Reach the Beach Ultra

Ready for the Ultimate Challenge.....

A stunning mixed terrain Ultra-Marathon, set among the mountains, beaches and forests of Assynt.

Visit 7 stunning beaches on this incredible tour of the best that Assynt has to offer.

Where - Lochinver, Highland, Scotland, just off the world famous NC500

When - 27th June 2026 - Race starts at 07.00am (15 hour cut-off)

What - A mixed terrain 70km Ultra-marathon. With only 5000ft of elevation, and a generous cut-offs, this is a perfect Ultra for beginners!

Terrain - Following mostly well-marked paths, trails or roads (all of which are well waymarked) this is an easy-to-navigate route. Some sections will be boggy, muddy or slippy. There are some sections of exposed cliff that require care, but no technical skill is required.

Entry - £99, includes Fully Stocked Pitstops, Reach the Beach Finishers Medal and Exclusive Run Rugged Snood

Starting on Lochinver breakwater, you'll take a quick trip through Culag Woods before setting off towards Glencanisp Estste. You'll quickly find yourself on rugged Highland trail - following the River Inver, with stunning mountain views to Quinag and Suilven.

Next, you'll head out on good roads towards Clachtoll before once again heading onto rugged, but well marked trails.

After around 19 miles, you'll reach your first beach - stunning Clashnessie! A river crossing takes you back onto rugged trails towards beach number 2 at Culkain.

From here, you'll head towards Stoer Lighthouse, picking up some elevation as you run towards our amazing sea stack at Stoerhead. As you follow the cliffs back, keep an eye out for dolphins, whales and seals - all frequent visitors to this part of the coast.

Next up are Raffin and Balchladich beaches - rugged, lonely, but beautiful long stretches of wild ocean.

Back onto quiet country roads now as you head to Stoer beach. From here, a quick run past a 2000 year old broch will get your to Clachtoll Beach - number 6.

Another couple miles of track, trail and road, and you'll finally reach beach number 7 - and we saved the best till last. Achmelvich Beach - one of Scotlands finest and most popular stretches of golden sand!

From here, you're just a short section of rough trail and road away from the finish line, back in Lochinver at Race HQ.

70km, 7 beaches. The ultimate Run Rugged adventure.

Over this 70km mixed-terrain course, you'll visit 7 stunning beaches, including the world-famous Achmelvich Beach.

Along the way, you'll see ancient forests, rugged mountains and pristine Highland Lochs.

Fully supported pit-stops and a generous 15 hour cut-off make this the perfect Ultra for beginners and veterans alike

Please note - while the route is set and published, it is subject to change due to weather, access and other unforeseen restrictions at any time up to and including race day itself. Any changes will be communicated to participants.

£99 - Early Bird (price increases January 2026)

250 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 at registration on Friday 26th June at race HQ (Assynt Leisure Centre, IV27 4JP. Registration will be open from 14.00 - 21.00)

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?

Mandatory kit MUST be carried during the race.

Failure to carry mandatory kit will result in a participant being disqualified.

Random kit checks at race registration, during the race and at the finish line will take place.

Mandatory Kit

Waterproof coat with sealed seams, i.e. Goretex – Min 10,000mm,

Waterproof trousers
Long Sleeved Base layer (separate from start kit in a dry bag in case of emergency),
Water bottle or bladder -min 1.5 litre capacity,
Fully charged mobile phone (with Race HQ numbers) in waterproof covering/bag,
Foil blanket

Whistle

Red backlight / high visibility reflective patch

800cal emergency food supply

All to be carried in running vests / backpack.

Recommended Kit

Sunscreen

Smidge (or other midge repellent)

Salt tablets, electrolytes

As the Start and Finish are the Same Venue there is no provision for looking after Dropbags. Please keep these safe in your vehicle or with a supporter.

When do bookings close?

Booking closes in May 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. There are some areas of exposed cliff that could pose a risk in poor weather, and you will run past several sections of deep water. That being said, there is a very generous 15 hour cut off, meaning the whole race can be walked at around 3.5mph. No navigation is required, and there will be aid stations along the route. With minimal elevation gain, this is a perfect ultra for beginners.

Is there a time limit?

Yes. For the safety of our marshals, there is a time limit of 15 hours. After this time, our race marshals will be brought down off the race route. There will be cut-offs at the beginning of the most remote sections of trail (to to confirmed and published soon).

Are there any aid stations?

Yes, there will be several aid stations along the route. Some of these will be simple, with water and sugary sweets only. There will be a minimum of three more advanced aid stations, with a selection of hot and cold food, drinks, and access to medical attention.

Do I need navigation skills?

No. The entire route is on paths/roads, and is well way-marked.

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 in places, 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.

Are their toilets and female only provisions?

Yes, there will be toilets available along the route. Some of these will be designated female only, with access to feminine hygiene products.

Can I wear headphones?

Headphones are permitted, but we ask participants to refrain from using them along the road sections.

Can I cancel?

Yes. If you cancel your booking more than 12 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 8-12 weeks before event day will receive a 50% refund.

Cancellations made within 8 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 14 days of the event date.