Run the Borders
Run the Borders, Breaking Strain's newest trail race is back again for 2026. Visiting the heartland of the Scottish Borders, runners take to the Borders Abbeys Way to complete the 109km loop as individuals, teams or a relay of four. Starting by the home of Melrose Rugby, The Greenyards, the circular route links the historic Borders rugby towns of Melrose, Kelso, Jedburgh, Hawick and Selkirk.
The route is a mix of tarmac (no more than 50%), trails, river banks, hills and farm tracks, the route passes the Scottish Borders four ruined abbeys: Melrose, Dryburgh, Kelso and Jedburgh and follows the banks of the River Tweed, Teviot and Jed Water as well as traversing higher ground especially on the second half of the route. There's almost 1900 metres of ascent on the full route. With generous cut offs, 12 checkpoints along the way (four checkpoints on the 50K), robust route signage, friendly marshals and volunteers, with the option to run in a relay, Run the Borders aims to be accessible to a wide range of fitness and experience levels.
Full 109K
Saturday 22nd August 2026 - 06:00 HRS
Start in Melrose, and follow the Borders Abbey Way in a clockwise direction. Passing abbeys, castles, monuments, rivers and rolling hills, finishing back in Melrose. Time Limit: 20 hours.
50K
Saturday 22nd August 2026 - 06:00 HRS
Starting alongside those taking on the full route, the 50K can either be run or walked and passes all four of the route's ruined abbeys. Finishing at Jedburgh.
Time limit: 10 hours
Relay 109K
Saturday 22nd August 2026 - 06:00 HRS
In a relay team of four, take on the full Borders Abbey Way route. Teams need to self-transport to respective start points.
Time limit: 20 hours
Walking Challenge (Teams of 4)
Saturday 24th August 2024 - 06:00
A walking challenge covering the same route with an extended time limit of 36 hours.
