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Castle to Castle Edinburgh to Glamis
Due to the scale and nature of Rat Race Events, changes to the event course, structure and timings sometimes need to be made right up until the date of the event. To ensure you have the latest information and are fully prepared for the challenge that lies ahead, please checkback on this EEI before travelling to the event.
This EEI was last updated on the 16/07/2026 (updates to start timing, finish line massage, supporter guidance, tidal section, medical DNF protocol, GPX file, public toilets map - all to be communicated in 1-week to go email)
This is your Essential Event Information Guide, containing everything you need to know before taking on this iconic adventure.
This July, you'll stand beneath the towering walls of Edinburgh Castle, ready to embark on an extraordinary 100-mile journey. Ahead lies a route packed with stunning scenery, unforgettable moments and the kind of challenge that will test both body and mind.
Your adventure will culminate at one of the most spectacular finish lines in the entire Rat Race portfolio. As you reach your 99th mile, you'll arrive at the gates of magnificent Glamis Castle before making your final approach along the castle drive and across the finish line to claim your hard-earned victory. We won't pretend it's going to be easy. A 100-mile journey never is. There will be highs and lows, tough moments and incredible ones. But what we can promise is that every step will be worth it.
With the support of our incredible crew, dedicated volunteers and your fellow #RatRacers, you'll have every opportunity to succeed. Together, we'll help you reach that finish line and achieve something truly remarkable.
Now it's time to prepare, get excited and get ready for an unforgettable adventure.
If you have any questions regarding this information please email us on events@ratrace.com
ONLINE DISCLAIMER
Your disclaimer MUST be completed before Tracker Collection, you can do this HERE
TRACKER COLLECTION
Friday 24th July between 1200 - 2000 at APEX Grassmarket hotel EH1 2HS. You must register and pick up your tracker between these times, there is no option to do this on Saturday morning. You MUST bring your running backpack to Tracker Collection so your tracker can be taped to your backpack after allocation.
ADVENTURE PACK
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. Please ensure you have your current address on your entry, you can update this by logging into your Rat Race account. You MUST bring your bib number and running backpack to Tracker Collection.
START & STARTING TIME
The start is at Princes Street Gardens at 0800 on the 25th July. Please arrive at the start with all of your water bottles/reservoirs etc full of water, there is no water fill up point at the start. Please head to the Ross bandstand and follow our signage.
NEW UPDATE - Staggered Start
At the request of Edinburgh Council in order to help manage the flow of #ratracers through Edinburgh city centre, we will now be operating a staggered start from 7:40am. #ratracers will be set off in groups of approximately 100 every 5 minutes, there will be a manned hold after each 100, please respect this.
We kindly ask that you self-seed based on your estimated finish time. This is simply a guide and is not mandatory. Please don't worry if you don't fit neatly into one of the suggested categories or you miss the suggested start time for you. All #ratracers will have crossed the start line by 8:00am, the previously communicated start time, so none of the event timings or cut-offs previously communicated will be affected and you will be on your way through Edinburgh at the time originally planned or slightly earlier.
Suggested start times:
If you are planning to walk from the start, we kindly ask that you cross the start line at 8:00am.
Bag Drop
Opens at 0630 on King Stables Road. This will be signposted and you can find the google pin HERE. Please ensure your bags are clearly labelled, bag tags will be provided in your adventure pack.
We will move up to 5 bags for you at the Rat Race 100. You will drop all of these with us on the Saturday morning at the start line.
If you have a support team they can bring your bags to you if you prefer, they can also take them from you when you are finished with them. You do not have to use this service but it's there if you need it.
IMPORTANT: Your drop bags/contents MUST be waterproofed as they will be exposed to the elements at various stages during their transport. Your bag labels will be provided in your adventure pack.
BAGS WE WILL TRANSPORT:
1) Pit Stop 3 up to 5kg and 15L
This bag is intended as a small resupply bag of your nutrition or a spare pair of socks etc. We would recommend a dry bag of about 10L as an easily transportable option.
After you have finished with this bag we will transport it to the finish for you.
2) Pit Stop 6 up to 5kg and 15L
Recommended items for here would be spare clothes, a change of shoes as the route from here is predominantly road, spare socks, toothbrush and toothpaste, a top up of snacks and nutrition.
After you have finished with this bag we will transport it to the finish for you.
If you want to sleep at this stop, please see 'Sleep Station Bag' section. You are permitted 25L and 10kg.
3) Pit Stop 7 up to 5kg and 15L
Recommended items for here would be spare clothes, toothbrush and toothpaste, a top up of snacks and nutrition.
After you have finished with this bag we will transport it to the finish for you.
If you want to sleep at this stop, please see 'Sleep Station Bag' section. You are permitted 25L and 10kg
4) Pit Stop 8 up to 5kg and 15L
Recommended items for this bag would be spare clothes, spare socks, a top up of snacks and nutrition. Maybe something to help push you through this last section!
After you have finished with this bag we will transport it to the finish for you.
If you want to sleep at this stop, please see 'Sleep Station Bag' section. You are permitted 25L and 10kg.
5) Finish line bag up to 15kg and 70L
We ask that these are duffel style vs hard suitcases. This will go straight to the finish from the start and it will be waiting for you at Glamis Castle.
Supporters may bring you additional items to the Pit Stops.
IMPORTANT NOTE ON BAG DROPS & FORWARD MOVEMENT OF BAGS
If you are using our bag drop system please ensure you collect your bag from each pitstop even if you DO NOT plan to use it, you must collect it from the collection area and move it to the 'Bags to the finish' area in order for it to meet you at the finish. Bags are moved at intervals throughout the event and if you do not collect your bag it will only be transported to the finish when the Pit Stop closes and it may not be there when you arrive as a consequence.
Any bags not collected at the finish will be posted to you (UK postal addresses only) at a £10 postage cost per bag, due the admin and time involved this may take up to 2 weeks after the event to arrive back with you. Alternatively you can collect them from our office in Thirsk from the 30th July. Please make an effort to collect your bag at the event as this is the best solution for everyone!
KIT CHECKS
There will be random kit checks at various pitstops and at the start, with a particular focus between PS3 - PS6 as typically this is when most #ratracers move into the first night. You MUST carry all of the mandatory kit at ALL times. If you fail a check your tracker will be removed and you will not be allowed to continue in the event.
Getting to and from the event
Train
If you are travelling by train, we recommend arriving into Edinburgh on Friday 24th July and staying centrally, this will place you in easy distance of the start line for the following morning.
At the finish line, you can then hop on our free shuttle bus from Glamis to Dundee train station and catch an onward train.
Driving
If you are driving to Edinburgh, we recommend finding a long term car park in the city centre where you can leave your car for the duration of the event. We recommend you book a seat on one of our Glamis – Edinburgh post-event bus transfers via your RR account which will bring you back into Edinburgh city centre where you can pick your vehicle back up for any onward travel.
Flying
If you are flying, we recommend flying into Edinburgh on or before midday Friday 24th July to allow any time for delays etc. You can then grab a bus, taxi or tram from Edinburgh Airport into the city centre.
At the end of the event, you can either hop on our free shuttle to Dundee train station where you could grab a train back to Edinburgh or book a seat on one of our post-event transfers back to Edinburgh. It is vital you leave yourself enough time to connect with onward travel. You may need to wait a while for the free shuttle and our post-event transfers operate a set times so please do consider this and be prepared ti swing in a plan B if you finish earlier or later tha expected and this puts pressure on your travel plans. Rat Race cannot be held responsible for any missed flights or trains.
There is no parking available at Glamis Castle pre-event.
Buses
Rat Race Coach Transfer back to Edinburgh
We have 4 buses from the finish line back to Edinburgh. You will be dropped off on Queens Street HERE
We appreciate that your event may not go to plan and you end up finishing at a different time than you originally planned. If you miss your prebooked bus we will get you on the next one that has available seats. This may be the following day so you should be prepared to book accommodation if this happens to you or to find alternatives if you cannot wait. No refunds will be given in this instance for your bus ticket.
Bus tickets should be purchased before 24th June, you will receive your passes in the post with your bib numbers. After 24th June, bus tickets will only be available at Tracker Collection, subject to availability.
Free Shuttle: Glamis Castle – Dundee Train Station
We will operate a free shuttle from the finish to Dundee train station. This will run on a loop so please expect to wait at busy times as it is a 1 hour round trip. There will also be parking available at the finish so supporters can pick you up.
