Beyond Newcastle

Event overview

Beyond Newcastle is a trail and ultra running event on 25 April 2026 with start and finish at the Swing Bridge on Newcastle Quayside. The event offers two distances:

• 55km Ultra
• 25km Trail

The event provides a fully waymarked route, chip timing, GPX route files for download, feed stations, medical support and a finishers' medal. Entrant age requirements vary by distance; the most restrictive published limits are that the 55km Ultra is open to participants aged 21 and over, and the 25km Trail is open to participants aged 18 and over.

Routes and support

The 55km Ultra follows the River Tyne to Wylam, returns to Derwenthaugh Marina, then follows the River Derwent through High Spen, Chopwell Woods and Lintzford, drops into the Derwent Valley, uses the Derwent Walk and rejoins the Tyne to return to the Swing Bridge west path for the finish. The 25km Trail starts on the Swing Bridge, runs along the Tyne, crosses Scotswood Bridge, loops around Derwent Walk Country Park and returns along the opposite side of the Derwent to finish at the Swing Bridge west path.

There are three feed stations on the 55km course (one at Wylam Car Park, approx. 15km; two on the Derwent Walk at the out-and-back section) and one shared feed station on the 25km course (on the Derwent Walk, approx. 13km). GPX files are provided for navigation.

Course surface and cut-offs

Both routes mix paved and unpaved surfaces, including footpaths, parks, woodland trails, riverside paths and disused railway lines; there are steps in places and some hills. Published figures show roughly 73% paved / 27% unpaved for the 55km route and 74% paved / 26% unpaved for the 25km route. The event enforces cut-off points on course; participants must pass those checkpoints to continue and to receive a recorded finish. Recommended footwear is trail or road-trail hybrid shoes. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.