Saint Cuthbert’s Way Ultra – Race against the tide! Race report

The Saint Cuthbert’s Way Ultra; race against the tide, is set on a waymarked trail between Melrose and Holy Island. Runners must race against the tide on a 100km journey from Scotland through to England. Established in 2015 the route recently underwent a change in direction. Originally starting in the West and ending in the East, race directors at Trail Outlaws mixed things up this year, holding their first-ever East to West version of the event in recent weeks.

The 63-mile route incorporates 8,600 ft of ascent and 7,765 ft of descent, taking in the Northumberland Cheviot hills, a challenge not to be underestimated with a history of an approximate 30 per cent DNF (did not finish) rate. The change of direction still provides runners with the same challenge they crave, such as elevation, but now, in the updated version, competitors are treated to prevailing winds on their backs. As they make their way to Wooler and head towards Holy Island, runners can take stock of the incredible views towards the finish line, that in previous editions, had been a view of the Aidan hills from the Scottish border.

The Saint Cuthbert’s Way Ultra; Race against the tide, has two distances for runners to choose from, 100k and a 45-mile option. However, the shorter version of the race misses out on none of the thrilling challenges that the 100k takes on. From hills to scenery, the 45-mile participants will certainly be put to the test before finishing in Wooler, just missing out on Holy Island, (where Saint Cuthbert is said to have ended up, after beginning his religious journey in Melrose, many moons ago).

Tim Bateson, Race Director at Trail Outlaws, in an interview with Ultrarunner Magazine, gave us a rundown of the 2021 edition!