The Isles 2026 Essential Event Information

WELCOME TO THE OUTER HEBRIDES. WELCOME TO THE ISLES ULTRA 2026!

We hope you’re looking forward to an epic adventure in September across the stunning Hebridean Isles. This document is designed to give you a bit of info about what you can expect during your challenge and details of anything that you need to do beforehand. This should answer any questions you might have about the event, but please do reach out to the Rat Race team via events@ratrace.com if you need to know anything else.

We’ll see you on the start line very soon!

James
Event Director, The Isles Ultra 2026

THE ISLES ULTRA WEBSITE

MANDATORY KIT LIST

COMPLETE YOUR EVENT PARTICIPATION FORM

COMPLETE YOUR MEDICAL FORM

KEY REMINDERS

Event Participation Form MUST be submitted NO later 17th July 2026.
Medical declaration MUST be submitted NO later than 17th July 2026.

ARRIVAL

Date: 17th September 2026

Location: Muthu Ben Doran, Tyndrum, Perthshire, Scotland, FK20 8RZ (Please arrive no later than 1030 to load kit into vans/trailers before an 1100 departure).

How best to get there?

By public transport: Tyndrum has two train stations (Tyndrum Upper and Lower) and is well served by mainline buses from Glasgow and Edinburgh. The Muthu Ben Doran Hotel is within 5 mins walk of both train stations, and the bus will stop directly outside if asked.

By road: Tyndrum is 1.5 hours North of Glasgow and 2 hours North West of Edinburgh.

If you are planning to drive, the Muthu Ben Doran have kindly agreed to allow us parking for the duration of the trip. This is charged at £5 per vehicle per day, so this is £40 for the event duration. This is to be paid directly to hotel reception on the day of arrival.

DEPARTURE

On concluding our adventure in the Outer Hebrides, you have a few options. You may wish to stay on the islands and continue your own adventure, or you may leave us in Ullapool and explore the North Coast. That is completely fine, all we ask is that you let us know.

If you plan to complete the return journey with us, we can drop you back at our original RV point at the Muthu Ben Doran Hotel in Tyndrum, or we can drop you at Inverness Train Station. Drop off to Inverness is encouraged for anyone whose onward travel plans involve public transport, as this is a bigger hub and it's better connected than Tyndrum.

The schedule for our return journey from The Isles is as follows:

0600 board ferry in Stornoway
0700 ferry departs Stornoway
0930 ferry arrives Ullapool
1000 road departure Ullapool to Tyndrum, via Inverness
1130 expected arrival Inverness
1430 expected arrival Tyndrum

Please leave a buffer if booking any services at fixed times in case of delay on sea or land due to weather or traffic.

ACCOMMODATION

The accommodation is mixed and on a shared basis. This is the breakdown:

Night 1 – Dunnard Hostel
Nights 2 & 3 – Uist Travel (mix of B&B style rooms)
Nights 4, 5 & 6 – Scaladale Outdoor Centre (Hostel Style, good communal space with dorm rooms and shared facilities)
Night 7 – Caladh Inn, Hotel in Stornoway

Given that we have a Hostel, an Outdoor Centre, and a few hotel spots. You should all bring a travel towel, as towels will not always be provided. It is recommended that you bring a blindfold and a set of ear plugs if you are a light sleeper to give you the best chance of a good night’s rest in shared accommodation. Rooming is sometimes dorm style where you will be sharing with a small same sex group. Sometimes, it’s twin sharing.

FOOD & DRINK

All food on the islands will be included. You should expect to supply your own lunch on Day 1 (arrival day) and may wish to purchase lunch from the ferry on the return on Day 8. The food prepared will be varied, substantial and appropriate for the type of challenge you’re undertaking.

Breakfasts will be a mixture of continental or cooked, occasionally both. Often, we will be making an early start on the trails which may mean that breakfast is more grab and go style to help us stick to our early schedule.

Lunches will be more of a ‘grab and go’ affair from the Pit Stops. More on Pit Stop in the next section.

Evening meals will offer 2 courses minimum, either starter and main or main and dessert. Drinks are on you, and usually best settled directly at the bar.

If you wish to purchase additional food or drinks during the trip, this will be at your own expense.

You will be given the opportunity to make us aware of any dietary requirements when you complete your information forms.

CONTACT

1.) For ALL pre-event email correspondence prior to departure:

events@ratrace.com for admin, challenge-based questions, kit, training, prep
office@trailmed.co.uk for any medical-based advice or discussion on medical conditions in confidence

2.) Emergency correspondence from people who need to get in touch with you (i.e. from those who need to contact you) IN EMERGENCY ONLY while you are embarked on the event: events@ratrace.com.

