Run the Borders

Run the Borders

Run the Borders follows the Borders Abbey Way, a waymarked circular route through the central Scottish Borders. The course visits the four ruined abbeys of Melrose, Dryburgh, Kelso and Jedburgh and links the towns of Melrose, Kelso, Jedburgh, Hawick and Selkirk.

The route is a mix of surfaces with no more than 50% tarmac, including river banks, trails, farm tracks and higher ground. The full loop covers 109 kilometres and has almost 1 900 metres of ascent. The organiser supplements the official signage with additional yellow and black waymarkers and operates chip timing with checkpoints and marshals on route.

There are 12 checkpoints on the 109K and four on the 50K. Drop bags are available at multiple checkpoints and support crews are permitted at several locations on the route. Mandatory kit requirements include a GPS tracker, a mobile phone, a foil blanket and a water bottle; runners on the full route must also carry a head torch. All individual entrants must be aged 18 or over. Registration takes place by the Greenyards in Melrose and parking is available within the town; the train from Edinburgh terminates at Tweedbank, a walk from Melrose.

Distances Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

• 109K full loop, individual, team or relay of four
• 50K route, finishes at Jedburgh, can be run or walked
• Relay 109K split across four legs with self transport between exchanges
• Walking challenge teams of four covering the same route in extended time