REGISTRATION / Tracker Collection
Tracker Collection is at Apex Grassmarket hotel on Friday 24th July ONLY between 1200 - 2000.
You must register and pick up your tracker between these times, there is no option to register on the morning of the event.
The postcode for Registration is EH1 2HS, then follow our signage to the Apex suite.
REGISTRATION STEPS
1) Adventure Pack - You will receive your adventure back through the post 1-2 weeks before the event. International participants will need to collect their bib number in person on 24th July from Tracker Collection. You MUST bring your bib number and running pack to tracker collection.
2) Disclaimer - Your bib number will be scanned to show disclaimer completion and you will then receive your Castle to Castle 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 Tracker Collection.
3) T-shirt collection - If you have pre-ordered a t-shirt, you will be able to collect this. The size you selected will be printed on your bib number.
IMPORTANT: Pre-ordered t-shirts must be collected at Tracker Collection. If you do not collect your t-shirt, you will need to pay for this to be posted out to you after the event.
4) 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. You MUST bring your running backpack to Tracker Collection so your tracker can be taped on when allocated.
Start Line Ready!
REMINDER!
You MUST bring the following to Tracker Collection:
1) Bib Number
2) Running Pack
(Tracker will be taped directly to your pack)
Trackers
You will be issued with your Tracker from Open Tracking at Registration.
The trackers rely on GSM & satellite signal to report, (which is generally very good across a lot of our route) but there is a delay on tracking. Sometimes, our team back at base will increase or decrease the reporting frequency, so those watching at home will sometimes not see your dot moving, or see you moving very slowly. Or they may see you adrift from others in the group (for example if you have not turned the tracker on!).
It is REALLY important that you ensure anyone watching at home knows this, for their own peace of mind and for our own safety systems. Experience shows that if someone watching at home does not understand this, they can sometimes unwittingly commence full rescue missions by panicking, calling in the cavalry and sparking confusion for us as organisers. As such, it really is a very important point to note.
You must return this device at the end of the event there is a charge levied of £150 for any tracker that is not returned.
We recommend that people use the Open Tracking website and not the app for the best experience. The tracking link can be found on RR100 website and within this document closer to the event.
Pacing Bands
Don’t forget to pick up a pacing wristband at registration! We've designed these handy bands to show the target times you need to hit each pit stop for the following completion times:
Sub-24 hours
Sub-30 hours
Sub-48 hours
No one likes mental maths especially in the midst of 100-miles!
Sleep Stations
SLEEP STATION BAG GUIDANCE
You will choose in advance your designated sleep station, the options are:
All of these pitstops have a standard dedicated drop bag logistic to them anyway (5kg and 15l), however, if you wish to sleep at one of these, you are permitted an increased allowance of up to 25L and 10kg to accommodate your sleep kit.
Please note you cannot change your sleep station once you have dropped your bag off with us at the start. It cannot be transported to another location. This bag will only be transported onwards to the finish.
You are not obliged to sleep. If you do plan to sleep, we would recommend a power nap of no longer than 90 minutes - 3 hours max.
If you do plan to sleep. the additional kit you would need to add to your pitstop bag should be no more than:
SLEEP STATIONS - WHAT TO EXPECT
Sleep station facilities will be in the same room as the pitstop, this will be a warm room where you can find space in the sleep area to set up and get some shut eye. Please bring earplugs as there will be other participants and crew in and out of this pitstop. There are no beds provided so we recommend a good roll mat or thermarest style inflatable mat for comfort but it is personal choice.
When utilising pitstop facilities at a pitstop that also has a sleep station, please be mindful of those sleeping and keep noise to a minimum where possible,
SLEEPING IN SUPPORTER VEHICLES
If you have a supporter and plan on sleeping in their vehicle rather than utilising the sleep stations, this is permitted. If you do this, you MUST text the Race Director phone number with the following specific info;
Then another text when you are back on route:
ROUGH SLEEPING
RR has put specific sleep locations and support in place for you. If you are planning to sleep, you must use these locations or you may sleep in supporter vehicles, if that option is available to you.
We ask that you DO NOT sleep rough anywhere on the route. This is forbidden for many reasons;
Volunteering
GOT A SUPPORTER WHO WOULD LOVE TO JOIN THE CREW?
We are currently on the look out for some final hi-vis heroes to volunteer over the RR:100 weekend in various roles and help build the incredible atmosphere #ratracers know and love!