The originator should quote ‘Emergency correspondence for (yourname)’ in the email title and they must provide a phone number for return comms. This will be patched through to our crew’s mobile phones, (or satellite messaging platform if we are out of reception) from our office and a satellite phone will be made available for you to return the comms to the originator. We would aim to provide a suitable response period of within 24 hrs for this service to the originator.

Please, please, please do tell your family and supporters NOT to contact us about Tracker Emergencies!

3.) A WhatsApp group will be created a few days before departure. This will be the main point of contact leading up to the event itself.

Itinerary

DAY 1 / RV IN TYNDRUM, SAIL TO BARRA & REG

Thursday 17th September

Arrive in Tyndrum for our rendezvous at 1030, where the Rat Race team will meet you and the adventure officially begins. From here, we’ll transfer westward through spectacular Scottish scenery before continuing onward to the Outer Hebrides and the island of Barra, your gateway to the journey ahead. Expect to arrive in Barra around 1800.

This evening, we’ll settle into our accommodation in Castlebay, Barra’s charming main village, where you can get checked in, meet your fellow adventurers and soak up the anticipation before the challenge begins.

Route: N/A, Travel only 
Meals: You provide Breakfast & Lunch. We provide an evening meal.  
Accommodation: Dunnard Hostel, dorm style rooms with shared facilities.

DAY 2 / THE ISLES ULTRA BEGINS!

Friday 18th September

After an early breakfast, we transfer to the southernmost island of Vatersay to begin the adventure at the official terminus marker of the Hebridean Way, set beside the stunning sands of Vatersay Bay.

From here, the route heads north across the causeway onto Barra, weaving through rolling island roads and coastal scenery before passing the famous beach runway at Traigh Mhòr en route to Ardmhor ferry terminal.

A ferry crossing over the Sound of Barra provides a brief chance to refuel and regroup before landing on Eriskay and continuing north across causeways, coastal roads and low-level trails through South Uist. Expect stretches across the beautiful machair, a unique mix of grassland, sand and hard-packed beach depending on the tide.

The day finishes deep in the Hebrides before a transfer to our accommodation in Daliburgh for a well-earned rest.

Route: 59km / 37 miles, 650m ascent & descent 
Meals: All meals provided (Pit Stop lunch). 
Accommodation: Uist Travel (mix of B&B style rooms

DAY 3 / ACROSS BENBECULA

Saturday 19th September

The day begins with more stunning coastal running before turning inland to navigate a wild maze of lochs, waterways and peat tracks. Crossing the causeway from South Uist to Benbecula, the route weaves between coast and moorland before climbing Rhuabhal, Benbecula’s highest hill, for spectacular 360-degree views across the Outer Hebrides.

From here, the journey continues north via a series of causeways through Grimsay and onto North Uist, with more remote peat paths, moorland trails and sea loch scenery leading towards Langass. At the end of the stage, we’ll transfer back to accommodation in South Uist for rest and recovery.

Route: 59km / 37 miles, 500m ascent & descent  
Meals: All meals provided (Pit Stop lunch). 
Accommodation: A second night at Uist Travel (mix of B&B style rooms)

DAY 4 / ANOTHER ISLAND HOPPING DAY

Sunday 20th September

The shortest day of the trip, but not without adventure. From Langass, the route follows quieter old roads before heading west onto increasingly remote off-road terrain, skirting hills and crossing classic Hebridean peat tracks en route to Berneray.

From here, we board the ferry across the spectacular Sound of Harris, weaving through a maze of islands and skerries before landing at Leverburgh.

The adventure then continues into the wild landscapes of South Harris, climbing through a shallow mountain pass before descending towards the stunning sands of Scarista Beach. After the day’s stage, we’ll transfer forward to accommodation in Lewis for a well-earned rest, where you’ll be able to settle in for 1 of 3 nights in your new base.

Route: 33km / 21 miles, 350m ascent / descent 
Meals: All meals provided (Pit Stop lunch). 
Accommodation: The first of three nights at Scaladale Outdoor Centre (Hostel Style, good communal space with dorm rooms and shared facilities)

DAY 5 / OUCH, THE LEGS ARE STARTING TO HURT

Monday 21st September

This is one of the toughest and most spectacular days of the journey, beginning with a challenging off-road section across rough, steep terrain with incredible views over Luskentyre’s world-famous beaches.

