Denis Rankin Round Relay

Denis Rankin Round Relay 2026

The Denis Rankin Round Relay is a team mountain relay around the Denis Rankin Round, starting and finishing at Donard Park in Newcastle on 12 September 2026. The full Denis Rankin Round covers approximately 90 km and 6500 m of ascent; the relay divides that route into five legs with a single GPS tracker passed between team members at each changeover.

Teams comprise 3 to 5 people, with participants able to run a maximum of two legs. Entry is by team, the fee is £50 per team, and there is an additional £2 levy for each non-ANI affiliated runner. Minimum age is 18. The event uses waiting lists to allocate entries.

The relay is self-supported and self-navigated. Changeover points are not universally marshalled and teams must be self-sufficient; a mobile support team will provide limited assistance and a marshal presence will be maintained at Donard Park to manage trackers and finishes. Teams are responsible for transporting runners to changeover points and for any local access charges such as the Kilbroney Park upper carpark.

FRA mandatory kit rules apply. Minimum safety equipment includes waterproof whole-body cover, hat, gloves, whistle, a map covering the course and compass, a thermal foil blanket or bag, and a charged mobile phone. GPS devices are permitted for navigation.

Key rules include completing the round on foot within 24 hours of a team’s chosen start, touching each summit cairn, using permitted access routes, and not using support runners. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.