Challenger (Solo or Pair)
The Challenger is for the everyday runner who is prepared to up their game to the marathon+ level, for two days of solid running back-to-back over the Saturday and Sunday. The Challengers will have a well serviced overnight camp in a stunning location in the central section of the Hadrian’s Wall corridor near the famous fort of Vindolanda. Challengers could also be fit walkers. The real bonus of this category is that we will transfer your kit (and camping kit) onwards from start, to overnight, to finish. It is thus a fully supported route.
Entry age limits: 18-75yrs.
Start
Location: Carlisle Castle
Time: Mass Start at 08:00
Map: Here
Our start will be dressed to impress and the venue is as stately as The Wall itself. Carlisle Castle is almost 1000 years old and is a humbling and handsome backdrop to start of your run. The Castle will lower the draw bridge at Friday 21st at 1200 paving the way to registration where you’ll pick up your race pack including race number, timing chip as well as any final details. This is also where you drop your bags to be transferred.
Parking & Transport: There are good transport links and parking options for Carlisle. Full details can be found in our Transport & Accommodation pages here.
Accommodation: There are lots of good options within Carlisle and we’ve added an extra one, staying within Carlisle Castle itself! Full information here.
Day 1: On the first day of your Wall Country traverse you will complete two for the five stages accessing a Pit Stop at Lanercost along the way. Full Stage info here. The end of Stage two will guide to the ancient grounds of Vindolanda, which is where you will finish Day 1.
Overnight Camp & Midway point
Location: Vindolanda
1st Finisher expected: 1200approx.
Last Finisher expected: 1800approx.
Course from Carlisle Castle to Vindolanda closes: 2000
Map: here
Set deep in Hadrian’s Wall country, the grounds around historic fort Vindolanda host our midway point of The Wall Ultra-run and the Overnight camp for the Challenger & relay Teams.
This the end point for Day 1 of your Wall Ultra-run where you can rest, relax & refuel in readiness for the off the next day. We’ll provide some limited hot & cold food, drinks & snacks on arrival, and with further catering options available. Medics will be on hand as well as a massage facility to ease out any aches and pains. We will have transported your bag from the start for you, all you need to do is pick it up. Camping is available within our event field too for you and your supporters, free of charge, where we’ll wheel in some hot showers & toilets.
There will be free parking for any friends and family wishing to stop by to give you some encouragement as well as a bar with ambient entertainment & a dwell area so you can put your feet up for the evening and enjoy a well-earned pint with your supporters. This is not mandatory however and there is plenty of alternative accommodation in the local area if you’d prefer a B&B or hotel. More info here.
While you’re in the area there is a opportunity to swat up on your local history with a guided tour of Vindolanda Fort & Museum, and trips to the famous Sycamore Gap to get the full Hadrian’s Wall experience.
Day 2:
Staggered starts from 0800-1000 from Vindolanda get you back on the trail. It is very important that if you finished in the last 20% of the field on Day 1, that you start as early as possible on Day 2. I.e. 0800-0830hrs. This will give the a greater chance of success on Sunday, to complete within the course cut-off times.
From Vindolanda you will complete 3 stages which will continue to wind you through Wall Country passing through 2 Pit Stops in Hexham & Newham, leaving you down alongside the River Tyne which will guide you to the Finish at Baltic Quay, Newcastle Gateshead.
Finish
Location: Baltic Quay
1st Finisher Expected: 1300 approx.
Last Finisher Expected: 1900 approx.
Course closes: 2200
Map: here
From Hadrian’s Wall, the course descends to the banks of the River Tyne which guides you to the end of your journey and the finish line at the classically modern Baltic Quay. Waiting for you will be some freshly served hot food & drinks, some shelter and warmth, not to mention your baggage recently delivered from the start of your day. When you’ve summoned up the energy, there will be a fully serviced Finish Village on offer with medics, massage, catering & toilets. A short hop on a shuttle bus will give you access to hot showers and chance to clean up before joining your friends and family for a well-earned pint back at the Finish Village Bar. Ambient entertainment will continue throughout the day & evening as you relax and wind down from an excellent weekend of ultra-running. Finally when it’s time to depart, we have made various transport arrangements to help you on your way. Full info here.
