A SPECTACULAR MULTI-DAY ULTRAMARATHON DESIGNED TO CROSS THE UK’S MOST NORTHERLY INHABITED ISLES ON A BESPOKE ROUTE FROM THE TOE TO THE TIP OF THE ISLAND CHAIN.
Shetland’s small footprint is crammed full of wild wonders and dramatic landscapes. What better way to discover the abundance of beautiful beaches, breathtaking coastline cliff top trails and stunning wildlife than on your own two feet. Keep your eyes peeled through our 3 day ultramarathon for the world-famous Shetland Ponies, orcas, puffins, whales and dolphins. This adventure is designed to be completed at 3mph making it perfect for runners and hikers alike.
DURATION:
6 DAYS /5 NIGHTS
LOCATION:
SHETLAND ISLANDS
SLEEP STYLE:
HOTEL, HOSTEL, FERRY CABINS
ON FOOT: 160kmm
TOTAL ELEVATION: 3556m
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
ACCOMMODATION
GUIDES AND SUPPORT
5 nights accommodation included.
Hotel/Hostel/Ferry cabins
Rat Race Expedition leader, high quality outdoor event crew, British medical and welfare support.
SAFETY
Professional local and UK safety staff and medics. Rat Race experts on hand throughout. Audited and accredited to BS8848 expedition safety standard.
TRANSFER POLICY
Transfer your entry to event credit up to 12 weeks before the departure date and protect your entry with optional Refund Protect.
EXTRAS
High quality medal, rat rag and premium t-shirt for all participants. Training Plans available here
TRANSFERS
Includes one group transfer at 2pm from Aberdeen train station pre and post event.
October 2024
This was one epic adventure to the wilderness of the Shetlands for the End to End Test Pilot event. Stunning route from South to North through the changeable Scottish Weather. Once again lead by the experience of James from Rat Race and the brilliant support crew. If you prefer pure running events and not sure about stepping up to the 6 days of The Isles, then this is one to go for.
"If I could give it more stars I would!"
WE ARE GOING TO BUY A TRACT OF STRATEGICALLY IMPORTANT
RAINFOREST IN CENTRAL AMERICA.
DAY TWO: RUN/HIKE DAY 1
Once we have arrived in Lerwick we will drive to our southernly startline at Sumburgh with the aim to start our adventure at 0800. Today will see a beautiful mix of trail, coastal routes and some quiet roads as we tick off the biggest distance right off the bat 56km and 700m of elevation. Highlights of this day include Sumburgh Head and the lighthouse. St Ninian’s Isle and more jaw-dropping wild beaches and cliffside views than you can count.
ACCOMMODATION: Hotel
MEALS: Breakfast onboard ferry, Pit Stop lunch, evening meal
DAY THREE: RUN/HIKE DAY TWO
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Today we explore the wild and unspoilt section from Scalloway to Whiteness as we run among the enormous wind turbines on Mid Kame. Stunning coastal running/hiking and sea views (and wildlife spotting!) await you from Voe. We add 52km and 500m of elevation to our running total today.
ACCOMMODATION: Hotel
MEALS: Breakfast at hotel, Pit Stop lunch, evening meal
DAY FIVE: TRAVEL DAY
After breakfast we’ll head to Lerwick where the afternoon is your own to explore before and grab some lunch before we regroup at 5pm for an overnight ferry back to the mainland where we will return you to Aberdeen train station.
ACCOMMODATION: Twin ferry cabins
MEALS: Breakfast at hostel.
DAY ONE: ARRIVAL DAY
The Rat Race team will meet you at Aberdeen Train Station at 2pm, we will then transfer by coach to the ferry port to begin our adventure! Once onboard and settled we will come together for our event briefing and dinner. We will then sail overnight to Shetland.