Once through the wildest ground, the route eases along the historic Coffin Road before reaching the dramatic east coast landscapes of the Golden Road, with its surreal, lunar-like rock scenery. Passing through Tarbert for a valuable support stop, the route then heads north through remote glens, trails and roads above Loch Seaforth, marking the transition from Harris into Lewis.

On completing the day, you have a relaxed evening to look forward to as you will run to the accommodation for your finish line, so no transfers to wait for today – directly to shower, rest and recharge!

Route: 49km / 30 miles, 1,500m ascent & descent 
Meals: All meals provided (Pit Stop lunch). 
Accommodation: Night 2 of 3 at Scallodate Outdoor Centre

DAY 6 / PENULTIMATE DAY!

Tuesday 22nd September

Setting off from the accommodation, you will soon reach one of the Hebrides’ rare forests. After that, the route follows quiet roads and peat trails through the heart of Lewis, passing through Balallan, Scotland’s longest village, before striking out across remote moorland towards Achamore.

From here, quieter roads lead us towards Stornoway, with a final woodland approach through the grounds surrounding Stornoway Castle to reach the official Hebridean Way terminus marker near the harbour.

For those with more in the tank, there may be the option to push beyond the official finish and add an extra mile or so by heading into town for a quick visit to Stornoway centre before the return transfer to accommodation in Scaladale for the third and final night here.

Route: 49km / 30 miles, 900m ascent & descent 
Meals: All meals provided (Pit Stop lunch). 
Accommodation: Final night at Scaladale Outdoor Centre

DAY 7 / THE END IS IN SIGHT!

Wednesday 23rd September

The grand finale sees start the day with a transfer back to the Hebridean Way terminus in Stornoway before heading north through the wild landscapes of Lewis, following a mix of quiet roads and remote coastal terrain as we make our way towards the very northern tip of the Outer Hebrides.

Passing crofting communities, open moorland and dramatic Atlantic coastline, the final miles build towards an unforgettable dramatic finish at the iconic Butt of Lewis Lighthouse, standing at the edge of the ocean, having completed an extraordinary foot traverse of the Outer Hebrides from Vatersay to the northernmost point of Scotland’s western isles.

Route: 47km / 28 miles, 700m ascent & descent 
Meals: All meals provided (Pit Stop lunch). 
Accommodation: Caladh Inn, Hotel accommodation in Stornoway

DAY 8 / HOMEWARD BOUND

Thursday 24th September

The only bad thing about the Caladh Inn, is that we will be leaving it all too soon! It’s a very early alarm call this morning, as we need to depart at 0600 to get to the ferry in time. It’s a short walk from the accommodation, so we’ll collect your bags at the accommodation, and then you will walk over to the ferry.  

The ferry crossing is around 2.5 hours. After that, it’s a 4 hour~ drive from Ullapool to Tyndrum. We will make a quick comfort break stop somewhere along the way (probably Inverness), so there’s the option to purchase food and use facilities along the way. If you’re travelling away via public transport, there is the option to be left in Inverness, instead of going back to Tyndrum.  

Route: N/A, just a short walk to the ferry! 
Meals: We provide a (very!) early breakfast at the accommodation before leaving. You provide (optional) 2nd breakfast and / or lunch on the ferry, and any snacks or lunch on the journey back to Tyndrum.  
Accommodation: N/A, the event finishers around 1300 when we disperse from Tyndrum for onward travel.

ROUTE

This (if we do say so ourselves) is an absolute belter of a route! The terrain is extremely varied and changeable which makes it fun, but it can also make it challenging. The route follows the Hebridean Way. The trail is marked, but the markings are often not very obvious and sometimes they are missing altogether. What we are saying is, don’t let the fact that it is a named trail fool you! It will be tough going, there will be bog (and lots of it) but it will very much be worth it.

COURSE CHANGES

The nature of an adventure is that sometimes, the uncertain becomes certain! That is all part of the adventure. Whilst we will always strive to pull off ‘Plan A,’ it may well be that for any one of a number of reasons, we cannot do so and we need to wheel put Plan B, C or D. We do line up contingencies for many eventualities of course. But it is worth knowing that the course may change if we deem it prudent for your safety or for other operational or weather-based reasons and we must always reserve the right to do so. Ultimately our skill and judgement in organising such events is part of why you are entering, so we must be able to exercise this on your behalf where we deem it necessary. If we do have to make a route change, we will strive to inform you in good time (if that is possible). Usually, these unforeseen changes simply add to the flavour of proceedings and provide for a good story to tell at day’s end!

Course changes on The Isles Ultra can become likely if Calmac, the local ferry operator, are suffering from operational issues or if the weather is extremely adverse and disrupts ferry service. In this instance, we will do our best to get back on schedule, but this may mean that some sections of route need to be missed.

NAVIAGTION

This is a self-navigated route, therefore you will need to find your own way by following the GPX files that we share with you. The event route will NOT be waymarked by Rat Race. The route does mostly follow an established trail, the Hebridean Way. However, the route markings along the trail can be quite sparse and difficult to follow.

As this is a running event, the best way to navigate the route and follow the GPX files that we will share with you is with a GPS navigation enabled running watch. Many of you are likely to have your own device already, that’s great news. Please practice with it and become familiar with how it works and how to upload, select and navigate GPX files from your watch before you get to the event. For your own peace of mind and enjoyment, it is best to be comfortable with this before you arrive.

If you don’t already have a suitable device, it is worth considering investing in one, and we are happy to help if you need recommendations there. If you’re not yet ready to purchase a device of your own, Rat Race has several Garmin and Coros units available for hire on a first come first served basis. More on how to arrange device hire at the end of this document.

As well as having the route on a running watch, you MUST have the routes on your mobile as a backup. The GPX files should be uploaded to a navigation app on your mobile and downloaded for offline use, in addition to having them on your watch. It is always good to have a backup, in case of tech failure on your watch or if the route is unclear on your watch, which may happen from time to time. It is easier to zoom in and out and check the route as a whole, should you need to, on the larger screen offered by mobile.

The caveat with the route is always – it may change due to the situation on the ground. If we do make any changes, it will be with your safety and enjoyment in mind and you will of course be advised if this is the case.

CUT OFF TIMES & MOVING STRETEGY

At Race events are not about cut off times or prizes, we are here for every adventurer and we want to see you all complete as much of the event as possible. However, cut off times make up an important part of our Event Management Plan and Risk Assessments. On The Isles Ultra, they also effect foundational aspects of the trip; like catching certain ferries (!), keeping to meal times and ensuring you, your fellow runners, and the crew, are all able to get a good night’s sleep, so that you (and we!) are ready to go and do it all again the next day.

Cut off times are independent of any other factors that occur earlier in the course such as start time, going the wrong way, head winds, traffic conditions, whether it is your fault or not. We understand that missing cut offs can be tough to take but please remember this is not the crew members fault that breaks the news to you. The cut off time is also independent of the time participants arrive into pit stops. You must have LEFT before the cut-off time.

Rat Race reserves the right to adjust cut off times whenever this may be required, including bringing cut-off times forward if this is necessary. This could be for safety reasons, logistical factors or in exceptional circumstances, such as poor weather, or other factors outside of our control. You will be informed of this change at the earliest possible opportunity, if this is something we do need to do during the event.

In general, if you are able to sustain a pace of 5kmph (3.1mph) throughout the day, you will have enough time to get through every step of this bog-filled fantastical. Please note, this includes the time you take at Pit Stops, IE, if it were a 50km day with 3 Pit Stops and you spent 10 mins at each stop, then you would have 9.5 hours left to complete the running on a basis of 5kmph.

We will always take a practical approach on the cut off times. If it’s ‘only’ a 40km day, then clearly we will have more hours in the day and we can afford more flexibility on these cut off times. If it’s a 60km day, then it’s likely to be an early start and a late finish for everyone, so sticking to the cut off guidelines that we have outlined will be more important. We won’t share cut off times for every point of every day here – but keep in mind as a rule of thumb that if you are managing at least 5kmph out on the route, then unless told otherwise, you will have plenty of time to complete the day.

IMPORTANT – We will draw your attention here to a couple of points where these cut off times are absolutely crucial for everyone, and no lenience will be given. Ferry crossings!

There are 2 ferry crossings during the live event, IE where you will be running to the ferry and you must not miss it! These are:

Day 1 – Ardmhor – Eriskay. 0630 Start, 24.6km run to Ardmhor, 1030 cut off.
Day 3 – Berneray to Leverburgh. 0930 Start, 26.5km run to Bernaray. 1515 cut off.

Wait times between ferry services are usually long, therefore it is imperative for the flow and timings of the event that we ALL make the ferry times as planned. If we think you aren’t going to make it in time, we will need to stop you and ask you to take a boost in one of our event vehicles. Please cooperate if this is the case!

If you have any doubts about whether or not you can cover the required 24.6k in 4 hours between 0630 and 1030, we are happy to support you with a boost along the route in one of the event vehicles.

