot and back again at 1600 at 1700 after the prize giving. The bus company will not carry standing passengers. It is our intention to lay on two 48 seater buses which must be booked in advance, via the Extras part of this system. The cost is 2.50GBP return for each runner and spectator. Runners seeking accommodation on Arran are advised to contact the local tourist office 01770 302401 The route can be seen on the Google Map on this site, but you’ll have to zoom out a little, and also scroll north a little. Blackwaterfoot–Shiskine–Torbeg–Tormore–Auchagallon–via Machrie Moor road to The String Road–Ballymichael–Shiskine–Blackwaterfoot

Please note that this race takes place on country roads which will not be closed to traffic. It is vital that all runners are able to hear approaching road vehicles. Thus, in common with many similar races, Ipods and any other devices which require the use of earphones will not be permitted. Failure to follow this rule may lead to death. Dead or alive, runners with earphones will be disqualified.