North Star Ultra

North Star Ultra at Kielder Castle, Northumberland

The North Star Ultra is a timed, multi-leg endurance event based at Kielder Castle. The format uses five radial legs that start and finish at the castle. The four legs Byrness, Falstone, Stonehaugh and Newcastleton may be completed in any order. The North leg to Carter Bar must be the final leg.

The event lists five routes totalling 170 miles with 6000 m total ascent and a 36 hour time limit. Entrants may compete solo or as teams of two or four in an Ekiden relay format. Teams may have only one runner on course at a time and the timing tracker must be carried by the active runner. Team handovers of the tracker are permitted only at the Kielder start and finish point.

There is no route marking, so self navigation with a GPX-capable, weatherproof and rechargeable device is required. Registration takes place at the event HQ at Kielder Castle where race numbers and GPS trackers are issued. Entry fees start from £150 and entry includes live GPS tracking, a T shirt and a medal.

Aid and logistics: end points at Byrness, Stonehaugh, Falstone and Newcastleton offer indoor rest space and simple food such as soup and bread; no organiser drop bags will be transported. Trackers include an SOS button and a safety team and professional medics are available to respond. Parking is available in a nearby public car park within a short walk of the venue. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.