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SEA TO SUMMIT: BEN NEVIS
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 Sea to Summit: Ben Nevis
This does not replace our full Essential Event Information pack which is released in August with detailed, year specific information.
TRACKER COLLECTION
Tracker Collection is at Nevis Range Mountain Experience Resort on 9th 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!
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.
If you are a 2027 full trilogy entrant, you will be in wave 1. If you have just entered S2S: Ben Nevis, you will be in wave 2.
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.
TRANSFER DEADLINE
The transfer deadline is 9th September 2027. 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.
If you are a 2027 trilogy entrant, the transfer window for trilogy passes closes on 4th August 2027.
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!
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!
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 9th 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.