ACCOMMODATION:Twin ferry cabins
MEALS: Dinner included
DAY FOUR: RUN/HIKE DAY THREE
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The final day! With over 100km in your legs it’s time to smash out the final 53. Our last stretch features an exciting island hop at 30km as we make a break for the very top of this island chain by ferry link. Our final filling of epic coastal routes and a quick flyby the UK’s most northly Post Office before a dramatic finish and obligatory medal shot at the very top of this stunning Scottish archipelago.
ACCOMMODATION: Hostel
MEALS: Breakfast at hotel, Pit Stop lunch, evening meal
ACCOMMODATION
All accommodation is always offered on a shared basis. If you are taking part on your own, you will be paired with another participant of the same sex in a twin room. If you have preferences for who you share with you can indicate that on the pre-event forms we send you approx. 3 months before the departure date. Hostel accommodation will be in same sex dorms.
Single supplements may be available, to enquire about prices and availability please email events@ratrace.com
MEALS
Meals provided are outlined in the itinerary and all dietary requirements will be catered for. Evening meals will consist of one main meal and Pit Stop lunches will be a grab and go sandwich/wrap style offering. Pit Stops will be regular and these are places you can interact with the Rat Race crew and medics. You can refill your water and top up your snack stash with our goodies. We will always offer salty and sweet snacks and fruit as a minimum.
This is our planned kit list for Shetland, additional items may be added but these will be communicated to you in our EEI document (3 months prior to the event).
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Ultra Running rucksack/hiking backpack or other appropriate method of carrying your kit. BUY HERE
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Satellite Tracker: given to you at the event briefing. This should be put in the lid/outer pocket of your rucksack. Remember this must be returned at the end of the event.
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Light trail Running Shoes: i.e. running shoes with some grip
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Hydration Bladder or Bottle(s) with a minimum of 2 litre capacity. BUY HERE
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Snacks – Min 1000kcal per day.
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Waterproof Jacket with TAPED or WELDED SEAMS as a minimum standard. BUY HERE
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Waterproof Trousers with TAPED or WELDED SEAMS as a minimum standard. BUY HERE (see photograph)
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Hat suitable to the conditions (a Rat Rag is OK). BUY HERE
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Gloves (lightweight running gloves are OK). BUY HERE
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Bivvi Bag (NOT a blanket): Essential for unplanned stops. BUY ONE HERE
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Basic First Aid Kit containing at least:
– A conformable roller bandage.
– Assorted adhesive dressings.
– Separate sterile absorbent material
(e.g. gauze or gauze bandage) suitable for compressing bleeding wounds
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Whistle: Effective for getting attention in an emergency. BUY ONE HERE
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Fully charged mobile phone.
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Full leg cover: Running tights are a good lightweight option – it’s the unplanned stops that you might need them for. This is additional to the waterproof Trousers
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Additional upper body thermal layer: an insulated jacket, baselayer or fleece are all good options – again for the unplanned stops. This is additional to the waterproof Jacket.
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Hand Sanitiser
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Reusable cup suitable for hot drinks. BUY ONE HERE
RECOMMENDED ADDITIONAL KIT:
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A quality roll top type rucksack/bag liner is good for keeping your kit dry. BUY ONE HERE
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Technical Tee and/or a quality base layer.
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In foul weather, taking additional gloves, socks and a hat can be a help.
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Sun screen and sun glasses. We can hope 😊
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Blister treatment kit.
PAY IN INSTALMENTS
SIGN UP TODAY
/ MONTH
£133.89
INTEREST FREE!
PAY IN FULL
£1950
/ TOTAL PAYMENT
SIGN UP TODAY
*All entries will are in GBP A booking fee of 2.99% will be added to all payments.
PAY MONTHLY INTEREST FREE!
ENTER NOW AND SPREAD THE COST INTEREST FREE WITH OUR INSTALMENT PLAN
We’ve put together a fantastic new instalment plan that allows you to choose how many months you want to spread the cost of this brilliant adventure over. You can pay it off all in one go or spread it over as many months as you like, totally interest free*. The payments will be split equally allowing you to budget and plan for this stunning journey. All payments to be made before February, 3 months prior to the event.
