Skye Trail Ultra

Event overview

The Skye Trail Ultra is an application-only ultramarathon on the Isle of Skye. The route is listed as 79 miles with 3,780 m of elevation and has a total cut-off of 27 hours. Entry is limited to 100 places and the stated entry fee is £245. The race uses self-navigation and a GPS tracker is provided by the organiser.

Course, checkpoints and support

The route follows the unmarked Skye Trail from the northern coast to Broadford with a permanent low-level alternative in place; the exact route may be amended for diversions or landowner requests. There are seven checkpoints along the route that provide water, snacks and, at village halls, hot food. Runners must be self-sufficient between checkpoints. Support crews are permitted at many but not all checkpoints and parking and access are limited at several locations; pacers are not permitted. Dropbag facilities are provided at Checkpoint 4 and the finish line with maximum sizes: Checkpoint 4 bag 40 x 35 x 20 cm (approx 30 litres) and finish bag 55 x 39 x 20 cm (approx 50 litres). Larger bags will be refused.

Entry, mandatory kit and rules

Entry is by application and applicants are vetted. Competitors must be at least 20 years old and demonstrate relevant mountain or ultrarunning experience and map-and-compass navigation ability. Mandatory kit must be carried at all times and includes a hardcopy Skye Trail map, waterproof coat, base plate compass, headtorch and backup headtorch, survival/thermal bag, minimum 1 litre water capacity, emergency food (min. 500 kcal), whistle and a fully charged mobile phone. Poor weather kit (waterproof trousers, warm hat and gloves) is also required. Breach of kit, navigation or checkpoint rules can result in disqualification. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.