ESSENTIAL EVENT INFORMATION 2025
SEA TO SUMMIT: BEN NEVIS
ARE YOU READY TO TAKE ON SEA TO SUMMIT:BEN NEVIS?
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This is our Essential Event Information document, which contains a comprehensive round up of everything you need to know ahead of topping out at the highest trig point in the United Kingdom! Read on to find the answers to all your questions ahead of this adventure.
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Due to the scale and nature of Rat Race Events, changes to the course, structure and timings sometimes need to be made right up to the date of the event. To ensure you have the latest information and are fully prepared for the challenge that lies ahead, please check back on this EEI before travelling to the event.
This EEI was last updated on: 11/08/2025
PRE-EVENT ACTIONS
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
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Online Disclaimer MUST be completed before attending Tracker Collection, you can do this HERE. You will be required to show your disclaimer completion confirmation email before being able to collect your tracker.
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Tracker Collection is on Saturday 11th October between 0500 - 0715 depending on wave time. Nevis Range Mountain Experience Resort (PH33 6SQ). You can find the tracking link HERE.
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Bib Numbers will be posted out in advance of the event to UK residents. These will arrive on or before the 6th October. International participants will be required to collect their adventure pack from Tracker Collection.
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Waves will be indicated by your bib number colour. BLUE bibs (wave 1) will start at 0700 and RED bibs (Wave 2) will start at 0815.
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Shuttle Bus to the start line is mandatory and included in the cost of your entry. These will depart from Nevis Range Mountain Experience Resort (PH33 6SQ). The buses for Wave 1 will depart at 0600 and the buses for wave 2 will depart at 0715. Make sure you arrive at tracker collection at least 45 minutes before you bus departure time.
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Trilogy Medal: If you have taken on the trilogy over 2024/25 and this is your final of the three events, please complete the form HERE so we can confirm your eligibility and have your shiny medal waiting for you at the finish line!
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Pair or team entry details must be filled in via your RR account by the 15th September 2025. After this date there will be a £15 charge per person.
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The transfer deadline is 11th September 2025. You can find more information on our transfer policy HERE and submit a request via your RR account. We are unable to process any transfer requests or make any exceptions after the deadline has passed.​ The deadline for trilogy entrants was 5th August 2025.
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Toilets are available at Nevis Mountain Range Experience Resort. You will be able to make use of these facilities before hopping onboard our bus transfer to the start line. Toilets are also available at the 3 Pit Stops and the start line.
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Waymarking: This event is fully waymarked, please do not follow any GPX routes.
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Road Safety: This event takes place on public paths, shared access trails and live roads. There are no closed road sections please always exercise caution.
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Route: We have strict arrangements and routings agreed with landowners and authorities, it is important that you follow all RR signage you see including instructions. If we ask you to close a gate behind you please do!
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Supporters are unable to access the start line with no parking available. Please see our recommended access points for your supporters further in this document.
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The finish is at Nevis Mountain Range Experience Resort (PH33 6SQ).​
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Emergency Contact numbers and information for during the event only is printed on the reverse of your bib number.
TRACKER COLLECTION
HOW TO GET THERE
Tracker Collection is at Nevis Range Mountain Experience Resort on 11th October between 0500 - 0715. Make sure you arrive at tracker collection at least 45 minutes before you bus departure time.
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Nevis Range Mountain Experience Resort is located just 7 miles North of Fort William and only a 30-minute drive from Loch Ness!​
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The postcode for Registration is PH33 6SQ, however, if using a SATNAV make sure you type in Nevis Range Mountain Resort as the postcode alone isn’t 100% accurate.
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REGISTRATION STEPS
1) Bib Number - You will receive your bib number through the post 1-2 weeks before the event. International participants will need to collect their race packs in person on 11th October from the information/help desk at Tracker Collection.
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2) Disclaimer - Show your online disclaimer confirmation email at Tracker Collection on event day morning (11th October between 0500 - 0715) and receive your S2S: Ben Nevis Rat Rag. You can complete the online disclaimer now HERE, it takes 2 mins and we encourage you to do this now and certainly well in advance of the event to avoid any delays for you on the day​
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3) Tracker Collection - You will be issued your tracker from Open Tracking. There will be a link available on the website closer to the event for you to share with friends/family so they can track your progress over the weekend. There is some important guidance on the trackers below so please do ensure you read this. ​
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4) Board the Shuttle bus and head to the Start Line!
See Key Information below for wave and shuttle bus times.
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TRACKER
You will be issued with your Tracker at Registration.
The trackers rely on GSM & satellite signal to report, (which is generally very good across a lot of our route) but there is a delay on tracking. Sometimes, our team back at base will increase or decrease the reporting frequency, so those watching at home will sometimes not see your dot moving, or see you moving very slowly. Or they may see you adrift from others in the group (for example if you have not turned the tracker on!).
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It is REALLY important that you ensure anyone watching at home knows this, for their own peace of mind and for our own safety systems. Experience shows that if someone watching at home does not understand this, they can sometimes unwittingly commence full rescue missions by panicking, calling in the cavalry and sparking confusion for us as organisers. As such, it really is a very important point to note.
You must return this device at the end of the event there is a charge levied of £150 for any tracker that is not returned.
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The tracking link available in this document and on the event website closer to the event date.
PRE-ORDERED T-SHIRTS
If you pre-ordered an 2025 event tech t-shirt, these will be available for collection at the finish line! The size you selected will be printed on your bib number.
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IMPORTANT: Pre-ordered t-shirts must be collected at the finish line. If you do not collect your t-shirt, you will need to pay for this to be posted out to you after the event.
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KEY INFORMATION
KEY LOCATIONS
Tracker Collection: Nevis Range Mountain Experience Resort Car Park, PH33 6SQ.
Start: You will park at the finish location (Nevis Range Mountain Experience Resort, PH33 6SQ) and hop on a bus transfer to our start line.
Finish: Nevis Range Mountain Experience Resort, PH33 6SQ.
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START WINDOW, SHUTTLE BUS & PARKING
You will need to park/meet at the finish location (Nevis Range Mountain Experience Resort, PH33 6SQ). You do not need to book parking with us, it is a huge public car park where you will be able to park and pay before you leave.
Once parked, you will then head to tracker collection and the shuttle bus pick up point ready for your transfer to the start line. You will board a bus in accordance with your wave time. Please arrive to tracker collection at least 45 mins before your shuttle bus departure time. Please see shuttle timings below:
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WAVE 1 departing for the start line at 0600 (arrive at tracker collection no later than 0515 but this will be open from 0500)
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WAVE 2 departing for the start line at 0715 (arrive at tracker collection no later than 0630)
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There is no vehicle access to our start venue and this includes our start line coaches. The coaches will drop you at our coach drop off point and from here, it is 750m to our start venue. This scenic route is a perfect warm up of 5 - 10 minutes walk and it will be waymarked.
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There is NO supporter drop off option at the start line, you must attend tracker collection & board the shuttle bus.
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WAVE ALLOCATION
You selected your wave upon signing up to the event. Waves can not be changed at this late stage. Please see start line timings for each wave:
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WAVE 1 - start time 0700 (buses depart at 0600)
WAVE 2 - start time 0815 (buses depart at 0715)
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ACCOMODATION
There is an abundance of local accommodation nearby, we recommend grabbing somewhere in or near Fort William which is only 7 miles from the Nevis Range Mountain Experience Resort.
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BAG DROP
If you wish to use of our bag drop service, you can leave one bag at Nevis Range Mountain Resort (Tracker Collection) on Saturday morning for collection once you cross the finish line later in the day. Please do ensure that your bag is waterproof as it may be exposed to the elements for all or part of the day. Please also ensure you bag is labelled with the bag tag included in your adventure pack.
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TOILETS
Toilets will be available at all 3 pitstop locations.
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PERIOD PRODUCTS
We’ve got your back—period! In our ongoing drive to increase female participation and inclusivity in our adventures, you will now find disposable sanitary bins in designated toilets and a box stocked with period products at every location where we provide toilet facilities because let’s face it, surprises are only fun when they’re cake-related! Whether you planned ahead or got caught off guard, we’ve got you covered so you can focus on what is important, enjoying the adventure ahead. If you ever reach a pitstop and cannot see these products, please ask a member of the crew who will be able to point you in the right direction!
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FINISH LINES NOT FINISH TIMES
At Rat Race we are all about finish lines not finish times, our events are not races they are adventures designed for everyone to come and have a go at. We will provide an overall finish time, but it will not be split by gender or age category and there are no podium positions.
MANDATORY KIT LIST
​Taking on Sea to Summit: Ben Nevis is no small feat and you need to ensure you are fully prepared and kitted up for the ascending adventure from the Scottish shores to the highest point in the United Kingdom!
The weather in the Scotland is notoriously unpredictable all year round. Clear skies can quickly turn into heavy rain, strong winds, and low visibility. Temperatures can drop significantly at higher altitudes, and underfoot conditions may include slippery rock, bog, or loose scree.
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The mandatory kit requirements are in place not only to give you the best chance of taking on the adventure but ultimately for your safety. Should you be unable to continue the event and require assistance, the correct equipment will help ensure you remain as safe, warm, and dry as possible while waiting for help. This is particularly critical in remote or exposed areas where delays in reaching you may be unavoidable.
Spot checks will be carried out throughout the event at pitstops. Any #ratracer found without the mandatory kit will not be permitted to continue. These rules are non-negotiable and are designed to protect both you and our event staff.
Please review the full kit list carefully and ensure you carry every item. Your preparation could make all the difference—not just for finishing the challenge, but for staying safe while doing so.
KIT CHECKS
We have outlined why carrying each item of the mandatory kit is essential for your safety and success during the event within the document above. Please be aware that there will be random kit checks at various pitstops, with a particular focus at Pitstop 2, where we will be checking for waterproofs before you head for the summit. We reserve the right to check any item of mandatory kit during the event and you will be unable to continue should you not have required kit.
HEADTORCH
Headtorches are essential. On 11th October, sunrise is 0745 and sunset is 1828. This means everyone starting in Wave 1 at 0700 will be setting off in the dark. Towards the end of the day, those that find themselves at the back of the pack will potentially have 2 hours~ of running in dusk and dark before reaching the finish line. It is essential therefore that everyone has a good headtorch. This is a part of the mandatory kit and it must be carried by everyone.
OUT ON THE ROUTE
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WAYMARKING & GPX FILE
The GPX file is now available HERE. It is important to remember the orange waymarking arrows always take precedence over the GPX file. If the two are ever in conflict, follow the arrows as it may have been necessary for the event team to make small live dynamic changes on the route e.g. fallen tree.
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​You will be shown examples of our waymarking at the start line briefing. This is predominantly hi-vis ORANGE arrows with the RR logo on, in addition you may see large hi-vis orange and yellow information signage or race tape. This will always have the RR logo on, please do not follow any signage that doesn't.
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YOUR SAFETY ON ROADS
When running on public roads you should face oncoming traffic and travel in single file (on the right hand side). However, should you be approaching a blind bend or rise, carefully move over to the other side of the road temporarily. Our signage and marshals will occasionally direct you to do this too, please follow their instructions. Should there be two-way traffic we ask that you stop to allow the car to pass you, ensuring you do not force the car behind you into the path of oncoming traffic. If there is a path available please use it.
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THE ROUTE
At 28 miles and over 6000ft of ascent this is a beast! The route will be fully waymarked so, follow the arrows. We thoroughly recommend you keep your head up not only to see the signs but to also appreciate the magnificent views!
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PIT STOPS
​There will be 3 Pit Stops at approx 7 miles, 13 miles and 25 miles. These will be stocked with an array of tasty small snacks, including hot drinks but please note this is not a full lunch provision, you should bring your own supply of food with you and use our stations as top ups! We endeavour to cater to a wide range of dietary needs but due to the nature of operation we are unable to guarantee there is no cross contamination. If you have a severe allergy we recommend bringing your own stash with you.
We do not provide sports nutrition products at our Pit Stops as these are a personal choice and you should have tried and tested supplements with you.
CUT OFFS
Cut offs are enforced and they are applied to your departure time not your arrival time into the location. If you are cut off you will be transported forward on the course using our sweeper vehicle. If you have supporters they can pick you up if you wish. If the event starts later than planned the cut-offs will be adapted and pushed back in accordance with this.
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Start - First Wave 0700 Final Wave 0815
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PS1 - 6.3 miles 1130
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PS2 - 12.5 miles 1400
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Zig Zag ascent cut off - 14.5 miles 1530
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PS3 - 24 miles 1900
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Finish 28 miles
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DROPPING OUT
Once you have started, if you wish to drop out of the event at any point you must contact the Race Team to inform them and return your tracker to a member of staff, even if you do not need further support from us. If you do not have your own pick-up option (eg a support crew with you) we will arrange to collect you and move you forward along the course. We cannot move you backwards. Race Team numbers are supplied at Registration.
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COURSE ETIQUETTE AND LIVESTOCK
Please ensure all gates are closed behind you and never climb over locked gates. This is to ensure livestock do not escape fields so please do not leave it open for the next runner unless they are right behind you.​
RESPECT
Consider the local community and other people enjoying the outdoors. Take great care when passing near other tourist walkers, not to cause them to take hurried steps to avoid you. Hail them and enable them to step onto secure ground OR that you pass around them beside the trail.· Leave gates closed and property as you find it and follow paths unless wider access is available.​
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EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY
The MyBibNumber team will be out on course snapping all your best moments as you make your way to the highest point in the UK!
Sign up via the link HERE to be first to see your event photos when they go live and get a 10% discount on your digital downloads!
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LITTER
Please help us leave this beautiful part of the country litter free by ensuring you have a pocket ready for your on the move rubbish which you can then dispose of at the next Pit Stop. We will gladly take this from you, if you see a discarded gel or sweet wrapper we ask that you pick it up on behalf of your fellow #ratracer who we are sure dropped it by accident.
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SUPPORTER INFORMATION
SUPPORTER ACCESS
Supporters are unable to access the startline and there is no parking available here, however, they are more than welcome to wave you off on our start line bus transfers from the Nevis Range Mountain Experience Resort and of course cheer you across the line 28 miles later! ​
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The best place for them to see you on our course is PS2, this is in a public car park but please bear in mind this area is a tourist hotspot and parking may not be readily available. The location for PS2: Visitor Centre, Glen Nevis, Fort William PH33 6ST. Please note there is strictly no supporter access to pitstop 1 or 3 as these are private venues.
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Alternatively, if they are looking to get stuck right into the action, we have some volunteer spots still available! You can find out more HERE.
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VOLUNTEERS & MERCH
GOT A SUPPORTER WHO WOULD LOVE TO JOIN THE CREW?
We're on the look out for some extra volunteers to help man the finish line handing out medals and also cheer you all on at the Pit Stops. Volunteers help contribute to the amazing, friendly atmosphere you'll find at Sea to Summit: Ben Nevis and they have an incredible day supporting our #ratracers to boot.
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As a volunteer you will receive:
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£50 cash travel contribution
£150 event credit or our new volunteer bundle
A crew Rat Rag
Access to hot drinks/snacks/food
A fun day out!
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AVAILABLE SHIFTS
You can sign up to any available shift here and the Rat Race team will be in touch ahead of the event to answer any questions you may have and give you your briefing documents.
ANY QUESTIONS?
CUSTOMER SERVICE
If you have any questions not answered in here please do reach out to us on events@ratrace.com and our friendly team will get back to you as soon as we can!
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