As a volunteer you will receive:
AVAILABLE SHIFTS
You can sign up to any available shift 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!
TRANSFER DEADLINE
The transfer deadline is 24th June 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.
The start
The start is at Princes Street Gardens at 0800 on the 25th July. Please arrive at the start with all of your water bottles/reservoirs etc full of water, there is no water fill up point at the start. Please head to the Ross bandstand and follow our signage.
NEW UPDATE - Staggered Start
At the request of Edinburgh Council in order to help manage the flow of #ratracers through Edinburgh city centre, we will now be operating a staggered start from 7:40am. #ratracers will be set off in groups of approximately 100 every 5 minutes, there will be a manned hold after each 100, please respect this.
We kindly ask that you self-seed based on your estimated finish time. This is simply a guide and is not mandatory. Please don't worry if you don't fit neatly into one of the suggested categories or you miss the suggested start time for you. All #ratracers will have crossed the start line by 8:00am, the previously communicated start time, so none of the event timings or cut-offs previously communicated will be affected and you will be on your way through Edinburgh at the time originally planned or slightly earlier.
Suggested start times:
If you are planning to walk from the start, we kindly ask that you cross the start line at 8:00am.
WAYMARKING + GPX
We have previously shared the provisional route file with you and let you know that the finalised GPX file will be shared in the 1 week to go email and here it is HERE
That being said, please always remember, the files currently available are as accurate as they can be now, however, once we are on the ground and the event begins, there may be additional changes we need to make due to unforeseen or unexpected circumstances e.g. fallen tree etc. In these cases, the waymarking will be amended to allow continued safe passage but the GPX files will not be updated. If this case arises, you should ALWAYS follow the waymarking and not your GPS device. The detour is very likely to be short and the waymarking and GPX file will soon get back in sync. To be clear: The on the ground waymarking overrides the GPX file.
TIDAL SECTION - 64 MILES
At approximately mile 64, there is a short section of the coastal path that is affected by the tide. At high tide, the water can reach around shin depth. High tide is expected at 00:36 and again at 13:20 on Sunday 26th, meaning this will only affect a relatively small number of #ratracers who hit this section during that time window.
If you wish to avoid getting your feet wet, you may need to wait for around 45 minutes before you can cross without wading. Throughout the event, Mountain Leaders will be stationed at this location to assess conditions, provide guidance and help you make the safest decision based on the tide..
Please come prepared for the possibility of wet feet. We strongly recommend packing a spare pair of dry socks in your Pit Stop 7 drop bag so you can change into them afterwards if needed.
Pit Stop Info
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE PIT STOPS
At Rat Race we are famous for our excellent Pit Stop support and we pride ourselves on that! The Pit Stops at RR100 Castle to Castle Ultramarathon will be no different and our aim is to keep you as well fuelled as possible to help you get through those 100 miles.
Pit Stops are the points where you can grab a snack, interact with the Rat Race team, request medical attention, access drop bags and also see your own supporters if you have them.
On the Rat Race 100 we will have 2 classifications of Pit Stops.
These will be SIMPLE or ENHANCED. SIMPLE Pit Stops will have the following available at them:
ENHANCED Pit Stops will have all of the services available at the SIMPLE Pit Stops but they will have enhanced food offerings which will vary by location. Examples of enhanced food selections include porridge pots, noodles, soup, hot catered food, sandwiches, pizza, sausage rolls etc to help keep you fuelled on this adventure.
Our Pit Stops are well stocked and they will focus around ‘real’ foods and snacks. We will not provide specialist sports nutrition products as we know that everyone’s choices vary here. You will have your own that you have trained with and the last thing you want to do in an ultra is try an untested gel and suffer the consequences! If you do wish to use gels or similar sports nutrition products, you should plan to bring your own and be self-contained. Don’t forget, we offer our drop bag service, so if you wish to lighten your load by sending a stash forward, we have support in place to help you with that.
Everyone should plan to bring their own salts / electrolytes. We will provide salt at the Pit Stops and if you haven’t tried Rat Race’s famous salted oranges yet, this could be your new favourite adventure snack! However, we won’t be providing salts or electrolytes in the form of to-go supplements. IE if you want salt tabs, capsules, or electrolyte drinks mixes (and we would encourage you to use these on a challenge as arduous as this) you will need to supply these yourself.
