The organiser of The Gralloch, Red On Sports, has announced a new addition for 2026 with the launch of The Gralloch Ultra, a 330km ultra-distance gravel event.
The Gralloch Ultra is set to take place on Saturday, May 16, 2026, and will be a 330km ultra-distance gravel adventure through the wild heart of the Galloway Forest Park and the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere.
The route includes over 5,000m of climbing, taking riders from the forests of Galloway to the ridgelines of the Ayrshire Alps and back. Red On Sports notes that the new event is designed for those seeking a true off-road adventure, defined by personal challenge and self-sufficiency.
Malcolm Smith, Co-Founder of Red On Sports, said “The Gralloch Ultra represents the next evolution of The Gralloch. It’s not about racing – it’s about endurance, mindset and the willingness to keep going when the terrain, the distance and the night all test you. It’s a pure expression of what gravel riding can be.”
While the event is semi-supported, riders will be backed by Red On Sports’ event infrastructure and safety systems. This includes feed zones stocked with nutrition and hydration, on-course emergency and medical assistance, and event control oversight throughout.
The organiser notes that this balance makes the Gralloch Ultra both ‘accessible to first-time ultra-distance riders’ and demanding enough for seasoned endurance cyclists.
Riders must complete the challenge under their own power. Starting and finishing in the town of Gatehouse of Fleet, the Gralloch Ultra will be the centrepiece of a weekend-long celebration of gravel cycling. The weekend will also include the UCI Gravel World Series race and the Gralloch Sportive.
Maximilian Wussler, Co-Founder of Red On Sports, said “The Ultra is a natural extension of what The Gralloch stands for. It’s a chance for riders to push their limits, ride self-supported, and experience Galloway in its rawest, most beautiful form.”
