ACORN Sandhead 10
The ACORN Sandhead 10 is a ten mile multi terrain race from Sandhead to Stranraer held on 13 September 2026. The route covers the final section of the Mull of Galloway Trail and combines coastal path, sands, dunes, quiet roads, farm fields and a short woodland descent before finishing in Stranraer.
Runners start on the sands of Luce Bay, move onto dunes and then onto quiet back roads after roughly 5 km. The route briefly follows the Southern Upland Way and finishes along the Loch Ryan front, passing the old ferry terminal and the marina, with a final loop around Agnew Park and a finish by the pier. The Mull of Galloway Trail section is waymarked and contains no large ascents or scrambling.
The entry fee is listed as £19.50 with an additional charge for non ARC affiliated participants. Included with entry are bus travel from Stranraer to Sandhead, on course water and snacks, finish line refreshments, route marshals, qualified first aid cover, a finishers goody bag and an eco medal. Podium prizes include vouchers and local cheese; £1 from each entry is donated to Stranraer Youth Pantry and there is an option to support Better Lives Partnership Stranraer.
Water stations are placed at approximately 5 km intervals. Timing is manual and results are published after compilation. A bag drop is available at the start with limited vehicle space. A four hour cut off applies for completion. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Organiser's Description
In Brief
What is it? - The Sandhead 10 is a ten mile multi-terrain race from Sandhead to Stranraer.
When is it? - Sunday 13th September. Race starts at 10.30 from Sandhead (opposite the Tigh Na Mara Hotel)
How much is it? - £19.50 (+£2 for non-ARC affliated participants).
Can I walk? - Whilst we welcome folk of all abilities, we do have a cut-off time of 4 hours. If you feel you can walk the route in that timescale please feel welcome to join us. The cut-off time is there for the welfare of our volunteer team, many of whom are travelling down from Glasgow to help us out, and also need to get home!
What's included?
The entry fee includes:
- Bus travel from Stranraer to Sandhead,
- On course water and snacks
- Finish line refreshments and snacks
- Well marked and marshalled route
- Qualified first aid cover
- Fabulous support from our team of enthusiastic hi-viz heroes
- Finishers goody bag
- Amazing eco-medal
- Podium prizes vouchers for Migo Sports
- Galloway cheese for podiums and spot prizes
£1.00 from each entry will be donated to Stranraer Youth Pantry. Option to donate to Better Lives Partnership is included in the sign-up process.
Good Causes
This year Sandhead10 will support two local good causes. Once again we will support Better Lives Partnership Stranraer, and also the Stranraer Youth Pantry.
Better Lives Partnership Stranraer
A registered charity in Dumfries and Galloway that supports autistic young adults and those with additional support needs. It is their mission to enable autistic people to lead healthy, happy and fulfilling lives by using a person centered approach to develop unique opportunities that incorporate, employability, skills, work experience and enterprise which may result in the young person gaining employment, further training or a volunteer opportunity. Read more here
Stranraer Youth Pantry
A cause that recently came to our attention when one of our Acorn volunteers, David, took part in an amazing ultra raising money for Stranraer Youth Pantry - A youth "foodbank" organised by local young people. An amazing initiative aimed at breaking down the stigma and helping their peers in need. You can read details of David's fundraising here
The young team at the Youth Pantry have created a video to explain more about the work they do, which can be viewed here
More route information
Designated one of Scotland’s Great Trails, The Mull of Galloway Trail is recognised for its stunning views in south-west Scotland. Stretching from Scotland’s most southerly point, it travels northward along the east coast of the Mull of Galloway heading for Stranraer. The lighthouse at the start was built in 1830 by Robert Stevenson, grandfather of Robert Louis Stevenson, the well know author of Kidnapped and Treasure Island.
Created by the Rotary Club of Stranraer, the Mull of Galloway Trail opened to the public in 2012. Upon reaching Stranraer, the path links to the Loch Ryan Coastal Path, and then onto the Ayrshire Coastal Path. The Mull of Galloway Trail now forms a key part of the International Appalachian Trail (Europe) as it winds its way through Scotland.
It is generally good coastal path and well waymarked. There is no scrambling and no large ascents. The last 6 miles are in part on very quiet roads with little traffic. The trail is very scenic looking over Luce Bay and ending at Loch Ryan with views over Ailsa Craig and Arran in the distance.
The Race
Sandhead 10 will take place over the last 10 miles of the Mull of Galloway Trail.
Starting with a scenic run along the sands of Luce Bay before climbing onto the dunes giving great views