AYR will have its first ever half marathon next year as the arrival of Go Festival Ayr is announced.

This will be the town’s first ever Scottish Athletics registered professionally measured and chip timed half marathon race. There will also be a 10k and an innovative opportunity for families to cycle either distance.

The Go Festival takes place on September 7 next year and will see runners circle most of Ayr’s main landmarks. It starts just before St John’s Tower and Citadel, passing by the county buildings and all along to Burns’ Cottage, Brig O’ Doon and Greenan Castle. Runners will then make their way back along the coastal front to finish where they were flagged off.

The chance to run or cycle past some of Scotland's most historic sites on safe closed roads has never been done before.

Spectators will turn out to cheer home the runners and cyclists in the evening light. The winners will receive their medals in front of a large audience and then there will be a spectacular two aircraft night air display concluded with a firework finale.

Go Festival will be launched by Cannonball Events and the Scottish International Airshow this year and registration for the events will open via the website. Registration dates are still to be confirmed. John Lloyd founder of Cannonball Events is looking forward to the Go Festival. He said: "We are so proud to be given this opportunity and work on creating one of the biggest road races in Scotland in Ayr.

“Our events welcome all runners, cyclists and wheel chair racers regardless of ability or experience. This is a race in Ayr for Ayr. However, we also expect to attract many participants and visitors across the UK and this will have a positive effect on the local economy."