We aim to cater as much as possible 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. Our hot food supplier is able to provide vegan and gluten free hot food choices.
SUPPORT BETWEEN PIT STOPS
The longest you will go between Pit Stops on the Rat Race 100 is around half marathon distance (13 miles). We advise you to complete the majority of your training runs and hikes carrying the mandatory kit so that when the event come around, you are accustomed to using it and comfortable carrying it with you. This includes water, snacks and the rest of the mandatory kit list. We have a mandatory minimum of 2L fluid, but we recommend 3L. If you make sure that you cover these distances regularly in training carrying the mandatory kit, water and snacks, you will be well prepared come event day (or days!).
It will sometimes be possible for you to obtain additional support between our Pit Stops. If you have your own supporters, you are of course welcome to ask them to meet you at certain points along the route, whilst respecting all local access rules and being courteous of local residents.
Additionally, there will be times when the route passes extra opportunities along the way, e.g. shops and cafes. If you do make use of these facilities, please bear in mind that you will technically be off-route whilst making these stop ins. This shouldn’t be a problem unless you find yourself at the back of the event. IE, you don’t want the arrows to be cleared away ahead of you whilst you’re sat having a pub lunch, for example!
Pit Stop Locations
Pit Stop 1 SIMPLE: 8 miles
Dalmany Village Hall EH30 9TT
Pit Stop 2 ENHANCED: 19 miles
St Fillans Church Hall, KY3 0SW
Pit Stop 3 ENHANCED: 32 miles
COW Village Hall, KY1 4NR
Pit Stop 4 SIMPLE: 39 miles
Montrave Hall, KY8 6AJ
Pit Stop 5 ENHANCED: 45 miles
Colinsburgh, Town Hall, KY9 1LN
Pit Stop 6 ENHANCED: 58 miles
Kings Barn Hall, KY16 8SZ (hot food catering)
Pit Stop 7 ENHANCED: 67 miles
Scout Hut, KY16 9BE
Pit Stop 8 ENHANCED: 78 miles
Tayport, Larick Centre, DD6 9EA
Pit Stop 9 SIMPLE: 92 miles
Auchterhouse Village Hall, DD3 0QS
Cut Offs
RR100 Castle to Castle Ultramarathon is for everyone. It is designed to accommodate everyone from experienced 100 mile runner veterans, through to first timers covering the distance and setting out to walk every step of the way.
We have designed this event so that it can be completed at 2.5 mph, which still leaves 8 hours lay time to take into account Pit Stop visits and even a good nap or two. Our cut offs are as generous as we can make them and they reflect that we really do want to see every one of you cross the finish line in Glamis.
Cut offs are enforced, as this is a crucial part of our safety planning for the route, our logistical planning with all of the venues who kindly agree to host us, and finally, to look after the welfare of all of the crew who work day and night to support your efforts.
Cut off times are applied to your departure time from the Pit Stop, NOT your arrival time into the location. There are NO cut offs times enforced from Pit Stop 1 – 5 to allow everyone to do as much of the course as possible. The cut off times for each stop are detailed below:
PS1 - No enforced cut off
PS2 - No enforced cut off
PS3 - No enforced cut off
PS4 - No enforced cut off
PS5 - No enforced cut off
PS6 – 1300 - 26th July
PS7 – 1700 - 26th July
PS8 – 2300 - 26th July
PS9 – 0430 - 27th July
FINISH – 0800 - 27th July
We reserve the right to implement cut offs for participants before Pit Stop 6 if they are significantly behind the 48-hour completion pace and are unlikely to reach the next Pit Stop before the venue closes. This would only apply in exceptional circumstances where a participant's average walking pace has fallen well below 2.5 mph, making it impossible to reach the Pit Stop while it is still staffed and operational.
Toilets
Toilets will be available at all pitstop locations. Some pitstops will have limited toilets due to venue/landowner restrictions meaning there are toilets within the building but we are unable to augment with additional toilets outside so at busy times, there may be a small queue at certain pitstops.
We have put together a map of public toilets located on the route for you to use, please carry some small coins (20p, 50p, £1) as some of them may be coin operated.
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!
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.
The finish line
The finish line is Glamis Castle and what a finish line it is!
