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SEA TO SUMMIT: BEN NEVIS
Due to the scale and nature of Rat Race Events, changes to the course, structure and timings sometimes need to be made right up to the date of the event. To ensure you have the latest information and are fully prepared for the challenge that lies ahead, please check back on this EEI before travelling to the event.
This EEI was last updated on: 12/08/2026
This is our Essential Event Information document, which contains a comprehensive round up of everything you need to know ahead of bagging the highest summit in the United Kingdom and the final summit in our 2026 Sea to Summit series!
The countdown begins now..!
ONLINE WAIVER
Your online waiver MUST be completed before Tracker Collection, you can do this HERE.
TRACKER COLLECTION
Tracker Collection is at Nevis Range Mountain Experience Resort on 10th October between 0500 - 0715. Make sure you arrive at tracker collection at least 45 minutes before you bus departure time.
Nevis Range Mountain Experience Resort is located just 7 miles North of Fort William and only a 30-minute drive from Loch Ness!
The postcode for Registration is PH33 6SQ, however, if using a SATNAV make sure you type in Nevis Range Mountain Resort as the postcode alone isn’t 100% accurate.
Registration Steps
1) Bib Number - You will receive your bib number through the post 1-2 weeks before the event. International participants will need to collect their bib number in person on 10th October from the information/help desk at Tracker Collection.
2) Waiver - Attend Tracker Collection where your bib number will be scanned to show waiver completion and you will then receive your receive your S2S: Ben Nevis Rat Rag. You can complete the online disclaimer now HERE, it takes 2 mins and we encourage you to do this now and certainly well in advance of the event to avoid any delays for you on the day.
3) Tracker Collection - You will be issued your tracker from Open Tracking. There will be a link available on the website closer to the event for you to share with friends/family so they can track your progress over the weekend. There is some important guidance on the trackers below so please do ensure you read this.
4) Board the Shuttle bus and head to the Start Line!
See Key Event Morning Logistics section below for more info.
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 Tracker Collection on event morning.
KEY EVENT MORNING LOGISTICS - PARKING, SHUTTLE BUS & WAVES
You will need to park/meet at the finish location (Nevis Range Mountain Experience Resort, PH33 6SQ). You do not need to book parking with us, it is a huge public car park where you will be able to park and pay before you leave.
Once parked, you will then head to tracker collection and the shuttle bus pick up point ready for your transfer to the start line. You will board a bus in accordance with your wave time. Please arrive to tracker collection at least 45 mins before your shuttle bus departure time. Please see shuttle timings below:
WAVE 1 departing for the start line at 0600 (arrive at tracker collection no later than 0515 but this will be open from 0500)
WAVE 2 departing for the start line at 0715 (arrive at tracker collection no later than 0630)
There is no vehicle access to our start venue and this includes our start line coaches. The coaches will drop you at our coach drop off point and from here, it is 750m to our start venue. This scenic route is a perfect warm up of 5 - 10 minutes walk and it will be waymarked.
There is NO supporter drop off option at the start line, you must attend tracker collection & board the shuttle bus.
WAVE ALLOCATION
Waves will be indicated by your bib number colour.
You have been emailed your wave and start time. This is the wave you chose when you entered the event. This cannot be swapped or changed.
KEY LOCATIONS
Tracker Collection: Nevis Range Mountain Experience Resort Car Park, PH33 6SQ.
Start: You will park at the finish location (Nevis Range Mountain Experience Resort, PH33 6SQ) and hop on a bus transfer to our start line.
Finish: Nevis Range Mountain Experience Resort, PH33 6SQ.
BAG DROP
If you wish to use of our bag drop service, you can leave one bag at Nevis Range Mountain Resort (Tracker Collection) on Saturday morning for collection once you cross the finish line later in the day. Please do ensure that your bag is waterproof as it may be exposed to the elements for all or part of the day. Please also ensure you bag is labelled with the bag tag included in your adventure pack.
TRILOGY MEDAL
If you have taken on the trilogy over 2024/25 and this is your final of the three events, please complete the form HERE so we can confirm your eligibility and have your shiny medal waiting for you at the finish line!
TRANSFER DEADLINE
The transfer deadline is 10th September 2026. You can find more information on our transfer policy HERE and submit a request via your RR account. We are unable to process any transfer requests or make any exceptions after the deadline has passed.
FINISH LINES NOT FINISH TIMES
At Rat Race we are all about finish lines not finish times, our events are not races they are adventures designed for everyone to come and have a go at. We will provide an overall finish time, but it will not be split by gender or age category and there are no podium positions.
VOLUNTEER
Do you have a supporter who would love to get involved?
We are currently on the look out for some final hi-vis heroes to volunteer in various roles and help build the incredible atmosphere #ratracers know and love!
As a volunteer they will receive:
£50 cash travel contribution
£150 event credit or a Rat Race kit bundle
A crew Rat Rag
Access to hot drinks/snacks/food
A fun day out!
Available shifts
Available shifts can be viewed here and the Rat Race team will be in touch ahead of the event to answer any questions you may have and provide your briefing docs. You can also contact the volunteer team on staffing@ratrace.com if you have any questions ahead of signing up!
MERCH
Grab your Sea to Summit: Ben Nevis Merch HERE
SUPPORTER INFORMATION
Supporters are unable to access the startline and there is no parking available here, however, they are more than welcome to wave you off on our start line bus transfers from the Nevis Range Mountain Experience Resort and of course cheer you across the line 28 miles later!
