Run the Borders

Run the Borders

Run the Borders is a circular trail race on the Borders Abbey Way in the central Scottish Borders, organised by Breaking Strain. The full route covers 109 km and links the towns of Melrose, Kelso, Jedburgh, Hawick and Selkirk while passing the ruined abbeys of Melrose, Dryburgh, Kelso and Jedburgh. The course follows riverbanks, quiet country roads, farm tracks, trails and higher ground and includes roughly 1900 metres of ascent on the full route. Up to 50% of the surface is tarmac.

The event offers multiple ways to take part:

• 109K full loop as an individual or team
• 50K individual distance finishing at Jedburgh
• Relay 109K teams of four with self-transport to changeover points

There are 12 checkpoints on the 109K and 4 on the 50K, with five drop bag locations for the full route and one for the 50K. Organisers provide route signage supplemented by their own arrows, checkpoint marshals, first aid cover and GPS trackers for all participants. Cut offs for the full route and 50K are set to allow an average pace of about 5 km per hour. Mandatory kit includes a GPS tracker, mobile phone, foil blanket and water bottle; the full route also requires a head torch. Registration is located near the Greenyards in Melrose. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.