For the last couple of years, event company No Fuss has been running a race at Fort William called 10 Under The Ben. We’ve never managed to make it up there, but by all accounts the 10-hour enduro is a splendid gig. It’s certainly the only race we know of where the handovers take place in a cowshed.

The success of the format has led No Fuss to run some more 10s elsewhere in Scotland. So next year, 14 July will see 10 At Kirroughtree take place at Newton Stewart.

Frazer Copeland from No Fuss explains:

“The phenomenal success of 10 Under The Ben over the last two years has led to us being invited to organise a series of ’10’ events.

“The race in Fort William will take part on 9 June. Competitors then have a month to rest and continue training before we come to Kirroughtree on 14 July. Then it’s on to Moray on 11 August.

“We chose Kirroughtree because it has superb event facilities with lots of space but most importantly it has fantastic trails, giving us huge choices of where to take the competitors.

“The top prize up for grabs for the winner of all three events is an all expenses paid trip to New Zealand to take part in Iconic Adventure’s race event so make sure you give the race your all!”

The news will mean a boost for business in and around Dumfries, particularly Newton Stewart.

Keith Muir, for Forestry Commission Scotland in Galloway called for local businesses to be ready for the influx of visitors:

“We can expect somewhere in the region of 700-1,000 people visiting the area over the weekend.

“Competitors and supporters will want to camp close to the event so we are looking to clear an area at Kirroughtree near the course to ensure that our main parking facilities do not get clogged on the day. Campsites, local B&Bs and hotels will also be popular with those who want some comfort after a long day.

“After a race like this, riders and spectators will want places to store their bikes, and find somewhere to eat after 9pm. We need to ensure that we can provide facilities like this – it is a great opportunity for Newton Stewart to be placed on the mountain bike map, and I hope all local business support the event.

“If the race is successful, our aim is make it into an annual event and become one of the best mountain bike challenges in Scotland.”

The event commences with registration on the Friday night and a pasta party ready for the 9am start on Newton Stewart Victoria Street and then will be followed by music and dancing in the evening.

For further information, head for www.nofussevents.co.uk.