ESSENTIAL EVENT INFORMATION 2023
ARE YOU READY TO HIT THE WALL AND TAKE ON OUR ICONIC ULTRAMARATHON?
This is our Essential Event Information Document, which contains a comprehensive round up of everything you need to know. Soon you'll be stood in the shadow of Carlisle Castle with 70 miles of adventure ahead of you as you weave your way through Hadrian's Wall country to the iconic Millennium Bridge in Gateshead. We promise you're going to have an incredible time and with the unwavering support of our crew, volunteers and your fellow #ratracers we are confident you're going to cross the finishline victorious having achieved something spectacular.
This EEI was last updated on 20/04/23
PRE-EVENT ACTIONS
REGISTRATION REMINDERS:
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Registration is Friday 16th June only in Carlisle
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You must bring all your mandatory kit to Registration for kit check
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You must bring photo ID to Registration
SKIP TO SECTION
THE WALL ULTRA
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
• Online Disclaimers must be completed before you come to Registration
• Registration is on the 16th June between 1400 - 2200 at The Crown & Mitre Hotel, Carlisle CA3 8HZ
• You will need to show us all your mandatory kit at our Kit Check before you are cleared for Registration, please bring it all with you, including your trainers!
• Adventure packs will be picked up at Registration, you must bring photo ID, you cannot pick up someone else's pack for them
• Trackers will be picked up at Registration
• The start is at Carlisle Castle at 0700 on the 17th June
• Bag drops and toilets are available in the castle car park on the morning of the event
• Spectators must follow our guidance notes to avoid being turned away at key locations
• The transfer system for your entry closes on the 16th May, no entries can be transferred after this date
• This event is fully waymarked please do not follow any GPX routes you may have downloaded online from previous editions
• This event takes place on public paths, shared access trails and live roads. There are no closed road sections please always exercise caution
• 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!
REGISTRATION INFO
HOW TO GET THERE
Registration is at The Crown & Mitre Hotel on the 16th June ONLY between 1400 - 2200. There is no Registration available on the 17th June before the start.
The location is central and easily accessible from the train station. If you are driving we recommend using a local public car park and walking to the hotel as their is no parking available at Registration.
The postcode for Registration is CA3 8HZ
TRACKER
You will be issued with your Tracker from Open Tracking 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!).
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.
We recommend that people download the Open Tracking app for the best experience. The tracking information and links for family and friends can be found at: www.opentracking.co.uk
ADVENTURE PACK
Each person will receive an Adventure Pack at Registration this will contain:
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Runner number and safety pins: please ensure you fill in the reverse with your emergency and medical information
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Bag Tags: these must be attached to your bags before handing them to our bag drop crew on the 17th June
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Disposable drop bag (161x240mm): this bag must be sealed before you hand it to our crew, this bag will be waiting for you at Walltown Quarry PS2
MANDATORY KIT CHECK
There is a full mandatory kit check before you will be allowed to enter Registration. Please bring everything on the list, including your trainers. We recommend just bringing everything in a large bag to enable you to show us everything easily. Event ready backpacks are a pain to unpack and repack with people watching!
BAG DROP
LOCATION
0600 - 0700 17th June Castle Car Park CA3 8AN
BAGS TO DROP
We will transport 3 bags for you, please ensure they are clearly labelled (tags provided in your Adventure Pack) and that you put them on the right truck!
Walltown Quarry drop bag: this is the small disposable bag given to you at Registration. This is designed to hold a spare pair of socks, your favourite snack, some gels etc. No other bags will be accepted apart from the one we provide you.
Hexham bag: this will meet you at the 44 mile mark and must weigh less than 5kg and be a max of 15L in size. This bag will be exposed to the elements so please ensure it is waterproof or that you pack your kit into dry bags inside your bag. This will then be transported from Hexham to the finish after you have used it, you will be directed where to put it at Hexham to ensure it is loaded onto the finish van.
Finish bag: this will go directly to the finish at Gateshead and it can be a max of 70L and weigh no more than 15kg. This bag will be exposed to the elements so please ensure it is waterproof or that you pack your kit into dry bags inside your bag.
IMPORTANT
Head torches are mandatory so please do not put this piece of kit in your HEXHAM bag
Bags over the weight limit will not be transported due to legal weight restrictions of the vehicles used. Please don't pack the kitchen sink!
MANDATORY KIT LIST
MANDATORY KIT LIST
Some of the kit listed is to help you have a safe experience and have the best chance of finishing. Some of this kit is to ensure that if you are unable to continue without our assistance then we can be confident of you having the level of equipment required to keep you as comfortable as possible whilst you wait for that assistance. Spot checks are carried out throughout the event and you will not be able to continue if you are found to not be carrying the requisite items.
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Running shoes or walking boots. We recommend road shoes.
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Hydration bladder or bottles. A 2L carrying capacity is required.
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Basic first aid kit containing a triangular or conformable roller bandage, assorted adhesive dressings including 1 at least 100mm x 100mm. Gauze or gauze bandage and paracetamol.
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Spare food to be carried with you
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Survival bag, NOT blanket
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Whistle
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Reusable cup suitable for hot drinks at Pit Stops
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Insulating layer merino or synthetic similar
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Full waterproof body cover, long sleeve jacket and full length trousers with taped seams
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Additional full length leg cover if you are running in shorts (eg a pair of leggings, if you are wearing leggings you do not need to carry a second pair)
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Fully charged phone
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Method of payment (card/cash/apple pay)
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Tracker (supplied)
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Hat or buff and a pair of gloves
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Headtorch
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Rear red light or reflective/hi-vis patch (10cm x 2cm minimum)
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Spare batteries for your headtorch or back up light source
RECOMMENDED KIT
This kit is not mandatory but more 'common sense' additions that we recommend to give you the very best chance of reaching that bridge at the end!
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Insulated jacket - we strongly recommend packing one if you think you might still be going in the early hours of Sunday morning. The most common reason that people retire in The Wall is that they get too cold. Regardless of the weather through the day you will get cold at 2am, find one that packs down small and get it in your pack. It might be the piece of kit that helps you get to the finish.
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Suncream/sunglasses
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Blister treatment kit. Our paramedics will prioritise live cases and they are not a foot care service, we recommend that you know how to treat your feet if hot spots and blisters do occur and that you are self contained.
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Anti-chafe lubricant
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Spare socks
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Trekking poles – totally optional but helpful if you are a walker
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Headphones - when the going gets tough the tough listen to music! Please ensure these are not noise cancelling and that you can hear the traffic and people around you.
KIT CHECK NOTES AND TIPS
In order to speed up kit check at Registration we've put some common reasons people do not pass kit check first time to help you prepare
Where we ask you to carry 2L this is a carrying capacity, you do not have to carry 2L of water with you at all times. But we need you to have the ability to do so should you need it. Please be ready to show us 2L not 1.5L.
Don't forget your shoes! Wear them to kit check.
Check your waterproofs are taped seams. You can do this by turning them inside out and it will look like someone has taped them.
Do not bring your kit 'race ready' and packed into your backpack, we are going to make you unpack the whole thing to check it. Instead bring it in a bigger bag (but bring your running pack!) to let you get everything out in one go then you can repack in your hotel room without hundreds of people watching! A bag for life is your friend here.
Please do not argue with our volunteers and staff. We are following a tried and tested procedure designed to keep you safe and help you succeed. Aggressively questioning the items on the list isn't going to change the list.
CHANGES TO THE LIST
We reserve the right to enhance the kit list if we feel it is necessary before the event due to the weather, this will be communicated via email so please ensure you have events@ratrace.com added to your whitelist so you receive any comms we send out.
OUT ON THE ROUTE
WAYMARKING
You will be shown examples of our waymarking at the startline 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.
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 of 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.
HI-VIS CLOTHING
For the entirety of the event we ask that you do not wear dark or dull colours, or colours that blend with vegetation such as hedges. If you've got a jazzy pair of leggings or shorts throw them on! For an event of this distance that takes you into dusk and beyond, wearing brightly coloured clothing will enhance your safety on public roads. Please ensure you have reflective/hi-vis items ready for the night stages of the event, this will be checked as darkness falls.
RUNNING IN THE DARK
A little achluophobia (fear of the dark) is very normal in an ultra, it's common to feel a bit tired and emotional as the sun goes down and the batteries are running low. You may feel more vulnerable than usual when running on your own so we whole heartedly encourage you to strike up a conversation with a fellow #ratracer and make a new friend! We advise buddying up from Newburn for the final stretch to the finish line.
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.
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. There are very few fields with cattle on the route but when you encounter them please do not disturb them and observe the following points: If you are the first person to enter the fields please stop running and be prepare to slow to a walk . Do not pass between calf and cows or cause them to separate from their herd. Stay way from lone calves and never run straight towards a cow. Avoid sudden movements and high pitched loud noises. Although gentle singing and talking will let cows know you are there. Follow other participants and create a predictable route, be aware that dogs can startle livestock so keep a look out for other walkers who may be in your vicinity.
PIT STOP AND
CHECKPOINT LOCATIONS
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CP Irthington Village School 10 miles
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PS1 Lanercost Priory CA8 2HQ 13.5 miles
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CP Birdoswald Checkpoint 19.5 miles
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PS2 Walltown Quarry Pit Stop CA8 7HF 24 miles
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CP Cawfields Quarry Checkpoint 27 miles
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PS3 The Sill Pit Stop NE47 7AN 30 miles
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CP Newbrough Checkpoint 38 miles
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PS4 Hexham Pit Stop NE46 3SG 44 miles
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CP Styford Toll Checkpoint 49.5 miles
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CP Ovingham Checkpoint 55.5 miles
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PS5 Newburn Pit Stop NE15 8ND 63 miles
CUT OFFS
The Wall is designed to be achievable for walkers who can maintain a 3mph pace, our cut offs reflect that and are as generous as we can make them. Cut offs are enforced and they are applied to your departure time not your arrival time into the location:
PS1 Lanercost 1230
PS2 Walltown Quarry 1530
PS3 The Sill 1800
PS4 Hexham 0000 (midnight)
PS5 Newburn 0600 (Sunday)
FINISH 0900 (Sunday)
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.
THE FINISH
We are set up on the Baltic Square to welcome you warmly across the finish line and congratulate you on this epic achievement! In our marquee we have our medic team should you need them, the option to get a post-event recovery massage and some locally provided hot food and drinks(vegan and veggie options available). We encourage you to think about what time you are aiming to finish and book a local hotel room if necessary so you can get a shower and some well earned rest, we do advise letting them know you may arrive after midnight so they don't give your room away. Our marquee is not set up for you to stay for an extended amount of time and it is not going to be a comfy place to sleep! Newcastle Train Station does not open until 0730 on Sunday morning so please ensure you have made a plan for the finish.
PIT STOPS
The Pit Stops at The Wall are infamous and this event is often dubbed a walking picnic! These are the points where you can grab a snack, interact with the Rat Race team and also your own supporters if you have them. Our Pit Stops have a few staples that you'll see at all stations and also some which are bespoke to that Pit Stop location.
Standard provisions include
Water
Juice
Sweet snacks
Salty snacks
Fruit
Pit Stop flapjacks
Toilets
Medical team
Our Pit Stops are well stocked but they do not contain any sports nutrition products as we know you will have your own that you have trained with. The last thing you want to do in an ultra is try an untested gel and suffer the consequences! You should plan to bring your own supplements and be self contained when it comes to gels/electrolyte tablets.
We aim to cater to a wide variety of dietary needs, every Pit Stop will have options for vegetarians and vegans, plus we have a box of gluten free snacks for those with intolerances that are kept separate please ask our staff for more info when you arrive. While every effort is made to keep these snacks separate we cannot guarantee there is no cross contamination from allergens such as gluten/peanuts due to the nature of the Pit Stop during a live event.
WHAT IS A CHECKPOINT?
This is a manned point where you can check in with a marshal and let them know if you need any assistance outside of our Pit Stop locations. They are deliberately discrete and supporters are not allowed to meet you here. They are designed for you to grab a quick drink and a handful of sweets, they are not refill points for your bladder/bottles and you will only be able to fill your cup here.
PIT STOP 1 / LANERCOST PRIORY
Distance: 13.5 miles
Cut off time: 1230
Postcode: CA8 2HQ
Skipped breakfast or ready for second breakfast? We got you covered with fresh fruit and pastries available.
Distance to next Checkpoint: 6 miles
Distance to next Pit Stop: 10.5 miles
PIT STOP 2 / WALLTOWN QUARRY
Distance: 24 miles
Cut off time: 1530
Postcode: CA8 7HF
Ready for a cup of tea and a spot of lunch? We've got hot drinks, cakes and sandwiches waiting for you in the quarry!
Distance to next Checkpoint: 3 miles
Distance to next Pit Stop: 6 miles
PIT STOP 3 / THE SILL
Distance: 30 miles
Cut off time: 1800
Postcode: NE47 7AN
Afternoon snack? Grab a coffee, some biscuits and some other savoury treats as you get ready to cross the halfway mark on the next leg.
Distance to next Checkpoint: 8 miles
Distance to next Pit Stop: 14 miles
PIT STOP 4 / HEXHAM
Distance: 44 miles
Cut off time: 0000 (midnight)
Postcode: NE46 3SG
This is our enhanced Pit Stop where you get access to your bag, you can grab a cup of hot soup, a slice of pizza and a sausage roll. This is the big one, take your time here, change your socks, refuel and get ready for the big push to Newburn.
Distance to next Checkpoint: 5.5 miles
Distance to next Pit Stop: 19 miles
PIT STOP 5 / NEWBURN
Distance: 63 miles
Cut off time: 0600
Postcode: NE15 8ND
You've made it to Newburn! You're so close now, do not linger here, those who stop too long do not get back up. Get yourself a cup of tea, grab something for energy and buddy up for the final stretch through Newcastle.
Distance to the FINISH: 7 miles
SUPPORTER INFORMATION
SUPPORTER ACCESS
The Wall passes through some beautiful countryside and outstanding historic points of interest. It's also rural and idyllic, you will have plenty of time to stop off along the A69 and explore this stunning part of northern England. This event is well supported by friends and family and therefore we are conscious of the extra traffic we generate on these quiet roads. We ask for your support in minimising the impact to the event by following these requests:
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Do not attempt to access checkpoint locations, these are remote and vehicle access is not easy, you will block the route.
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Only interact with your participant at our Pit Stop locations.
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Listen to our marshals when they try and park you at our Pit Stops, spaces are limited and you may need to wait or turn around to allow people to leave on single track roads.
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Do not head to The Sill until your participant has passed the 25 mile mark, this is our busiest Pit Stop and parking is limited.
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Please do not drive along the route, it isn't the fastest way to move between locations and adds traffic to the road shared by our participants.
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Please pick up a supporter car pass at Registration so our marshals know you are a supporter vehicle at Pit Stops.
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Most importantly have a brilliant day out seeing some incredible efforts of all our #ratracers!
PIT STOP LOCATIONS
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PS1 Lanercost Priory CA8 2HQ 13.5 miles
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PS2 Walltown Quarry Pit Stop CA8 7HF 24 miles
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PS3 The Sill Pit Stop NE47 7AN 30 miles
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PS4 Hexham Pit Stop NE46 3SG 44 miles
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PS5 Newburn Pit Stop NE15 8ND 63 miles
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. You can also use our live chat function to talk to us (not a robot!) on www.ratrace.com between the hours of 0900 - 1600 Mon - Fri.
TRANSFER ENQUIRIES
If you need to withdraw from The Wall and go through our transfer process this closes on the 16th May. After this time we cannot process any transfer requests. For all the information regarding transfers please click here.