Skye Trail Ultra

Event overview

The Skye Trail Ultra is an unmarked ultramarathon on the Isle of Skye of approximately 79 miles with 3780 m of elevation gain. Entry is by application only, limited to 100 places, and applicants are vetted. The route follows the Skye Trail from Duntulm to Broadford, with a permanent low-level alternative in place that increases the course to about 79 miles. The race features seven checkpoints along the route; participants must visit each checkpoint or face disqualification. An overall cut-off of 27 hours is applied and cut-off times at individual checkpoints are enforced.

Logistics and requirements

Race registration is held the evening before at Broadford Village Hall. The race start is at Duntulm and the finish is at Broadford Village Hall. Checkpoints supply water, snacks and, at village hall locations, hot food. Support crews are permitted at many checkpoints but are not allowed at Sligachan Campsite; pacers are not permitted. Two separate dropbags are transported with specified maximum dimensions and capacities.

Participants must be at least 20 years old, have mountain or ultrarunning experience, and be able to self-navigate with map and compass. A detailed mandatory kit list is enforced, including a hardcopy Skye Trail map, waterproof coat, compass, whistle, water container, charged mobile phone, survival/thermal bag, headtorch and backup headtorch, water purification and emergency food rations. A GPS tracker is provided and must be returned or may incur a charge. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.