One of the biggest events on the Stewartry sporting calendar takes place on Saturday.
Hundreds of runners from across the country will be heading to the area for the 36th Kirkcudbright Academy Half Marathon.
And regular competitors will notice plenty of changes with a new race and a new route.
Race director Richard Nash said: “I’m the guilty party! I was involved in the running last year and am also a level two UKA official.
“In the last 36 years I imagine the traffic in Kirkcudbright has increased a lot and I noticed a few hot spots, particularly at Tongland Bridge and the cross roads at the centre of Kirkcudbright. I spoke to the police and they were in full agreement.
“I felt we had to change the route for the safety of the runners, spectators and road users without losing the fantastic community support in the town.
“I like the fact that when you run through Twynholm there are people at the pub with a pint cheering encouragement and people in Kirkcudbright are very supportive.
“Part of the route is now on private land and it is with thanks to Sir David Hope-Dunbar that we will take runners on to part of St Mary’s Isle which allows us to keep the Kirkcudbright part and Twynholm and the community spirit while avoiding those hot spots.
“It also means that when you are running from Twynholm to Kirkcudbright Bay runners will be able to enjoy the fantastic views over the bay and there will be a slight breeze towards you.
“There are no traffic restrictions in place but we would just ask people to be careful and come out and support us and make an event of it.
“If you have bagpipes, get them out and start playing them on the route as that would be fantastic!”
The walkers will be set on their way at 9am with the children’s fun run, over a distance of 1.2 miles, starting at the earlier time of 10.30am.
The half marathon itself and the new 10k, which replaces the Beeches Run, will begin at 11am. The runners will be set on their way by former Academy pupil and well known Kirkcudbright man Andy Campbell MBE.
Starting off from the academy, they’ll be taken on a route around the town before heading to Twynholm on the Beeches road.
After a loop around the village, competitors will head south and enjoy views of the Solway Estuary before making their way along Kirkcudbright Bay and back to the finish line at the school.
A new route means the winner will also have the honour of claiming a course record.
Last year’s race was held in hot conditions with Eliot Sedman from Grangemouth Triathlon taking victory in 77 minutes 39 seconds — his first success in the event.
The women’s section saw a seventh victory for Dumfries Running Club’s Lisa Finlay, who finished in a time of 86 minutes 46 seconds.
Although online entry is closed, any runners and walkers interested in taking part can still do so by entering on the day if they get there early enough, with chip timing ensuring results will be available instantly.
Registration for the walk is available from 8am and those wanting to take part in the 10k and half marathon can register from 9am.
Fun run registration is from 9am to 10.15am.
Kirkcudbright Academy Parent Council has been planning the race which raises funds for extracurricular trips and activities week.
For those not running, there will be plenty of stalls and entertainment available on race day.
The Rotary Club of Kirkcudbright will once again be running their popular barbecue and there will also be the Pit Stop Cafe, run by school rector Anthony Tuffery and Nicky Poland.
Sponsors this year include John Smith Fencing, The Galloway News, Novia Financial, GS Engineering (Borgue), Carson and Trotter, Barr Soft Drinks and the Kirkcudbright branches of Tesco, Co-op and Supersave.
Further information is available at www.kahm.org.uk . Interested volunteers or sponsors can also e-mail kahminfo@gmail.com.