We do note that this means you are starting off the event having to go a little speedier than the 5kmph we have outlined! This is because sunrise is not until 0723 and there is some tricky terrain within the first few km of the route, so we don’t want to set you off so early that you are in the pitch black all morning. After this, the normal 5kmph will resume.

There is a lot less time pressure on the day 3 ferry as it is much later in the day.

Finally, if you do find yourself in the position where you choose to (or are asked to) jump in a vehicle and take a ‘boost’, we encourage you to get right back at it and do as much of the rest of the course as you can. The vehicles are always there if you should need them, and using them doesn’t affect your ability to complete other sections of the course.

PITSTOPS

Pit Stops will be held approximately every 10 miles, so you will usually have 3 per day.

Pit Stops will be well stocked with water, a few other drinks (including some hot options), and sweet, salty and savoury snacks.

We will always aim to provide something more substantial like a sandwich or wrap at the lunch stop.

There is no need for you to supplement it with additional food, though if you wish to bring specific sports gels, bars, powders etc of your preferred sports nutrition brands, please do. You can keep some of this on you person and keep spares in your Pit Stop bag.

LITTER

We need to show that this event has exemplary control of littering. Please help us achieve that. Pack your litter into your pack, pockets or nearby bin. Never discard litter along the trails, either deliberately or through fault of not carefully packing it away.

MANDATORY KIT

Some of the kit listed is to help you have a safe experience and have the best chance of finishing. Some of this kit is to ensure that if you are unable to continue without our assistance then we can be confident of you having the level of equipment required to keep you as comfortable as possible whilst you wait for that assistance. Some of it is simply to keep you from perishing. It is a serious list, and we know everyone knows this, but we ask that you please do work with us on this. Please do not skimp on kit. The weather even in August is changeable. Spare sets of kit will be worn, you will get wet, and you will want to get dry and comfortable again. As such, do not skimp on kit!

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD MANDATORY KIT LIST

REGISTRATION KIT CHECK

Before the event starts you will be required to show us a minimum of the following to obtain your Adventure Pack, and this is the kit that we will want to see in your running pack on the ferry:

Backpack / running pack or vest that will be used to carry mandatory kit with you during the event.
Waterproof jacket and trousers with TAPED or WELDED seams
GPS watch with GPX files downloaded
Mobile phone navigation app with GPX files downloaded AND saved for offline use.
A working headtorch
Survival bag (NOT blanket)
A First Aid Kit including foot care kit and a triangular or conformable roller bandage and a separate sterile absorbent material (e.g. gauze or gauze bandage)
Some form of hi-vis to keep you safe whilst running on the roads.
Hydration pack and / or bottles, sufficient to carry minimum 2L water.

Subject to the weather forecast conditions you may be asked to show any other items from the mandatory kit list. This will be communicated in advance if this is the case. If you do not have the appropriate kit with you when you register, you will not be allowed to race. Much of the kit is not for when you are moving but if you become unable to move and are awaiting assistance. It is your responsibility to work with this system and respect the plan put in place by our safety team.

BAGS

We recommend that your kit is packed into 3 separate areas:

1.Overnight bag, up to 70L / 15KG: this is your main bag with most of your kit for the trip, including spare kit, evening kit, wash kit etc. You will leave it at the start of each day for transportation to the overnight accommodation. There is a size and weight limit due to limitations of our transporting vehicles and we may check bags if considered bulky and/or overweight. Please do not pack any fragile items or liquids in weak containers as they may leak in transit. Bags should be waterproof as they may be exposed to the rain and may sit on wet ground.

Top tip – make sure you bring a few dry bags, as your used kit will stink!

2. Pit Stop / Finish Line bag, up to 35L: this is a smaller bag that you will be able to access at least once throughout the day, usually at lunch and then again at the finish line. In here you may pack warm layers for quick access when you finish, personal nutrition if you wish to supplement what we offer at the Pit Stops with your own personal favourites, and anything else that you may want or need during the day & at the finish line!

3.Day bag: this is the bag you will keep with you on your person at all times throughout each of the race days. It is essential that you can fit all of the mandatory kit in this bag. We recommend that you train with it before the event so that you know it well and you minimise the chance of kit problems on the day! We recommend using a size of at least 10L for this pack to ensure you can fit in all of the mandatory kit.

To recap – 1 x 70L bag which you will only have access to at the overnight accommodation (15kg max), 1 x 35L will be transported to the pit stops during the day for you and your race bag (10L plus).

