Race to the Base
Explore race details: date, location, terrain, difficulty, restrictions, and book your adventure now!
A Wild Half Marathon Trail Run to the base of Scotland's most iconic mountain, the mighty Suilven
Tough. Beautiful. Unforgettable
Race to the Base is a 13.1 mile trail race through some of the Highland's most wild and beautiful scenery, racing to the base of Scotland's most iconic mountains, the mighty Suilven.
A combination of rough terrain, steep climbs and wild conditions make this a unique and challenging race - one not to miss!
Where - Lochinver, Highland, Scotland, just off the world famous NC500
When - 10th May 2026 - Registration 09.00-10.30, Race starts at 11.00
What - Trail half-marathon (13.1 miles)
Terrain - Challenging in places, with 1700ft elevation gain. Mix of tarmac, forest track and rough trail
Entry - £45, includes Water, Finishers Medal and Exclusive Run Rugged Snood
Race Details
Beginning in the pretty fishing village of Lochinver at Culag Park, runners will set off along a quiet single track road, past Loch Druim towards the stunning Glencanisp Lodge. Here, they'll join the walkers footpath as they head into the wilderness. Rough in places, but well marked and easy to follow, the gravel and stone path winds its way through some truly stunning, rugged and wild Highland scenery.
Keep your eyes open for wild deer, pine martins and eagles as you head towards the unforgettable mountain of Suilven.
The final mile takes you to the shores of Loch na Gainimh at the base of the mountain, where you'll be treated to unspoilt views of Suilvens formidable northern slopes.
Returning along the same route, runners will take a lap of the stunning Culag Woods before a picture perfect finish on Lochinvers stunning harbour breakwater, where if you're lucky, you may spot porpoise, dolphin, otters or seals.
General Admission
Get your tickets below - link redirects to our booking partners at findarace.com
Race entry includes a high-quality Race to the Base medal, exclusive Run Rugged Snood, event parking and access to Race HQ food and drink stalls.
£45
400 spaces available
Race Highlights
Explore stunning visuals from our exciting race to the base.
Frequently asked questions
How do I book?
Follow the links above - you'll be redirected to our booking partners at Find a Race, where you can book and pay securely.
Where do I collect my race number?
Your race number will be waiting for you on the morning of the race at Assynt Leisure Centre (IV27 4JP). Registration must be completed between 09.00 and 10.30am.
Is there an age limit?
Yes, for insurance purposes, participants must be 18 years old on the day of the race, with a maximum age of 75 years old.
Is there a mandatory kit list?
Given the remote terrain, all runners MUST carry a charged mobile phone. This is for your safety, and for the safety of our first aid volunteers.
This is a 'Leave No Trace' Race. This means our water stations will not hand out bottles or single use cups. Instead, we ask runners to bring their own water receptacles that can be filled at the water stations - either a hydration pack, reusable bottle or collapsible cup. While these aren't mandatory, you wont be able to hydrate at the water stations without your own receptacle.
When do bookings close?
Booking closes on 10/4/2026
Can I register on the day?
Sorry, for safety reasons, all participants must have pre-registered 1 month before race day.
How hard is the race?
While there are no technically difficult parts to the course, the terrain is quite challenging in places. The path can be extremely wet in poor weather, and some of the rockier sections may be slippy. Some trail experience would be beneficial. That being said, we've had loads of first timers join us in 2025, and every single person completes the race, so even if you're new to trail running, the generous cutoffs and supportive atmosphere make for a beginner friendly race.
What shoes should I wear?
We'd strongly recommend trail running shoes. While there are sections of road and hard track, much of the race is run on gravel and softer track, and is not suitable for road running shoes.
Is there a time limit?
Yes. For the safety of our marshals, there is a time limit of 4 hours. After this time, our race marshals will be brought down off the race route. No sweeper vehicle will be available on the rough sections of track (miles 3-10), so please bare this in mind before entering.
Are there any water stations?
Yes, water will be available on route around miles 3, 6 and 9.
Do I need navigation skills?
No. The entire route is on paths/roads, and is well way-marked. There will be marshals at junctions.
Will there be any first aid?
Yes - we have outdoor trained first aid volunteers available. However, please be advised that due to the nature of the course, and the remote setting, even with an ATV vehicle on standby it may take First Aid personal some time to get to you. You will be required to carry an emergency blanket during the race should you need to wait for aid.
In the event of a medical emergency, Mountain Rescue / Coastguard will be dispatched. Again, given the lack of road access, this may take several hours.
All participants will be required to fill out a medical declaration stating they are fit and healthy, and that they can confidently expect to finish the race. This is for your safety and for the safety of our volunteers.
Can I use poles?
Yes, poles are permitted.
Can I bring a dog?
No. Sorry! We love dogs too, but the trial is too narrow in places to safely accommodate dogs. Also, there are deer and sheep loose along most of the course.
Can I compete in a wheelchair?
Sorry no - the track is completely unsuitable for wheelchairs.
Can I wear headphones?
Headphones are permitted, but we ask participants to refrain from using them the the first and last mile of the race, where runners will cross a section of unclosed road.
Can I cancel?
Yes. If you cancel your booking more than 6 weeks before the event date, you will receive an 85% refund (our booking partner takes 15% on bookings made that we cannot refund). Cancellations within 4 to 6 weeks before event day will receive a 50% refund.
Cancellations made within 4 weeks of race day cannot be refunded, but may be transferred to another participant by emailing the race organisers (contact@runrugged.co.uk). Participants are responsible for securing a runner to fill their place should they wish to transfer a place. No cancellations or transfers may be made within 7 days of the event date
Customer Reviews
Read what participants say about the Race to the Base event (from findarace.com)
Very well organised & great vibes on the day! Thankyou to all the volunteers
Jodie
What a day, what an event! Tough but utterly stunning both in organisation and location. A pipe band from Ullapool led us to the start in glorious sunshine and the atmosphere was friendly and welcoming. The support from us slower runners from the faster ones once they turned round was something I have never experienced before . So encouraging and so wonderful. Despite the exceptional heat and some big hills at the end the cheers as every runner hit the final few hundred yards made sure we all had huge grins on our faces as we crossed the line. Ive run many races in my life but this has to stand out as amongst the most challenging but also the most fun and the friendliest and the best organised so a huge thanks to all those involved x Highly recommended