The K6 and K12 Ultra Marathons return to Dean Castle Country Park on 2 August 2026 with runners once again taking on a timed endurance challenge through one of East Ayrshire’s best known parkland settings.

Organised by Ayrshire360, the event combines six hour and 12 hour ultra formats using a 4K loop around Dean Castle Country Park. Rather than racing to a fixed distance, runners aim to complete as many laps as possible within their allocated time limit, creating a very different atmosphere from a traditional ultra marathon.

The mixed terrain route uses mostly pathed sections through the park alongside hillier stretches designed to test pacing and endurance over the course of the day. The format allows runners to build distance gradually while still remaining accessible to those looking to step into ultra running for the first time.

Alongside the individual races, the K6 and K12 relays also return for 2026, allowing teams of up to four runners to split the challenge between them. Organisers say the relay option continues to attract club teams and groups of friends looking for a more social way to experience the event.

One of the biggest attractions for runners is the set up around the athletes village. Participants can create their own support areas while also having access to showers, toilets, cafe facilities and hot water throughout the day. That combination of endurance challenge and supportive event atmosphere has helped give the K6 and K12 events a growing reputation within the Scottish ultra running scene.

Dean Castle Country Park itself adds another layer to the event, with woodland paths, open parkland and the historic castle grounds helping create a more scenic ultra experience than many looped timed races. The format also allows spectators and support crews to remain close to the action throughout the day.

Entries remain open for both the K6 and K12 events ahead of the August return, with organisers expecting another busy turnout as timed ultra racing continues to grow in popularity across Scotland.

Entries are available now via Entry Central.

Image courtesy Ayrshire360.