Expert (Solo or Pair)
The experts will complete (or attempt to complete) The Wall in one continuous journey with the aim of completing it in under 24hours. Starting on Saturday morning, and finishing … well, when they finish. This is the ultimate Wall challenge which will be a good day out and for some a long day out with most running sections of the course into and through the night. Don’t worry though we’ll be with you all the way, with Pit Stops & Checkpoints along the way providing provisions, medical support and general encouragement. We will also transfer your kit for you; send a small bag to access at the Midway point at Vindolanda, while sending the rest of you kit straight to the finish at Baltic Quay, Newcastle Gateshead. This simply leaves you to concentrate on the running and the running only.
Entry age limits: 18-75yrs.
Start
Location: Carlisle Castle
Time: Mass Start at 07:00
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 on 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.
The Route: The first part of your Wall Country traverse you will complete two of 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 your midway point.
Midway point
Location: Vindolanda
1st Expert expected: 1200approx.
Last Expert 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.
This is ideally located on the for you to stop, refuel and access your Midway point bag which we will have transported from the start for you. We’ll provide some limited hot & cold food, drinks & snacks on arrival, and with further catering options available if you want even more. Medics will also be on hand to patch anything up or give advice to ensure you carry on to the finish. This is also another opportunity to access any supporters who have come along to give you a helping hand or simply some encouragement with free parking & a bar available onsite. There are also toilets.
The Route (continued): From Vindolanda get you back on the trail and here on you will need to carry your enhanced mandatory kit (see mandatory kit here) For many you will be completing sections of this in dusk and darkness so please take care and buddy up with participants if you feel lonely, we’re all friends here! 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. Remember to take note of the cut-off timings here to ensure you are on track to make your triumphant arrival.
Finish
Location: Baltic Quay
1st Expert Finisher Expected: 22nd June, 1700 approx.
Last Expert Finisher Expected: 23rd June, 0700 approx.
Course closes: 23rd June, 0900
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 and from the Midway point. 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.
