Please read this pre-race information carefully and bring a copy with you on race day.
If you have any questions not covered by this document, please contact info@trailoutlaws.com or Race Director Tim Bateson on 07734309500.
This is the 9th annual running of the Dark Skies Run series @ Kielder, which consists of 3 race distances run over two nights:
Some athletes choose to attempt the double by running both the Marathon and the 10K.
Kielder can have every type of weather from magical snowy landscapes to blue sky spring days and late winter storms. The weather can change rapidly. Please refer to the mandatory kit list to ensure you bring everything on it!
Either way we look forward to watching and hearing about your experiences!
Consider taking out personal insurance against accident or injury whilst taking part in sporting activities. UKA and TRA membership include insurance.
Bring appropriate footwear for the race conditions.
Please make yourself familiar with the route, the Check Points and study your maps. This is the best way to plan for your journey around Kielder Water.
Parking will be at Greenside Car Park.
Please do not try and park at Kielder Waterside.
We will have marshals there to guide you to the correct parking area. Please follow the instructions of the marshals when parking to help ensure we can park everyone efficiently.
It is a short walk from the car park to the race registration and start area.
Race HQ will be the Kielder Waterside Tipis:
Kielder Waterside (Tipis),
Kielder Water,
Hexham,
Northumberland,
NE48 1BT
This is where registration and event starts will take place (as indicated on map). You will be directed by lighting and signage at the end of the route into the tipis to finish.
Please pay very close attention to timings.
Sunday 7th March 2027 - Kielder Waterside Tipis
All runners must register before registration closes at 19:15.
Please note that race numbers will be given out at race registration on the day of the race.
You must clearly pin your number to the front of your top so it is visible to the event marshals. Numbers will be recorded at Check Points for safety reasons.
The route will be marshalled, signed, taped and flagged with high visibility reflective tape which is clearly visible when using a head torch.
You will be running an anti-clockwise loop of Bull Crag, starting and finishing at Kielder Waterside Park.
Note: We diligently mark out our events for your convenience, but navigating a trail course remains the runner's responsibility, so please make yourself familiar with the race route. Keep to the marked route.
As trail runners we pride ourselves on respecting the trails. We would ask you to do the same:
All checkpoints have Water / Sweets / Cola.
The nutrition provided at checkpoints is meant to supplement your own race nutrition. Please do not rely solely on the CPs to get you around the course.
Unfortunately, we are unable to cater for specific dietary requirements at checkpoints. If you have special fuel requirements (e.g. gluten free / vegan / allergies) we suggest carrying your own nutrition. This also applies to food available at the end of the events.
We do not provide disposable drinking cups at checkpoints. Please provide a cup if you wish to drink the Red Cola provided.
To finish the event you will be required to arrive in the event HQ located in the Waterside Park where you registered. Your number and time will be taken and you will be given your finish medal and t-shirt.
If you can no longer make the race, then it is now too late to transfer to another person or event. (If you took out insurance you can make a claim with the insurance company.)
However, you can still get your race memento and medal by doing the event virtually. You simply need to run the equivalent distance within 8 weeks of the race and email evidence (Strava screenshot or similar) to admin@trailoutlaws.com and we will post your medal and memento to you.
Mandatory kit is not optional.
Hypothermia: Please do not think that mild weather reduces risk. No matter the conditions on the day you will be at a higher risk of hypothermia when you stop moving.
If you do need to withdraw at any CP please follow these guidelines to reduce your risk of hypothermia:
We will be carrying out kit checks for the top five finishers and randomly for other finishers. Anyone not carrying full mandatory kit could be subject to disqualification.
We have the support of a medical team providing the First Aid cover at the event. They will be situated at the event HQ.
The Tuck Shop will be providing refreshments before, during and after the events for most of the weekend. This includes hot and cold drinks to purchase and a range of sweet and savoury snacks on sale. The internet connection can be intermittent, therefore we recommend that you bring some cash just in case.
We will be selling a range of fabulous Trail Outlaws merchandise including clothing, cups, head torches, etc. Please come and have a look! You can also purchase these items through our website.
We are looking forward to meeting you all at Kielder! There is a great atmosphere at Trail Outlaws events thanks to our fantastic runners and volunteers. The race marshals are there to cheer you on and stop you going the wrong way – so please thank them and give them a high five on the way round.
Come rain or shine bring your adventurous trail spirit and smile with you. Have a great time!