We have 2 key points to emphasize on packing.

We ask that you bring soft duffel bag style packs only. NO SUITCASES. These are generally bulkier, heavier, and more awkward to pack and transport. This goes for your overnight bag and pit stop bags.
Please avoid the temptation to overpack. 1 weeks’ worth of running kit should not take up too much room, and you really do not need a lot more than that. If your bags are any larger than outlined above, you have too much stuff!

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 bundle.

VISIT RAT RACE STORE

MEDICAL & SAFETY

GPS TRACKING SYSTEMS

Rat Race utilizes top-tier satellite tracking units attached directly to your running pack. There are two main purposes for this.

The primary function is safety and Race Management. It allows our event team to ensure everyone is following the correct event route, and will aid us in advising you if you have wandered off course. Further, in the instance that you or someone near you comes into difficulty, it helps us to find you and get help to you more quickly.

The secondary function is spectator tracking. There will be a public tracking map link generated for family and friends to view your progress from home.

Crucial Note for Friends & Family: Satellite tracking technology is not entirely infallible. Signal drops can occur in deep valleys, or units can temporarily freeze if blocked by heavy gear inside a pack. Please explicitly warn your friends and family not to panic or contact local emergency services if your tracker stops moving on the map. Our dedicated event safety team monitors the tracking matrix constantly. If an anomaly occurs, we have internal protocols to verify your safety. Third-party interference can severely disrupt active event management and waste emergency services’ time.

EMERGENCY PROTOCOLS & COMMUNICATIONS

In any medical or safety emergency, always call the Rat Race Event Director/Safety Line FIRST. Do not immediately dial 999 unless you cannot establish communications with the event crew.

Why? We have dedicated support vehicles, specialized medics, an excellent understanding of the event route (including access points), and live satellite tracking. In almost all scenarios, our internal safety matrix can reach you significantly faster than standard public emergency services. This is not to say that we cannot or should not engage with 999, however, the first port of call should always be the event team.

INCIDENT MANAGEMENT

Serious / Life-Threatening Incident: Call the Event Director immediately. If you cannot get a signal on that specific network but have "Emergency Calls Only" capability, dial 999 and state your location using your GPS watch coordinates or a What3Words address.

Minor Injuries / Dropping Out: If you experience a minor issue (e.g., minor sprains, severe blisters) or simply wish to retire, please continue moving safely to the next official Pit Stop if possible. Inform the staff there, and they will arrange transport to the evening accommodation. If movement is not possible or is causing you discomfort, call the Event Director and they will intercept you with an event vehicle at the earliest opportunity.

Contact Information: All vital crew phone numbers will be pinned in the event's dedicated WhatsApp group, which will be launched in the weeks leading up to departure. Save these numbers directly to your contacts before arriving at the Aberdeen terminal.

INSURANCE

We recommend that participants have insurance to cover damage, loss, theft, injury and non-attendance. Rat Race cannot accept any responsibility for the loss of, theft, or damage to any Participant property or the circumstances of Participant non-attendance. Within the 12 week departure window, we regret that we cannot provide any transfers and in all cases, we cannot entertain requests for refunds. It is always recommended for such undertakings that you take out appropriate travel insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances that may possibly prevent attendance.

For UK and Channel Island residents Rat Race’s own insurer brokers have a brand-new product:

https://www.mannbroadbent.co.uk/sports-travel-insurance/

Note: This is Rat Race’s UK-based insurance broker, specialising in the leisure insurance market. This is a specialist sports travel cover product, however Rat Race is neither an insurance broker or underwriter. We can recommend Mann Broadbent whole heartedly as good people to deal with, but please remember that this is not a ‘Rat Race product’ and we have no say whatsoever on claims decisions made by the insurers ,in the event that you raise such a claim via one of these policies.

Other providers:

Note: We have no relationship with any of these providers but previous customers have found them reasonable to deal with regarding some of our similar Bucket List challenges.

Note: For all insurance, please remember that cover is offered based on several factors, (the nature of the event disciplines being one of them), but your own insurance profile, age, health and other details form a big part of this. As such, we are always happy to provide details to insurers in support of cover requests from customers, but we cannot influence their decisions as to whether to offer cover to individuals

TEAM ETHOS

This event is a group adventure, not a race. We expect an exemplary level of camaraderie. Look out for your fellow runners. If you encounter someone in distress, you are required to stop, assist, and communicate the situation to the next available crew member or via the emergency channels.

We Value Your Privacy

ESSENTIAL EVENT INFORMATION 2026