We are set up there to welcome you warmly across the finish line and congratulate you on this epic achievement! In our finish structure we have our medic team should you need them, some locally provided hot food and drinks(vegan, gf and veggie options available).
We also have local physios on hand offering 15 minutes of post-event massage for £15.
We encourage you to think about what time you are aiming to finish and your onward travel plans as the set up at the finish is a marquee with minimal infrastructure. We operate a free shuttle on rotation back to Dundee city centre throughout the event.
Our marquee is not set up for you to stay overnight and will not be the comfiest place to sleep! Please ensure you have put a change of clothes and some warm layers in your finish bag as you will rapidly cool down.
Supporters & Support Runners
Please find our breakdown of supporter guidance and access to pitstops below.
Pitstop 1 Dalmany Village Hall EH30 9TT – This is a small village with on street parking, there is no dedicated pitstop parking. If you are attending this pitstop, please park respectfully and mindfully of local residents. Only participants are permitted inside the venue itself as it will be quite tight with a one way system enforce for flow of traffic.
Pitstop 2 St Fillans Church Hall, KY3 0SW – There is no dedicated supporter parking at this pitstop but there is plentiful parking elsewhere in the town.
A limited number of supporters will be able to access the venue but capacity is small so this is not a given. Please note it is important supporters do not stand in the road at the front of the hall as this is a very central and busy town location.
Pitstop 3 COW Village Hall, KY1 4NR – No dedicated supporter parking but on street parking in the village. Large internal space for both supporters and participants to access.
Pitstop 4 Montrave Hall, KY8 6AJ - Dedicated car park at the rear of the building. Alternative parking through out the village and beyond.
Good parking spaces here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/KhvhqwGQYEnvfarH9 which is before the pitstop. Or the car park at The Temple in Lower Lundin - https://maps.app.goo.gl/ax3xLrGdHocR9MPg7 after the pitstop.
Pitstop 5 Colinsburgh, Town Hall, KY9 1LN- No spectator parking and very limited parking nearby, we would discourage supporters from visiting this pitstop and find another location on the map to catch their #ratracer.
Alternatives on the parking and spectator maps.
Pitstop 6 – There are strictly no supporters able to access pitstop 6 whether by foot or by vehicle. This is a very small village and the pitstop venue is also small so it is vital supporters respect this and do not attend pitstop 6.
If you have a support runner planning to join you from this point or you have supporters wishing to see you, there is a beach car park HERE. This is 1 mile further on from the pitstop which is a great meeting point of support runners and supporters. There is also public toilets available here.
Our advice would be to get into PS6, get changed, have a rest, take food onboard etc before heading out and meeting supporters 1 mile down the course at the above car park.
Pitstop 7 Scout hut in St Andrews – There is no dedicated supporter parking. Utilise the huge parking spaces indicated on the spectator's map.
Options for parking in Guardbridge and Tentsmuir.
Pitstop 8 - Huge pitstop with loads of space for supporters and participants to visit and park.
Pitstop 9 – This is a tiny village hall with very minimal parking. This late on in the course, participants should be well spaced out so the flow of supporters should be less and you may be able to get parked but please be respectful and mindful of local residents if parking in the village.
Glamis Castle (finish) - Approach the castle down the main drive and follow signage for specator parking and the illuminated finish line. Exit will be the same route. Park in designated field and approach the finish venue on foot.
During the day you will need to inform the parking marshals on the gate that you are here for the Rat Race event and not the main castle attractions.
SEE SUPPORTERS SUGGESTED TRAVEL MAP HERE
General Guidance
We understand that you may have people attending the event who wish to support you throughout your adventure. A support team is not necessary to take part in the Rat Race 100 but for those who are using a support team here are the rules and guidelines of how you can interact with them below.
Supporters must avoid driving the route where possible, they should use main roads to move between locations as indicated on the Spectator Google map. We recommend you choose 4 - 5 Pit Stops to see your runner at throughout the course instead of trying to get to every one.
Supporters and any planned support runners must be self-contained in their own vehicle, and you cannot have more than one designated support vehicle.
Supporters cannot access event resources such as Pit Stop food, medics, toilets, sleep stations for their own use.
Support runners can join from PS3 onwards.
Support runners must carry the mandatory kit, especially if they are running through the night.
