Barrathon, Barra half marathon

If you are driving to the start then there is a large free car park across from the start line. If you are needing your car before the end of the race then park elsewhere as the exit to the car park is closed until the run is finished.

The number pick up is in the community centre and is available the evening before or on the morning of the race.

Race starts about 10:40, before which the runners are led by a piper from the community centre to the start line.

Once off, the route starts on a small decline before bending right and heading up the first of the hills. At this early stage you will start to see the runners beginning to separate. This hill is not too long and shortly after reaching the top you are rewarded with the views of some wonderful beaches. For the whole race the route is out in the open - there is nowhere to hide on the Barrathon so beware.

The single track undulating road heads north before taking a turn and heading inland to the east. This part is a slow uphill until you reach the island's reservoir where the downhill takes you down to meet the airport road. This is around the mark and from here things get a little tougher.

The route follows the east coast heading south and the hills are a little higher and a bit more frequent. You are up and down to the sea level several times with some lovely scenery. Then the big one arrives.

At the 11 mile marker laughs at you as you face the big climb. You have just completed one of the bigger climbs and are now on the wee short flat bit. It's only about to the top, so head up and smile as you never know who will be out with a camera trying to capture your pain. A water stop at the top of the hill is very welcome as is the steep down into Castlebay.

A couple of small ups in Castlebay to go before the much welcome finish line appears. Given the size of the island this event is very well supported though the crowds are small.

A super friendly event and save some energy for the ceilidh in the evening.

This is popular race and does sell out really quickly with only about 300 space available. When we say quick we mean in terms of minutes rather than hours. There is a a waiting list, but being on it doesn't mean getting in.

Enter via https://www.sientries.co.uk/

We took the Calmac ferry from Oban which is the main route. Beware though as this is a nearly 5 hour sail though the boat is nice enough. You can also take the plane from Glasgow and take the opportunity to land on the famous beach landing runway. This is an expensvie option and places on the place fill quickly.

The whole island is good for a pre-run along the main road. Be watchful for traffic, but generally not an issue and some really beautiful places to run. Our run took us up to the airport and the famous beach runway.

The start is on the main road in Castlebay just along from the ferry terminal.

Outside the islands community centre.

Small but very noisy crowds welcome the runners in. Water is there as is soup and some bread. In 2019 there were no medals, instead you were given customised drinking mats. These were very nice and at least won't end up hidden away somewhere in your house with all the medals. And some local toffee.

This is a small island and space in hotels and bed and breakfast is very limited. Ideally you would stay in Castlebay, but the availability is limited. If you are staying further out then you will be a short drive to the start line as the island is small. Lots of parking beside the start, but the roads are closed for a while during the race itself. So you may have to wait for the remaining runners before getting away.