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
Time to Lock In
Cant wait for race day? Here's a taster...
Starting on Lochinver breakwater, you'll take a quick trip through Culag Woods, taking in your first beach - the fairytail-like White Shore - 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.
Checkpoint 1 in Lochinver allows you a quick pitstop - with a small selection of food and drinks, plus toilets available.
From here, you'll head out onto beautiful single track roads, winding your way towards the Stoer peninsula. Taking an old peat-road, you enter the largest off-road section of the route, heading out into some true wilderness (dont worry, the trail is easy to follow and well marked!)
Checkpoint 2 is at the end of the peat road, at Stoer village hall - hot food, and drinks, plus toliets are available here. Next up - another beach! Clashnessie is a stunning, sandy beach - but you'll have no time for sandcastles. A quick, shallow river crossing and some rugged off-roading awaits, before heading back to Stoer village hall for Checkpoint 3.
Next up, Raffin road - a long, open stretch of single-track road, with stunning sea views. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and whales - known to range this section of coast regularly!
Another rugged off-road section awaits at the Lighthouse, as you head up and over the peninsula towards Stoerhead stack. You'll follow the cliffs (I hope you don't mind heights!!) back to the lighthouse, before off- roading again to Raffin and Balchladich beach - two long stretches of lonely but gorgeous beach.
A quick section of road sees you back for the next and final visit to Stoer Village Hall for CP4, then its off to the next beaches, Stoer and Clachtoll - glorious sandy beaches, linked by a footpath to the ancient Clachtoll Broch.
You'll head back onto the main road here for a short while, before hitting more trail, over rough land to your final beach at Achmelvich. Soak in the setting sun, before heading back along the final stretch of road to Lochinver, finishing at Assynt Lesisure.
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.
Runners must have access to the route at all times - either as a GPX on your watch/phone, or as a paper copy. This forms part of your MANDATORY KIT and runners without access to either may be disqualified.
Checkpoints, Waypoints & Cut-Offs
Start line - Lochinver harbour breakwater (IV27 4JP) - Start Time 07.00
Beach #1 - White Shore (Unreachable by car) - mile 1.7
Checkpoint 1 - Lochinver Village Hall (IV27 4JY) - mile 7.7
Cold food, drinks, toilets available. Cut off (leaving CP) at 09:30
Parking available for spectators / support crews
Checkpoint 2 - Stoer Village Hall (IV27 4JE) - mile 18.3
Hot and cold food/drink. Toilets Available. First Aid Station. Cut off (leaving CP) at 13.30
Parking available nearby for spectators/support crews (NOT at the village hall itself)
Beach #2 - Clashnessie beach (IV27 4JF) - mile 19.8
Limited parking available for spectators / support crews
Checkpoint 3 - Stoer Village Hall (IV27 4JE) - mile 22.1
Hot and cold food/drink. Toilets Available. First Aid Station. Cut off (leaving CP) at 14.45
Parking available nearby for spectators/support crews (NOT at the village hall itself)
Lighthouse, sea stack and cliffs (IV27 4JH) - mile 26 - 29
Limited parking available for spectators / support crews
Beaches #3 & 4 - Raffin beach (unreachable by car) and Balchladich beach (IV27 4JJ) - mile 30-32
Checkpoint 4 - Stoer Village Hall (IV27 4JE) - mile 33.3
Hot and cold food/drink. Toilets Available. First Aid Station. Cut off (leaving CP) at 18.45
Parking available nearby for spectators/support crews (NOT at the village hall itself)
Clachtoll Beach Car Park (IV27 4JD) - mile 35.5
Toilets Only. Cut off 19.30
Limited parking available for spectators / support crews
Achmelvich Beach Car Park (IV27 4JB) - mile 38.8
Toilets Only (small shop available nearby) - Cut off 20.30
Limited parking available for spectators / support crews
Finish Line - Assynt Leisure Centre (IV27 4JP) - mile 43.5.
Cold food and drink available. Cut Off 22.00
Parking available for spectators / support crews
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.
Are there aid/food stations?
Yes, there will be pitstops along the route, with food, drink and basic first aid provisions. There will also be toilets available along the route. Stations will have a combination of water, hot drinks and snacks (including fruit, cakes, savoury food and sweets).
Where do I collect my race number?
Your race number will be waiting for you at registration at race HQ (Assynt Leisure Centre, IV27 4JP). Registration will be open from 18.00 - 19.30 on Friday 26th, and from 06.00-06.45am on Saturday 27th.
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
GPX route file, OR paper copy of route
Cup for aid stations
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 / bivvy bag
Whistle
Red backlight / high visibility reflective patch
800cal emergency food supply
Headtorch
All to be carried in running vests / backpack.
Basic 1st Aid kit
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 there 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.