*When you sign up to the instalment plan Rat Race will then set up a reoccurring payment and your card will be debited on the same date each month. If there is an error with your payment you will receive reminders from Stripe, our payment provider, and also the Rat Race customer service team. After 3 attempts to contact you if the outstanding balance remains unpaid we will assume you wish to cancel your entry and will withdraw you from the event and you will not be eligible to enter our transfer process and no monies will be refunded.
Please see here for full terms and conditions and our cancellation policy.
PROTECT YOUR NON-REFUNDABLE BOOKING WITH REFUND PROTECT
Add Refund Protect to your booking during purchase and receive a full refund of your entry fee if you are unable to attend the event due to a qualifying unforeseen circumstance. PLEASE NOTE this protection is with our 3rd party partner Refund Protect and NOT Rat Race. In the event you make a refund application this is administered by the Refund Protect customer service team, Rat Race are not privy to the application and cannot intervene on your behalf to influence the outcome determined by their team.
To check the full list of qualifying unforeseen circumstances that are protected please click here to view Refund Protect terms and conditions.
To add Refund Protect (administered by a 3rd party) to your Rat Race booking simply select this option when presented during the entry process. Refund Protect cannot be added retrospectively. Rat Race will then send you name and booking details to Refund Protect in order to protect your transaction with them. If you opt to pay in instalments and transfer your entry before the entry cost is full paid you will be liable to ensure the cost of Refund Protect has been fully covered. This total amount will be deducted from any Rat Race credit due through the transfer process or you will be invoiced by Rat Race for the outstanding amount as Rat Race have paid this on your behalf to Refund Protect at point of entry.
WHERE YOUR MONEY GOES
At Rat Race, we create extraordinary adventures for everyone people. We know we’re a premium brand and that those adventures are premium experiences. In our 20th year, we have decided that our commitment to investment in our standards, safety and quality of experience should be matched in our commitment to the transparency in showing how we spend your hard-earned cash in bringing these adventures to life.
So here it is. A pie chart of how we spend your money in bringing our events and trips to life.
RAISE AT LEAST £4000 (EXCLUDING GIFT AID) FOR CHILDREN WITH CANCER UK AND GET £1950 OF YOUR ENTRY FEE REFUNDED!
Our longstanding partnership with Children with Cancer UK gives #ratracers the opportunity to raise much needed funds for this great cause in exchange for a refund of their entry fee. So far our #ratracers have raised over £2million for Children with Cancer UK and we would love for you to join the team to help us chase down that £3million target!
The funds you raise will be invested into vital specialist research to improve survival rates in children and young people and help more of them ring the end of treatment bell.
All you need to do is set up a Just Giving page here and start your fundraising! You will have until 1 month after the event date to hit your target and then send us the link to your page which will allow us to process your refund. Refunds will be made 2 – 3 months after the event completion date.
Refunds are not mandatory you are welcome to opt-out of receiving a refund. Should participants opt-out their refund will instead be used by Children with Cancer UK to help fund their research.
If you choose to support Children with Cancer UK and raise £5000, you will also receive:
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A Children with Cancer UK fundraising and training pack
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Regular Children with Cancer UK updates
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A dedicated point of contact at the charity
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A technical Children with Cancer UK t-shirt to wear with pride
For more information on Children with Cancer UK please visit www.childrenwithcancer.org.uk.
Alternatively please contact the Sports Team on 020 7430 7788 or email sports@childrenwithcancer.org.uk.
Children with Cancer UK is a registered national charity (no. 298405)
The nature of an adventure is that sometimes, the uncertain becomes certain! That is all part of the adventure. Whilst we will always strive to pull off ‘Plan A,’ it may well be that for any one of a number of reasons, we cannot do so and we ned to wheel put Plan B, C or D. We do line up contingencies for many eventualities of course. But it is worth knowing that the course may change if we deem it prudent for your safety or for other operational or weather-based reasons and we must always reserve the right to do so. Ultimately our skill and judgement in organising such events is part of why you are entering, so we must be able to exercise this on your behalf where we deem it necessary. If we do have to make a route change, we will strive to inform you in good time (if that is possible). Usually, these unforeseen changes simply add to the flavour of proceedings and provide for a good story to tell at day’s end!
