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This document is designed as a planning aid for you to dial into the logistics, the in-event support available, the kit list and general training advice for The Wall ultramarathon.
This does not replace our full Essential Event Information pack which is released in April with detailed, year specific information.
TRACKER COLLECTION
Friday 11th June between 1200 - 2100 The Crown & Mitre Hotel, Carlisle, CA3 8HZ. You must register and pick up your tracker between these times, there is no option to register on the morning of the event.
ADVENTURE PACKS
These will be posted out in advance of the event. UK residents should expect to receive their adventure pack around 1-2 weeks before the event. International participants will be required to collect their adventure pack from Registration. Please ensure you have your current address on your entry, you can update this by logging into your Rat Race account.
THE START
Carlisle Castle between 0600 and 0700 on the 12th June, CA3 8UR.
STARTING WAVES
You will have selected a wave when entering the event (wave1: 0600, wave 2: 0615 etc. the latest wave is 0700) These cannot be changed, but you can drop back into a later start time on the day to run with a friend. You cannot move forward.
BAG DROP
Location: 0530 - 0645 12th June: Castle Car Park, CA3 8UL
Bags to Drop:
We will transport 2 bags for you, please ensure they are clearly labelled (tags provided in your Adventure Pack) and that you put them on the right truck!
1)Hexham bag: this will meet you at the 44 mile mark and must weigh less than 5kg and be a max of 15L in size. This bag will be exposed to the elements so please ensure it is waterproof or that you pack your kit into dry bags inside your bag. This will then be transported from Hexham to the finish after you have used it, you will be directed where to put it at Hexham to ensure it is loaded onto the finish van.
2)Finish bag: this will go directly to the finish at Gateshead and it can be a max of 70L and weigh no more than 15kg. This bag will be exposed to the elements so please ensure it is waterproof or that you pack your kit into dry bags inside your bag.
FINISH
Gateshead Millennium Bridge NE8 3BA.
TRAVEL LOGISTICS
This is a one way journey and if you are not travelling with supporters we recommend the following plan as a tried and tested method of planning your movements.
Travelling by car:
Travelling by train:
TRANSFER DEADLINE
The deadline is 11th May 2027. You can find more information on our transfer policy HERE and process your transfer from your Rat Race account. We are unable to make any exceptions after the deadline has passed.
Spectators
Must follow our guidance notes to avoid being turned away at key locations. These will be issued in the Essential Event Information.
route
You can view the GPX for this event here. Please ensure you DO NOT follow this route on the day and instead follow our waymarking due to last minute changes that may occur.
BUDDY UP STATIONS
We will have a waiting section at Hexham and Newburn where people who are a bit nervous about the next section through the night can hang fire for a buddy. Please make sure you check this section if you're happy to have some company along for the ride, we know our #ratracers are a friendly bunch!
PITSTOP & CHECKPOINT LOCATIONS
PS1 Lanercost Priory CA8 2HQ 15 miles
PS2 Walltown Quarry Pit Stop CA8 7HF 24 miles
PS3 The Sill Pit Stop NE47 7AN 30 miles
CP Newbrough Checkpoint 38 miles
PS4 Hexham Pit Stop NE46 3SG 44 miles
CP Styford Toll Checkpoint 49.5 miles
CP Ovingham Checkpoint 55.5 miles
PS5 Newburn Pit Stop NE15 8ND 63 miles
What is a checkpoint?
This is a manned point where you can check in with a marshal and let them know if you need any assistance outside of our Pit Stop locations. They are deliberately discrete and supporters are not allowed to meet you here. They are designed for you to grab a quick drink and a handful of sweets, they are not refill points for your bladder/bottles and you will only be able to fill your disposable cup here not your hydration bottles/bladders.
CUT OFFS
The Wall is designed to be achievable for walkers who can maintain a 3mph pace, our cut offs reflect that and are as generous as we can make them. Cut offs are enforced and they are applied to your departure time not your arrival time into the location:
PS1 Lanercost 1230
PS2 Walltown Quarry 1530
PS3 The Sill 1800
PS4 Hexham 0000 (midnight)
PS5 Newburn 0630 (Sunday)
FINISH 0900 (Sunday
PITSTOP PROVISIONS
The Pit Stops at The Wall are famous and this event is often dubbed a walking picnic! These are the points where you can grab a snack, interact with the Rat Race team and also your own supporters if you have them. Our Pit Stops have a few staples that you'll see at all stations and also some which are bespoke to that Pit Stop location.
Standard provisions include:
Our Pit Stops are well stocked but they do not contain any sports nutrition products as we know you will have your own that you have trained with. The last thing you want to do in an ultra is try an untested gel and suffer the consequences! You should plan to bring your own supplements and be self contained when it comes to gels/electrolyte tablets.
We aim to cater to a wide variety of dietary needs, every Pit Stop will have options for vegetarians and vegans, plus we have a box of gluten free/dairy free snacks for those with intolerances that are kept separate please ask our staff for more info when you arrive. While every effort is made to keep these snacks separate we cannot guarantee there is no cross contamination from allergens such as gluten/peanuts due to the nature of the Pit Stop during a live event.
Taking on this iconic ultramarathon is no small feat and you need to ensure you are fully prepared and kitted up for this epic!
Every single year, the number one reason for #ratracers not reaching the finish line is because they get too cold. Do not let the fact is it June fool you, conditions over the years have varied massively and especially when night falls and you are tired, it can get very cold.
The mandatory kit requirements are in place not only to give you the best chance of taking on the adventure but ultimately for your safety. Should you be unable to continue the event and require assistance, the correct equipment will help ensure you remain as safe, warm, and dry as possible while waiting for help.
Spot checks will be carried out throughout the event at pitstops and every #ratracer will need to show certain items before leaving Hexham pitstop. Any #ratracer found without the mandatory kit will not be permitted to continue. These rules are non-negotiable and are designed to protect both you and our event staff.
Please review the full kit list carefully and ensure you carry every item. Your preparation could make all the difference, not just for finishing the challenge but for staying safe while doing so.
KIT CHECK
We have outlined why carrying each item of the mandatory kit is essential for your safety and success during the event within the document above. Please be aware that there will be random kit checks at various pitstops and at the start, with a particular focus at Hexham Pitstop as this is where most #ratracers will then be heading into the night. We reserve the right to check any item of mandatory kit during the event and you will be unable to continue should you not have required kit.