Support runners should be confident, self-supported and not rely on any Rat Race event medics, food, water or resources. Any attempt to access event resources will be denied by staff, our focus must remain on the paying participants, and we will not divert any resources to assisting support runners. If a support runner needs assistance or picking up they MUST rely on their support team to pick them up, they will not be able to access the sweeper bus service.
You may only have one support runner with you at any time on the course. We have permissions in place for a certain number of runners on the route with local authorities and we cannot exceed this.
You don’t need us to tell you that taking on 100 miles is no small feat and you must ensure you are fully prepared and kitted up for this epic!
The number one reason for #ratracers not reaching the finish line is because they get too cold. Do not let the fact is it July fool you, conditions can vary 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.
There will be random kit checks at various pitstops and at the start, with a particular focus at between PS3 - PS6 as typically this is when most #ratracers move into the first night. 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. 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.
Your Safety on Roads
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 to ensure that you are not approaching any traffic on the same side as a blind bend. 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.
Dropping out
Once you have started, if you wish to drop out of the event at any point you must contact the Race Team or a Pit Stop Manager to inform them of your decision to do so, 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. Please also note that moving you forwards may involve wait times and additional stops due to logistical reasons. Our event team are unlikely to be able to move you onto the finish line immediately. Anyone withdrawing from the event will need to go to the finish line if you have left bags with us, as this is where all bags are moved forward to.
Race Team contact numbers are printed on your bib number.
In all instances you MUST return your tracker to us before leaving the event.
IMPORTANT NOTE! Any uncollected bags can be collected from Rat Race HQ, Hurstwood Business Centre, Thirsk Industrial Park, York Road, Thirsk, YO7 3BX from Thursday 30th July onwards. Please email events@ratrace.com ahead of travelling to the office so we can ensure there is a member of team at HQ to meet you.
If you need us to post your bags to you, this will incur a postage fee £10.00 per bag.
Hi Vis Clothing
For the entirety of the event we ask that you do not wear dark or dull colours, or colours that blend with vegetation such as hedges. If you've got a jazzy pair of leggings or shorts, throw them on! For an event of this distance that takes you through the night, wearing brightly coloured clothing will enhance your safety on public roads. Please ensure you have reflective/hi-vis items ready for and road or night stages of the event, this will be checked as darkness falls.
Running in the dark
A little achluophobia (fear of the dark) is very normal in an ultra, it's common to feel a bit tired and emotional as the sun goes down and the batteries are running low. You may feel more vulnerable than usual when running on your own so we whole heartedly encourage you to strike up a conversation with a fellow #ratracer and make a new friend! We have buddy stations at certain pitstop (see more below) where you can wait to find a buddy to walk/run the next section with.
Buddy up Station
We will have a waiting section at all pitstop locations between and including pitstop 3 to pitstop 9 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!
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 close enough as to pass through with you. There are very few fields with cattle on the route but when you encounter them please do not disturb them and observe the following points: If you are the first person to enter the fields please stop running and be prepared to slow to a walk. Do not pass between calf and cows or cause them to separate from their herd. Stay away from lone calves and never run straight towards a cow. Avoid sudden movements and high-pitched loud noises. Although gentle singing and talking will let cows know you are there. Follow other participants and create a predictable route, be aware that dogs can startle livestock so keep a look out for other walkers who may be in your vicinity.
Incidents during the event
2.Failing this, in the event of a true emergency or serious incident call 999....then inform the Race Director or Medical Team
Emergency contact numbers and information for use during the event only are printed on the reverse of your bib number.
NOTE: Text or call back if you do not get through.
DO NOT leave voicemails. The Rat Race phoneline is only active during this event.
MEDICAL DNF PROTOCOL
If a member of the Trail Med team advises you to retire from the event and you are being transported by our team to another venue or pit stop (for example, if your transfer to the finish includes stops at one or more pitstops along the way), we kindly ask that you make yourself known to the pitstop manager upon arrival.
The pitstop manager will be wearing an orange hi-vis vest. If you're unsure who they are, please ask any member of the pitstop crew who will be happy to direct you.
While Event Control has systems in place to communicate the movement of #ratracers who have medically retired, by introducing yourself to the pitstop manager particularly at busy periods, you help ensure they are aware of your situation, can keep an eye on your wellbeing while you are at the pitstop and can quickly arrange further medical assistance if required.
