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Sea to Summit: Scafell Pike
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: 06/07/2026
This is our Essential Event Information document, which contains a comprehensive round up of everything you need to know ahead of topping out at the highest trig point in England! Read on to find the answers to all your questions ahead of this adventure.
The countdown begins now..!
TRACKER COLLECTION
Tracker Collection is on Saturday 5th September between 0530 - 0650 at Seascale Sports Hall (CA20 1PX). You must collect your tracker on event day morning between these times. Please arrive to tracker collection at least 45 minutes before your wave start time ready with your pack so your tracker can be taped on.
Registration Steps
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.
WAVES
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. If you miss your wave you can run in the next one but you cannot run earlier.
KEY LOCATIONS
Tracker Collection: Seascale Sports Hall CA20 1PX
Start: The start is on the beach on the other side of the Train tracks, it will be obvious on the day.
Finish: Seascale Sports Hall CA20 1PX
START & FINISH LINE PARKING
The event parking is located on the edge of town and it is a 1 mile (20 min) walk to the start line.
The address is: Cross Lanes, Seascale CA20 1HJ and the Google pin for the entrance is HERE
This will also be signposted with 'Rat Race Parking' signage.
You can purchase parking via your RR account until 10th August. You will receive a parking pass within your adventure pack to display in your windscreen. After this date, parking passes will be available to purchase on the day, subject to availability. We strongly recommend purchasing these before 10th August.
If the weather is particularly wet in the lead up to the event we will switch the parking location to a different field a further 2 miles away. This is our wet weather contingency parking. If the switch is made we will communicate this via email before the 4th September and there will be buses to shuttle you to the start location from the contingency car park and back again after the event.
TRAVEL
BAG DROP
You can leave one bag at Seascale Sports Hall 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 5th August 2026 (S2S: Scafell & Trilogy pass holders). 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: Scafell Pike Merch HERE
OVERVIEW
At 33 miles and over 5600ft of ascent this is a beast! The route will be fully waymarked so there is no need for navigation. We thoroughly recommend you keep your head up not only to see the signs but to also appreciate the magnificent views!
As you would expect for a Sea to Summit mountain event, there are sections of mountainous terrain along our route. The mountain sections are predominantly on good, firm single-track paths, however the ground on these paths is uneven, as you would expect it to be in a natural environment. This is very much what makes it fun, but it does mean that caution is required to keep your footing!
There are some very short, easy scramble sections, found between the summit of Scafell Pike and Sca Fell. That’s right, there are 2 summit to conquer. Scrambling means sections where you may wish to use your hands for stability and balance. Any such sections will always have qualified Mountain Leaders in position as marshals to offer guidance and support, should you want it.
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:
6.5 miles
14 miles
26 miles
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.
Note about Scafell Pike summit. In order to complete the course you must be through the summit of Scafell Pike by 1500. If you arrive between 1500 and 1600 you will be returned to PS2, unable to complete the course. All waymarking and safety teams are removed from the onward route at this time.
From 1600, the summit team will descend to PS2 and escort everyone remaining on the hill down to PS2 for onward transport to PS3 if before the 1920 cut off or the finish if after this time.
Start: Wave 1 0700 / Wave 2 0720
PS1: 6.5 miles. Cut off 1000
PS2: 12.6 miles. Cut off 1300
Maiden Castle: 20 miles. Cut off 1700
PS3: 26 miles. Cut off 1920
Finish 33 miles
TOILETS
Toilets will be available at all 3 pitstop locations. The closest toilets to the start line are at the Tracker Collection venue so please do ensure you utilise these before heading across to the start!
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 within the one-week to go email and at Tracker Collection.
COURSE ETIQUETTE AND 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: Scafell Pike is no small feat and you need to ensure you are fully prepared and kitted up for the ascending adventure from the shores of Seascale to the highest point in England!
The weather in the Lake District, even in early September, is notoriously unpredictable. 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 throughout the event at pitstops. 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, with a particular focus at Pitstop 2, where we will be checking for waterproofs 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.
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.
START
Supporters are welcome to park at Seascale Beach car park. This directly overlooks the start on Seascale Beach.
PITSTOP ACCESS
PS1/PS3 (no access to supporter vehicles) - We use the same venue location to serve as PS1 and PS3 on this event, so this venue will be busy. It's a small village hall with one way in and out, and this entrance will be used by runners coming in and out of the site. Unfortunately, we can't have supporter vehicles coming and going through this same entrance / exit as the vehicles would pose a safety risk to the runners. There is strictly no supporter vehicle access to PS1 / PS3.
If you wish to access PS1 / PS3 by foot, this is permitted. There is a small public car park 10-minute walk away to the East along Bowerhouse Bank road. Alternatively, there is the Bridge Inn car park 3 mins walk away to the West along Whitecroft road, however this is for patrons only and you should only park here if you intend to purchase something from the pub too.
PS2 - This can be accessed by road, however the route driven to get to the PS will follow some of the running route. Any supporters travelling to or from PS2 should pay extra attention and caution to runners / walkers who may be on the road.
ALONG THE ROUTE
The route passes several public car parks that would pose as good vantage points to support runners.
Sawmill Cafe & Farm Shop, the sawmill, Nether Wasdale, Seascale CA20 1ET. This has parking 50m off the route at 14km.
Overbeck Car Park, Seascale CA20 1EX. This is directly on the route at 20km.
Wasdale Lake Head Car Park, Seascale CA20 1EX. This is just off the route at 21.5km. From here, supporters could turn west and see runners just before PS2 or head East up the hill and see runners after PS2 as they begin their ascent up the mountain.
Bridge Inn, Whitecroft, Santon Bridge, Holmrook CA19 1UX. This is a great spot to support from, as long as you remain respectful to the pub owners and either purchase something, or check that they are happy for you to use their car park if you are not offering them custom. Runners pass here at 10km and 42km. They have outdoor tables and this is directly on the route.
Finish
Supporters are welcome to park at Seascale Beach car park. From here it is a 2 min walk to the finish at Seascale Sports Hall.
