Taynish Run Festival 2026

Nestled within the picturesque village of Tayvallich, Mid Argyll, the Taynish Run Festival is an inspiring fundraising initiative organized by Colin MacFarlane from Rotary of Mid Argyll to support MacMillan Cancer Support. This unique event invites runners of all ages and abilities—14 years old and up—to participate in one of three distinct routes through the stunning Taynish National Nature Reserve.
The festival offers participants a choice between three engaging races:
- The challenging Taynish Cross Country Trail Run (6.8 miles) for those aged 17 and above, featuring rugged terrain with steep ascents and descents.

- The more accessible yet still scenic Taynish 10K Road Race, suitable for all runners starting at age 16.
- A shorter but equally enjoyable option is the Taynish Mill 5K (3.1 miles) designed for younger participants aged 14 and older, offering a gentle introduction to trail running along the shore of Loch Sween.
Registration takes place from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM at Tayvallich Village Hall in PA31 8PW, followed by race briefings starting at 11:40 AM. All races kick off promptly at noon with staggered start times for each route within the same location.
Each course is carefully designed and marked throughout the reserve, ensuring participants experience diverse terrains ranging from tar macadam paths to rough tracks and natural trails. The Cross Country Trail Run includes steep climbs up Barr Mor as well as flat stretches along Linne Mhuirich, while the 10K Road Race offers a flatter course with fewer technical challenges.
Participants will enjoy water stops and medical support throughout their run, ensuring safety is never compromised. Upon completion of any route, runners receive a unique race medal and a ticket for post-race refreshments provided by local volunteers in Tayvallich Village Hall, where results are announced around 2 PM.
Entry fees for each individual event stand at £20, with no refunds available under any circumstances due to the charitable nature of this initiative. Any unclaimed entries will be directly donated to MacMillan Cancer Support.
To ensure a smooth and safe race experience, participants must adhere to specific rules such as not running with pets or wearing headphones during the event. The narrow start area in Tayvallich requests slower runners and walkers to position themselves towards the back of the pack at noon.
With limited parking available near the village hall and within Tayvallich itself, it's advisable for attendees to arrive early to secure a spot. Join us on October 7th as we come together to celebrate running while raising vital funds for MacMillan Cancer Support in this breathtaking setting.