Running wild

At a loose end in Kintyre this weekend? Why not cheer on the participants of today's Kintyre Way Relay, which follows a long-distance path from Tarbert, Loch Fyne to Campbeltown?

If you're inspired by what you see, then you can always sign up for the Mull of Kintyre half-marathon (leaving from Campeltown and running through the countryside), or the 10km run (around three sides of Campbeltown Loch), both on Sunday, 25 May.

This trio of Kintyre Way events is billed as being more about making friends than winning prizes. In fact, they're being referred to as "Scotland's most sociable running events". That's because participants are encouraged to chat to fellow runners along the way, join on-the-spot teams and enjoy themselves. Plus, there's something for varying abilities, so nobody is left on the sidelines.

"We set up the races with a very flexible structure so they are accessible to as many people as possible," says Kintyre Way Relay organiser Rob Reid. "This allows runners to compete for their own reasons, whether personal or competitive. Long-distance running is increasingly about participation for people of varying levels and today's relay is another perfect way to combine different grades of ability."

The organisers hope that these west coast of Scotland events will appeal to those who want to push themselves, rather than wipe the floor with others, hence the "social event" tag. As Tom Barbour, race director of the Mull of Kintyre half-marathon and 10km run says, "There is something unique in accomplishing a personal challenge while taking in some of the country's most breathtaking sites with family and friends cheering you on".

Also, although the half-marathon and run were established in 2006, today's cross-country relay event is brand new and encompasses the Ultra Relay Run (66 miles), the Novice Relay Run (35 miles) – which there's still time to join if you get along to Tayinloan Village Hall before 9am today – and the Long Distance Walk (16, 22 or 31 miles). The Ultra Relay Run is for more experienced runners and will mainly consist of teams of three each doing 22 miles, so they can cover the route in roughly 12-13 hours.

In contrast, the shorter relays are perfect for teams of varying abilities. These groups can choose how to share out the route. That could mean doling out distances equally, or letting your star walker take the bulk of the leg-work on more difficult terrain.

But it's not all about exercise.

In true Kintyre style the locals will extend a warm welcome to all of the 600 expected half-marathon and 10km participants and their families with a pasta party on the pre-run Saturday night of 24 May. Also, ceilidhs on the evening of the race and after today's relay will round off both events with a knees-up. That is, if those joints are still in proper working order.

"We want friends and families to make the races the centrepiece of a long weekend away in Kintyre," says Barbour. "We've laid on a few other activities over the race weekend, including concerts, pipe-band demonstrations, trips to the lighthouse, and the ceilidh. Visitors can also try surfing or mountain biking which are both already well established here."

For those unimpressed by Scottish dancing and Italian food, participating in these runs and walks and absorbing the beautiful view should be enough. The half-marathon runners will find their route through the countryside leads to a kilometre or so on the hard sandy beach near Westport, and the coastline of the isolated peninsula of Kintyre will take them over both sandy beaches and rocky inclines. If they look out across the sea, they'll catch sight of Arran, Islay, Jura, Gigha and Bute.

"The participants in the half-marathon will be blown away by the stunning scenes on the coastal section between Ronachan and Tayinloan," says Kintyre Way Relay organiser Reid. "It's these and other spectacular views that are found along the course that make this an unforgettable run."

The routes also boast glimpses of hidden coves and deserted beaches along the wild Atlantic coast. Arriving back in civilisation will be fun, as the final mile of the half-marathon, and 10km run, is on a gradient down into the main street of Campbeltown. There, the runners will be met by a throng of supporters cheering them on to the finish. That's the plan – if the weather holds out.

If you're into setting yourself a personal challenge then 25 May sounds like an exciting, if tiring, day. Past participants have certainly enjoyed it, if the comments on the website are to be believed. As Reid says, "There is no other experience like this in Scotland; it's a truly unforgettable adventure."

Visit www.mokrun.com; www.kintyrewayrelay.co.uk; www.kintyreway.com