Run the Borders

Run the Borders

Run the Borders is a trail ultra held on the Borders Abbeys Way in the Scottish Borders. The event uses an approximately 109 km circular route based in Melrose and is run in a clockwise direction. The course links the towns of Melrose, Kelso, Jedburgh, Hawick and Selkirk and passes the four ruined abbeys of Melrose, Dryburgh, Kelso and Jedburgh.

The surface is a mix of tarmac (no more than 50%), trails, river banks, farm tracks and higher ground, with almost 1,900 metres of ascent on the full route. The 50 km option has 523 metres of elevation gain and follows the same waymarked trail and signage. The main race includes 12 checkpoints and five designated drop bag locations; the 50 km has four checkpoints and one drop bag location. Organisers provide GPS trackers for all participants and require a mobile phone, foil blanket and water bottle; the full 109 km entrants must also carry a head torch.

Options comprise individual entries, teams and a relay for four with defined relay legs. Event services include supplemented route signage, checkpoint water, first aid cover, chip timing, goody bags for finishers and trophies for top three male and female finishers in each distance. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.