River Ayr Way Challenge
Glenbuck Loch, United Kingdom • 12 Sep 2026
River Ayr Way Challenge (Ultra Marathon) : event overview
The event is a 40 mile ultra marathon along the River Ayr Way from Glenbuck Loch to Riverside Stadium in Ayr. There is also a relay option split into three sections, with teams of two or three. The overall time limit for the event is 10 hours.
Registration takes place at Glenbuck and the finish is at Riverside Stadium Race Track. Riverside Stadium provides designated male and female changing, toilet and showering facilities and parking is available at the Stadium or Ayr Academy car park. Minibus transport to the start is provided from Riverside Stadium and Dean Castle Country Park; seats are bookable on the event entry and a bus fee of £8 per person applies.
The route is mainly off road with some on-road sections and the final five miles on tarmac. Running conditions can be very muddy in places. Checkpoints and services include:
- Ultra Marathon: 40 miles
- Relay sections: 17 miles, 14 miles, 9 miles
Additional race services: water stations approximately every 5 miles, checkpoints every 10 miles offering fruit and cold drinks, drop-bags conveyed to checkpoints, rucksacks conveyed to the finish, and first aid cover. Race rules prohibit pacers, muling, support runners, dogs and running aids. Diversions may be in place and will be signposted. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.