ATHLETES from across Ayrshire are being urged to sign up for the popular Kaim Hill Race next month - with more than two-thirds of the available places already snapped up.

The event is the first race in the Scottish Hill Runners' Bog and Burn series and is sponsored by North Ayrshire Athletics Club.

The race starts at 7pm prompt on Wednesday, April 17 and follows a short section of tarmac before heading up the Fairlie Glen along a scenic, narrow, winding trail with lots of tree roots and uneven paths underfoot.

After reaching the 'kissing gate' at the top of the glen, there's a tricky burn crossing to contend with, before a climb up a steep muddy bank which gains you access to the open hillside covered with rough heather and grassy tussocks. 

The route then follows a quad bike track towards the summit plateau in an anti-clockwise direction to the cairn at the top of Kaim Hill itself.

At the turn the descent takes you through a bog and back down the same route to the welcoming finishing line.

Caution is required for all participants on the descent through the glen due to the many tree roots and protruding rocks.

Pre-race registration takes place at Fairlie Parish Church before a walk of around seven minutes to the start line, where there will be a race briefing at 6.50pm.

The race will be run under Scottish Hill Runners rules, which means waterproof full body cover, hat, gloves and a whistle depending on the evening's weather conditions.

The race is followed by a prizegiving, a hot drink and cake will be provided back at Fairlie Parish Church.

Last year, Alistair Thornton of Ochil Hill Runners was the first finisher in 26 minutes and 16 seconds.

The race has a maximum capacity of 150 athletes and as this article was published only 43 spaces remained available.

Find out more and sign up at entrycentral.com/kaim-hill-race.