Stornoway Half Marathon
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Event Overview
The Autoparts Stornoway Half Marathon & 10K is an annual island race on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. The 2026 edition on Saturday, 23rd May will be its 41st year. The event is organized by Stornoway Running & Athletics Club and run by volunteers. All profits support the club's activities, such as training coaches and supporting young athletes.
Races
The event features two distances:
- Half Marathon
- 10K
The Course
Both courses are a mix of tarmac roads, pavements, and gravel forest trails in the Lews Castle Grounds. The organizers note the trails are suitable for road shoes. The route is not ideal for wheelchairs.
The Half Marathon starts and finishes next to the marina on Stornoway's Inner Harbour. The 10K starts near the Bridge Centre on Bayhead Street and merges with the Half Marathon route after approximately 400 meters. Both races finish at the same Inner Harbour location.
On the Day
Race registration and number collection is on Friday, 22nd May from 5pm to 9pm at the MA Hall (Stornoway Free Church Hall). There are no entries available on the night before or on race day. The Half Marathon starts at 10:00am and the 10K starts at 10:45am.
Water stations are provided on both routes. A bag drop is available near the finish line. Toilet and limited changing facilities are at the MA Hall, with additional public toilets near the start. Free shower facilities are available at the Lewis Sports Centre, an 800-meter walk from the finish.
Post-Race
All finishers receive a medal. Half Marathon finishers also receive a T-shirt. A post-race buffet and prize-giving ceremony is held at the MA Hall. In the evening, there is a ceilidh (a social event with dancing). Tickets for the ceilidh are sold separately, with proceeds going to a nominated local charity.
Prizes
Prizes are awarded in multiple categories for both the Half Marathon and 10K, including overall, veteran age groups (V40, V50, V60, V70), local resident prizes, and team prizes. Local prizes require Isle of Lewis residency for at least 12 months prior to race day.
Travel & Accommodation
Stornoway is accessible by ferry from Ullapool or Uig (Skye), or by flight from Inverness, Glasgow, or Edinburgh. Travelers are advised to arrive by Friday to make the Saturday race start and to book accommodation well in advance. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
