Foxlake Adventures near Dunbar will host the county's first ever 50k ultra marathon in April - the John Muir Way Ultra Marathon.

More than 100 runners are expected to sign up for the ultra marathon, which will begin in Port Seton and finish at the wakeboarding park, while tkaing in the Jogn Muir Way and will also pass Longniddry Bents, the Walled Garden at Archerfield and North Berwick Law.

James Barbour, Director at Foxlake, said: “On the back of another hugely successful Foxtrail Winter Running Series, which has attracted a record number of runners this year, this seemed like the perfect time to organise an ultra marathon, which we’ve been talking about for the last couple of years.

“Never has there been a marathon starting and finishing in East Lothian let alone an ultra marathon, which is pretty exciting.

“Almost 50 people have already signed up, both new and experienced ultra runners and we expect over 100 people will take part on the day, which we are really looking forward to.”

Registration for the race will take place at Foxlake, where competitors will be able to park their cars for the duration of the event.

Transport by coach to the start point in Port Seton will be provided as part of the entry, which costs £38.

John Whittaker, race director, said: “For those who fancy a step up in distance to try an ultra-run; we believe we have created the ideal opportunity.

"The John Muir Way Ultra is just a bit longer than a marathon, it follows mixed trails and footpaths along the coastline of East Lothian without any major changes in elevation and it is most likely to have a following breeze pushing the runners along.

“There is still time to get the legs used to greater distances and for most people the training they would do for a marathon will be sufficient for our event. Ultra-runs tend to be a bit more about the mental aspects of running; although we can’t ignore physical preparation and with ten weeks to race day there is time for the runner who is already training for half marathon or marathon distance to get there.

The mammoth endurance run is part of East Lothian Council’s John Muir Coast Festival, taking place over the weekend of the April 23 and 24, and includes a festival at Foxlake from noon-10pm on the first day, with music, food, stalls and a mini cinema.

Councillor John McMillan, the local authority's cabinet spokesman for economic development and tourism, said: “This is another first for East Lothian and I’m sure it will attract a good number of runners from East Lothian and beyond. It’s great that Foxlake is part of the inaugural John Muir Coast Festival as it is an innovative business which has maximised the opportunities of enjoying the great outdoors in our beautiful county – which is what the festival is all about.”

Meanwhile, for family and friends of runners waiting at the finish line, there will be an opportunity to try out wakeboarding at Foxlake.