Rat Race 100 Ultramarathon
The Rat Race 100 Series is the UK’s most inclusive and accessible 100-mile ultramarathon series, built for people who never thought they could complete a 100-miler. Whether you choose to run, walk or mix the two, our three fully supported 100-mile endurance events are designed to help everyday adventurers achieve an extraordinary bucket-list finish line. With no qualifying times, walker-friendly cut-offs, fully waymarked routes, stocked pit stops and unmatched on-course support, this is ultra running without barriers.
Journey between some of the UK’s most iconic castles and historic landscapes as each event delivers a spectacular point-to-point adventure packed with unforgettable scenery and inspiring finish lines.
Essential Info
Dates: 4 - 6 July 2026 (Sold out) | 3 - 5 July 2027
Duration: 48 hours
Distance: 100 miles (160km)
Discipline: Run/Trek
Event Type: Mass Participation Events
Highlights
Earn your Trilogy buckle if you do all 3: The Rat Race 100 is a unique three-part 100-mile ultramarathon series where each edition picks up exactly where the last one finished, creating an epic continuous journey. Complete all three over three years, or tackle them all in a single year if you’re feeling ambitious, to earn the prestigious Rat Race Trilogy Finisher buckle.
No barriers to entry: With no qualifying times needed, a walker friendly 2.5mph completion pace, fully waymarked routes, fully supported in event logistics and fully stocked pit stops. The Rat Race team are here to help you go the distance and support you to this bucket list finish line, no matter your pace or background.
Highest completion rate in the UK: In our inaugural 100 miler we’re proud to have achieved the highest completion rate for this distance in the UK. 65% of the field claimed this glorious medal at the foot of Edinburgh castle. We're looking to beat that in 2026!
Generous completion window: We believe in making big adventures accessible. That’s why this route is waymarked, fully supported, and set at a pace that allows everyone to take part. There are no strict cut-offs and you have 48 hours to cross the finish line.
Itinerary
- Friday: Registration Day The adventure begins! You will need to attend Registration on Friday at Bamburgh to complete tracker collection. This is at the Pavilion by the castle and Registration is open from 1200 - 2000.
- Saturday: Rat Race 100 begins It's time to run or walk 100 miles! Bag drop opens at 0530 in the Links Car Park. The start is at 0700 at Bamburgh Castle, please follow our signage to get to the start.
- Sunday: Keep going Rat Racers! Our course is open until 0700 on Monday morning and hundred of Rat Racers will be making their way towards Edinburgh Castle!
- Monday: Rat Race 100 finishes We will welcome our incredible final Rat Racers over the line in the morning and celebrate everyone's amazing achievements over the weekend!
Your Adventure Leader
James: Our multi-lingual running machine, James brings extensive sports event experience, having delivered events of all shapes and sizes across the industry. A UK Athletics qualified running coach and author of the Rat Race 100 training plans, he combines expert endurance expertise with a sharp eye for route design, logistics and participant experience. James has a knack for crafting running routes you’ll genuinely love, always seeking out the very best trails, roads and hidden gems in every destination to create unforgettable adventure experiences.
What's Included:
