Run the Borders
Melrose, United Kingdom • 22-23 Aug 2026
Run the Borders : Breaking Strain
Run the Borders is a trail ultra that follows the Borders Abbeys Way, a circular route through the Scottish Borders linking the ruined abbeys of Melrose, Dryburgh, Kelso and Jedburgh. The main route is a roughly 108–109 km circuit that passes the towns of Melrose, Kelso, Jedburgh, Hawick and Selkirk and follows the banks of the River Tweed, River Teviot and Jed Water.
Surfaces include up to 50% tarmac with the remainder on trails, river banks, farm tracks and higher ground. The full route includes almost 1,900 metres of ascent. The event offers these race formats:
- 109K full loop for individuals or teams
- 50K option finishing at Jedburgh
- Relay 109K for teams of four with defined leg splits
Safety and logistics include waymarked trails supplemented by organisers’ signage, 12 checkpoints on the 109K (four on the 50K), five drop bag locations for the 109K and one for the 50K, mandatory GPS trackers for all participants, and first aid provision at checkpoints. Cut offs are set to allow completion at about 5 km per hour for the main distances. Registration takes place at the Greenyards in Melrose. Entrants must be aged 18 or over. Finishers receive a goody bag and medal and the top three male and female finishers in each distance receive trophies. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.