Race Date: Saturday 5th/Sunday 6th April 2025

Race Report: Ultra Tour of Arran

60-ish miles | 10,500ft elevation | 2 days | 1 unforgettable adventure

This year, I took on the Ultra Tour of Arran—my first ever ultra. And what better way to start than with a two-day stage race around one of Scotland’s most stunning and rugged islands?

The journey began with a ferry from Troon, which included a relaxed pre-race drink (strictly for carb-loading, of course). Once in Brodick, it was time to pitch the tent, tuck into the classic runner’s feast of a rice pot and two Scotch eggs, and try to get some rest through a very cold night.

Day 1:

The start line had a great buzz, helped by clear skies and surprisingly warm weather—it felt more like the Mediterranean than the west coast of Scotland. The route wound through coastal paths, forest trails, and some serious bog sections (waist-deep in places), which I was lucky to navigate without issue.

The coastal sections were particularly striking, with rocky paths and scenic boardwalks that wouldn’t have looked out of place in an adventure film. The checkpoints were well-stocked with everything from crisps and fruit to cake and juice, keeping morale and energy levels up. The hill sections provided some of the best views I’ve ever seen.

I finished day one feeling strong and in good spirits. Dinner was a burger and chilli pizza—not exactly textbook nutrition, but it did the job.

Another cold night followed, but I managed to sleep well. After some porridge and hydration fuel, I felt ready for the big challenge: day two.

Day 2:

Day two was the tougher of the two: 32 miles with 7,500ft of climbing, including the iconic Goat Fell. We set off running along the beach to upbeat music and yet another day of sunshine.

The early stages included a dramatic arête and a long climb before descending to a distillery checkpoint (sadly, no whisky on offer). From there, we hit a 10-mile stretch of undulating coastal terrain—grassy, rocky, and energy-sapping.

After a quick river crossing—complete with slippery stones and soaked feet—I pushed on toward the Goat Fell section. The heat was intense, but a cold stream running beside the trail provided much-needed relief. I made regular stops to soak my cap and cool down.

The final climb was brutal—steep, technical, and slow-moving due to a roped section where runners ascended one at a time. The summit, however, offered incredible views and a real sense of accomplishment. From there, it was a long descent back toward the coast.

With the finish line in sight, I took a wrong turn and ended up at a dead-end inlet. While one runner opted to swim across, I looped around to rejoin the trail—a small detour, but frustrating so close to the end.

Final Result: