River Ayr Way Challenge
Glenbuck Loch, United Kingdom • 12 Sep 2026
River Ayr Way Challenge
The River Ayr Way Challenge is an annual ultra-marathon held on the River Ayr Way. The event covers 40 mile along the route that follows the River Ayr from its source at Glenbuck Loch toward the sea at Ayr. It normally takes place in September and is part of the Scottish Ultra Marathon series, attracting runners from across the country.
The River Ayr Way itself is a long distance path of 44 miles that opened in 2006. The route begins at Glenbuck Loch, with parking available at Glenbuck Heritage Park, and passes through a river valley with a variety of habitats. The corridor includes sites with historical links to notable Scottish figures and offers opportunities to observe wildlife such as otters, badgers, herons and hen harriers.
The trail is waymarked and organisers provide route maps and section breakdowns for participants. Some parts of the River Ayr Way are affected by landslides; a section at Wellflat Bank is closed because the path is unstable and a temporary diversion via Daldorch is in place. The Challenge has staged special editions such as a 20th anniversary event planned for 2026; maps indicate a new end point for the race. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.