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 11th running of the St Cuthbert's Way Ultra and the fifth year that we have run the 100K event from Melrose to Holy Island (with a supporting wind at your back!)
This is the 1st running of the St Cuthbert's Way 60K Ultra. In previous years the shorter race started at Melrose and finished at Wooler. So for the first time this year the new 60KM race will start at Morebattle and finish at Holy Island. So you too get to Race Against the Tide!
We hope this event will provide you with an enjoyable challenge, and we will do our utmost to help you reach your goals and have fun on the day. Ultras are an adventure as well as a race and we wish you every success!
Tim and Team
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 checkpoints and study your maps. This is the best way to plan for your journey from Scotland to England.
Race parking is at:
Wooler Auction Mart,
Berwick Road,
Wooler,
Northumberland,
NE71 6SL
It is a short walk to the registration location from the car park. A free minibus will be available to transport you back to Wooler after completing the race.
Date: Friday 9th July 2027
Time: 17:00 – 20:00
Wooler Hostel,
30 Cheviot Street,
Wooler,
Northumberland,
NE71 6LW
Registration includes:
It is preferable that runners register on Friday where possible. However, it is also possible to register at Morebattle before the race.
Wave 1: the coach from Wooler to Morebattle departs on Saturday 10/07/2027 at 04:30 prompt.
Wave 2: the coach from Wooler to Morebattle departs on Saturday 10/07/2027 at 06:30 prompt.
You are responsible for making sure you are on the coach before it leaves.
(Also Saturday registration)
Morebattle Institute,
3 Mainsfield Ave,
Morebattle,
TD5 8QW
Note: GPS trackers and race numbers must be clearly visible at the race start.
Friday 9/07/2027
Saturday 10/07/2027
Wave 1 – every runner is automatically entered to Wave 1. This gives you the maximum amount of time (12.5 hours) to beat the tide.
Wave 2 – if you are VERY confident that you can complete the race in under 10 hours then you may want to consider asking to start in Wave 2 (this gives 10 hours to finish the race). This prevents faster runners having to wait for the tide to go out before they can cross to Holy Island.
Please do not worry about starting waves. Wave 2 runners are asked to confirm their start time about 2 weeks before the race.
Checkpoint and finish cut offs will be strictly enforced. Please make sure you make a note of the cut off times. It is your responsibility to ensure you maintain a pace that will see you leave the CP before the cut off point.
The cut offs are NOT based on arrival times, but on time of leaving the checkpoint.
No abuse of marshals or race directors will be tolerated and the Race Director's decision is final in this matter. The cut off for each CP is shown on the race page.
There will be water, coke and snacks available at all CPs. A wider selection of snacks/food will be available at Wooler and Morebattle. However, it is advised that you use your own nutrition and drop bags if you require substantial food types and choice.
At the finish there will be hot drinks and more substantial food stuffs. Should you require a small meal (and it is highly advisable after an ultra distance event), please put something in your finish bags.
Please note we do not cater to special dietary requirements, i.e. vegan, gluten free and vegetarian, although some food stuffs at the CPs will fall into some of these categories.
It is unfortunate that in events of this nature some runners will not make it to the end. This will be for a variety of reasons including injury, illness, tiredness, lack of training, poor nutrition and dehydration.
If you do have to withdraw for whatever reason please do so at a checkpoint, so that your number and GPS tracker can be taken and we can record your result as DNF. Please inform the CP staff and send a text message to RD Tim Bateson 07734309500. We will transport you from the CP to Wooler. Note: you may have to wait several hours to be transported from a CP to Wooler.
Note: runners sometimes make a premature decision to withdraw when a short rest and some food and water would make all the difference. If you stumble into a checkpoint feeling sure you are going to withdraw, sit down first and take 10 minutes to eat, drink and recover. It may just change your mind!
Crossman Hall,
Holy Island,
Northumberland,
TD15 2ST
The GPS tracker/live tracking link will be updated on the race website before the race weekend.
The race route is well marked for a long distance cross border path. There is a small diversion to avoid crossing the railway line between the A1 road crossing and Holy Island. The diversion will be clearly marked with bright yellow correx arrow signs.
You will also need to follow the correx signs as you approach the centre of Holy Island, as the signs will guide you to the finish area.
Mandatory kit is not optional. You must carry all items at all times unless specifically told otherwise by the Race Director.
Drop bags are non-returnable on this event. They should be no bigger than carrier bag / bag for life size. Please do not put anything in the drop bags you are not willing to part with.
They must be clearly marked with your race number, your name and the drop bag destination (Morebattle or Wooler). Place your drop bags on the correct table at registration to ensure they go to the correct drop bag location.
Finish bags can be left at the race registration area if you register on Friday. For people registering on Saturday, finish bags will be transported to the end of the event. We can NOT be held responsible for any loss or damage to finish bags in our care, but the utmost will be done to ensure they are kept safe and secure.
It is permissible for support crews to meet you on route. In order to cut down on contact and minimise disruption to remote local communities, we ask that support is limited to the following locations:
Please do not go to Hethpool.
In case of an emergency, we are working closely with Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue and the Borders Mountain Rescue teams to ensure that you will be taken care of as quickly as possible.
If you or another runner get into a life threatening situation please call 999 or 112 and ask for the Mountain Rescue Service. We would advise you use the international emergency number (112) when calling, as when a call is received using this number your phone will automatically give your GPS location.
The emergency services are only to be used in an emergency. If you need assistance that is not an emergency, then please contact RD Tim Bateson who will organise for first aid care to be given to you as soon as possible. We have a medical team with paramedics that will be able to assist if you are initially feeling unwell, so please consult with a CP or phone for support if you require non emergency medical assistance.
Please DO NOT call 999 for injuries that can be taken care of with a little rest and first aid at CPs; these include cuts, scrapes, strains and sprains.
Thank you for choosing to run with Trail Outlaws. We look forward to meeting you and sharing your journey along the St Cuthbert's Way.