Ballycastle to Waterfoot Trail Marathon

Ballycastle to Waterfoot Trail Marathon

This is a point to point trail marathon from Ballycastle to Waterfoot on 22 August 2026. The route runs mostly on trails, passing through Ballycastle Forest, Slieveanorra, Trostan and Glenariff forest and offers long sections with coastal views. The course is approximately 90 percent trail and has an overall cutoff of 8 hours.

Participants register and collect race numbers in Waterfoot and are transported to the start at Ballycastle. If a participant chooses to travel to the start independently, they may register and collect their number there but must arrange their own return transport for any vehicle left at the start.

The route is followed using a GPX file supplied before the event. There are no marshals along most of the course except at designated checkpoints, and no additional route signage will be placed beyond existing waymarking. The event is organised as a no trace event so organisers do not supply single use bottles or cups; runners must carry refillable water containers.

Competitors must be self sufficient and carry mandatory kit at all times. The mandatory kit includes the tracker supplied by the organiser, a fully charged mobile phone, foil blanket, hat or bandanna, waterproof jacket and trousers, gloves, water and food for at least 13 miles, water bottles or a bladder, and a backpack to carry these items. Walking poles are permitted. Crew support is allowed but access to much of the course may be limited; pacers or buddy runners are not permitted.

Entry rules require participants to be over 18, able to support themselves running unaided for at least 13 miles, and to carry the mandatory kit and comply with event rules. Refunds are not offered. Entries may be deferred once to 2027 up to one month before the event subject to a possible inflation fee. Entries may not be transferred to another person. The organiser may modify, postpone or cancel the event for safety reasons and will carry entries forward to any rescheduled date; refunds will not be provided for cancellations due to circumstances beyond the organiser's reasonable control and the organiser is not responsible for competitors travel or accommodation costs in such cases. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.