The best place for them to see you on our course is PS2, this is in a public car park but please bear in mind this area is a tourist hotspot and parking may not be readily available. The location for PS2: Visitor Centre, Glen Nevis, Fort William PH33 6ST.
Please note there is strictly no supporter access to pitstop 1 or 3 as these are private venues.
OVERVIEW
At 28 miles and over 5400ft of ascent this is a beast! The route will be fully waymarked so, follow the arrows. We thoroughly recommend you keep your head up not only to see the signs but to also appreciate the magnificent views!
WAYMARKING & GPX
The GPX file is now available HERE. It is important to remember the orange waymarking arrows always take precedence over the GPX file. If the two are ever in conflict, follow the arrows as it may have been necessary for the event team to make small live dynamic changes on the route e.g. fallen tree.
You will be shown examples of our waymarking at the start line briefing. This is predominantly hi-vis ORANGE arrows with the RR logo on, in addition you may see large hi-vis orange and yellow information signage or race tape. This will always have the RR logo on, please do not follow any signage that doesn't.
PITSTOPS
There will be 3 pitstops at approx:
These will be stocked with an array of tasty small snacks, including hot drinks but please note this is not a full lunch provision, you should bring your own supply of food with you and use our stations as top ups! We endeavour to cater to a wide range of dietary needs but due to the nature of operation we are unable to guarantee there is no cross contamination.
If you have a severe allergy we recommend bringing your own stash with you.
We do not provide sports nutrition products at our Pit Stops as these are a personal choice and you should have tried and tested supplements with you.
CUT OFFS
Cut offs are enforced and they are applied to your departure time not your arrival time into the location. If you are cut off you will be transported forward on the course using our sweeper vehicle. If you have supporters they can pick you up if you wish.
Start - First Wave 0700 Final Wave 0815
PS1 - 6.3 miles 1130
PS2 - 12.5 miles 1400
Zig Zag ascent cut off - 14.5 miles 1530
PS3 - 24 miles 1900
Finish 28 miles
TOILETS
Toilets will be available at all 3 pitstop locations.
Period Products
We’ve got your back...period! In our ongoing drive to increase female participation and inclusivity in our adventures, you will now find disposable sanitary bins in designated toilets and a box stocked with period products at every location where we provide toilet facilities because let’s face it, surprises are only fun when they’re cake-related! Whether you planned ahead or got caught off guard, we’ve got you covered so you can focus on what is important, enjoying the adventure ahead. If you ever reach a pitstop and cannot see these products, please ask a member of the crew who will be able to point you in the right direction!
ROAD SAFETY
When running on public roads you should face oncoming traffic and travel in single file (on the right hand side). However, should you be approaching a blind bend or rise, carefully move over to the other side of the road temporarily. Our signage and marshals will occasionally direct you to do this too, please follow their instructions. Should there be two-way traffic we ask that you stop to allow the car to pass you, ensuring you do not force the car behind you into the path of oncoming traffic. If there is a path available please use it.
LITTER
Please help us leave this beautiful part of the country litter free by ensuring you have a pocket ready for your on the move rubbish which you can then dispose of at the next Pit Stop. We will gladly take this from you, if you see a discarded gel or sweet wrapper we ask that you pick it up on behalf of your fellow #ratracer who we are sure dropped it by accident.
DROPPING OUT
Once you have started, if you wish to drop out of the event at any point you must contact the Race Team to inform them and return your tracker to a member of staff, even if you do not need further support from us. If you do not have your own pick-up option (eg a support crew with you) we will arrange to collect you and move you forward along the course. We cannot move you backwards. Race Team numbers are supplied at Registration.
COURSE ETIQUETTE & LIVESTOCK
Please ensure all gates are closed behind you and never climb over locked gates. This is to ensure livestock do not escape fields so please do not leave it open for the next runner unless they are right behind you.
Consider the local community and other people enjoying the outdoors. Take great care when passing near other tourist walkers, not to cause them to take hurried steps to avoid you. Hail them and enable them to step onto secure ground OR that you pass around them beside the trail.· Leave gates closed and property as you find it and follow paths unless wider access is available.
Taking on Sea to Summit: Ben Nevis is no small feat and you need to ensure you are fully prepared and kitted up for the ascending adventure from the Scottish shores to the highest point in the United Kingdom!
The weather in the Scotland is notoriously unpredictable all year round. Clear skies can quickly turn into heavy rain, strong winds, and low visibility. Temperatures can drop significantly at higher altitudes, and underfoot conditions may include slippery rock, bog, or loose scree.
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. This is particularly critical in remote or exposed areas where delays in reaching you may be unavoidable.
Spot checks will be carried out on the start line and throughout the event at pitstops Any #ratracer found without the mandatory kit will not be permitted to continue. These rules are non-negotiable.
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 the start line and along the route at pitstops, with a particular focus at Pitstop 2, where we will be checking for key items before you head for the summit. 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.
HEADTORCH
Headtorches are essential. On 10th October, sunrise is 0745 and sunset is 1828. This means everyone starting in Wave 1 at 0700 will be setting off in the dark. Towards the end of the day, those that find themselves at the back of the pack will potentially have 2 hours of running in dusk and dark before reaching the finish line. It is essential therefore that everyone has a good headtorch. This is a part of the mandatory kit and it must be carried by everyone even if you plan to finish within daylight hours!
RAT RACE STORE
As a #RatRacer you now have a 15% discount in our store so you can get kitted out for your next adventure. Use the code RATRACE15 to save 15% on full priced kit only, excludes event specific merchandise and bundles.
