Overview

This is a point-to-point ultra-marathon event. The Race HQ is based at the finish line in Instow. The event itself starts at the Southwest Coast Path monument in Minehead. You will then head west, following the stunning coastline, eventually reaching the small but beautiful town of Instow.

The route is approximately 120km and almost entirely off-road. The cut-off for this race is 26 hours. It is generally well marked, as it follows the South West Coast Path. This event should not be underestimated, as it is a tough section of the coast! You will be supported by our team of amazing volunteers. They will also provide first aid cover at key points along the route, with a qualified mountain leader back marking the race, sweeping behind.

The event is self-navigated, we will provide you with a GPX file of the route, and you will be required to have this on your phone or a smartwatch. We may have a few small signs to help locate checkpoints, finish lines and race HQ.

Transport

A coach is provided to get you to the start line for all participants entering the race. We highly recommend you use this service as you can park in Instow knowing that when you finish the race, you will be back to where you parked your car. Having only one vehicle travelling to the start line will reduce transport emissions for the race.

The coach will pick you up at race HQ at 4.45 am and will take around 1.5 hours to get to the start line. You will have around a quarter of an hour to stretch off from the drive and prepare yourself before the race starts, which will be as close to 6.30 am as possible.

Be advised that there is no transport back to the start line after the race.

Race Safety

We will ensure you are looked after during the race, with the safety of all the runners being the main priority. You will be provided with a GPS tracker, and there will be well-stocked checkpoints when you need them the most. We will email you a race pack document with all the essential information the week before the event.

You must ensure that you enter each of our five mandatory checkpoints regardless of whether you want to take supplies or not. Your race number will be recorded for safety purposes.

Your GPS tracker will allow us to see where you are at all times during the race. Your family, friends and support can watch your progress online. The GPS tracker also has an SOS button, so if you have a problem, we can find you.

If you want or need to withdraw from the event after starting, we will transport you to your nearest checkpoint, where you can arrange your own transport home from there. If you need to end your participation before the finish of the route, you must contact us on the event mobile number (provided in your race pack) or speak to a marshal. Emergency contact numbers will be provided when you check in at race registration.

The race director reserves the right to pull a participant out of the race if it is deemed necessary for their safety.

What’s Included

• Transport to the start line
• GPS Tracking
• Professional Timing & Live Results
• Checkpoints with food and drinks
• Hot Food at Checkpoint 3
• Indoor Race HQ with hot food at the finish
• Sustainable Event Merchandise
• Professional Event Photography
• Awesome little goody bag!
• Beautiful Views
• Collectable Finishers Medal
• The knowledge that you are helping to preserve the SWCP for generations to come.

Kit List

Mandatory Kit to be carried at all times. A marshal will check this equipment list at registration, so please ensure you have it with you when you come to sign in. There will also be random checks carried out at aid stations. This equipment is for your safety, failure to have it may result in your disqualification from the race. 

• • Baselayer
  • GPS tracker – provided by Orion Trail Events
  • GPX file of the route on either your phone, smart watch or another GPS device
  • Method for navigating the course – Map & Compass, Outdooractive  route map
  • Trail shoes (road shoes are not acceptable)
  • Race pack/vest/rucksack
  • Waterproof jacket with taped seams
  • Waterproof pants with taped seams
  • Warm Jacket/Mid Layer
  • Headwear, warm hat or buff is acceptable
  • Hydration system – bladder or bottles, min. Capacity 1 litre. This is the min. We recommend 1.5litres, and if it’s a hot day, you may want to bring 2 litres. We will provide plenty of drinking water for refilling at the checkpoints.
  • Survival bag – foil or plastic survival bag (not blanket) 
  • Basic first aid kit – min 1 x wound dressing and selection of blister plasters 
  • Whistle 
  • Head torch (with spare external batteries)
  • Nutrition – Energy foods, gels, bars, etc. You should carry any specific foods you require and the majority of your daily calorie requirements.
  • Personal cup 150ml minimum, suitable for consuming hot drinks/soup (bottles or flasks with lids are not acceptable).
  • Emergency food reserve. Recommendation: 800kcal (2 gels + 2 energy bars of 65g+ each).
  • Mobile phone, full charged.
  • Small battery pack for charging your phone or watch.

Required Experience

• It is highly recommended that you have completed an ultra-marathon distance event of at least 50km
• This course has significant elevation gain; this should be taken into consideration when training. Coast path training is highly recommended.
• Competent at navigation; this is a self-navigated route.

Check Points

There will be five checkpoints along your route, and they will be, on average, 20km apart.

Checkpoint 1 – 16km

Cut off – 10.00 am (3.5 hours)

Checkpoint 2 – 34km

Cut off -14.00 pm (7.5 hours)

Checkpoint 3 – 56km

Cut off – 18.30 pm (12 hours)

Checkpoint 4 – 73km

Cut off – 22.00 pm (15.5 hours)

Checkpoint 5 – 97km

Cut off – 3.00 am (20.5 hours)

Finish! 120km 8.30 am (26 hours)

We are providing a selection of snacks and drinks at the aid stations, this is not a fully catered event, and you are advised to bring a support crew. You should also ensure you have the majority of what you need with you throughout the race. There will be a drop bag option, which will be taken to checkpoint 3 for you and returned to Race HQ by 8.30 am on Sunday morning.

There will be hot food at the mid-way point, and this will be indoors. It will be somewhere you can rest your feet and recuperate a little bit before getting back out on the trails.

We will also provide hot food at the finish line — a little something to warm you up after such an amazing accomplishment.