Click ‘Enter Now’ and go through the sign-up process, you’ll then be issued with an event voucher which will automatically reserve you a place in the event you have chosen.
At Rat Race we are determined to get you on the start line even when life throws up its own obstacles! If you find yourself unable to join us on the start line of this event, you are able to transfer your entry into an event credit voucher once for use on a new entry into an event of your choice, whether that be the same event a year later or a completely new adventure! Transfers must be requested within the qualifying transfer window to be accepted and processed.
Credit vouchers are valid for 12 months from the date of issue. Credit voucher are exempt from the transfer process. To find out more information and how to submit a request, view of full transfer policy HERE
At Rat Race we are determined to get you on the start line even when life throws up its own obstacles! If you find yourself unable to join us on the start line of this event, you are able to transfer your entry into an event credit voucher once for use on a new entry into an event of your choice, whether that be the same event a year later or a completely new adventure! Transfers must be requested within the qualifying transfer window to be accepted and processed.
Credit vouchers are valid for 12 months from the date of issue. Credit voucher are exempt from the transfer process. To find out more information and how to submit a request, view of full transfer policy HERE
Yes and we will drop you off at the airport prior to our ferry departure, please note that if you decide to fly back this will not result in a reduction of your entry fee as it is an ‘all in one’ price and we cannot separate out aspects due to group booking rates.
Add Refund Protect to your booking during purchase and receive a full refund of your entry fee if you are unable to attend the event due to a qualifying unforeseen circumstance. PLEASE NOTE this protection is with our 3rd party partner Refund Protect and NOT Rat Race. In the event you make a refund application this is administered by the Refund Protect customer service team, Rat Race are not privy to the application and cannot intervene on your behalf to influence the outcome determined by their team. To check the full list of qualifying unforeseen circumstances that are protected please click here to view Refund Protect terms and conditions. To add Refund Protect (administered by a 3rd party) to your Rat Race booking simply select this option when presented during the entry process. Refund Protect cannot be added retrospectively. Rat Race will then send you name and booking details to Refund Protect in order to protect your transaction with them. If you opt to pay in instalments and transfer your entry before the entry cost is full paid you will be liable to ensure the cost of Refund Protect has been fully covered. This total amount will be deducted from any Rat Race credit due through the transfer process or you will be invoiced by Rat Race for the outstanding amount as Rat Race have paid this on your behalf to Refund Protect at point of entry.
We’ve put together a fantastic new instalment plan that allows you to choose how many months you want to spread the cost of this brilliant adventure over. You can pay it off all in one go or spread it over as many months as you like, totally interest free. There is no credit check required to use this facility. When you sign up to the instalment plan Rat Race will then set up a reoccurring payment and your card will be debited on the same date each month. If there is an error with your payment you will receive reminders from Stripe, our payment provider, and also the Rat Race customer service team. After 3 attempts to contact you if the outstanding balance remains unpaid we will assume you wish to cancel your entry and will withdraw you from the event and you will not be eligible to enter our transfer process and no monies will be refunded.
Yes. You need a decent travel policy covering you for general travel and which covers participation in outdoor sports. You will also need what is called an Evacuation Insurance Policy, which is for if we need to send you back to the closest city for urgent medical attention via a helicopter or similar. We also recommend you have this in place as soon as you enter this event and that if you book flights, we highly recommend booking a flexible option for any last-minute changes you might need to make or to ensure you have maximum flexibility if you cannot attend for any reason.
Travel insurance is compulsory for our events, so please make sure your insurance policy covers the activities you will be participating in. There are a number of specialist providers available including Mann Broadbent.
Add Refund Protect to your booking during purchase and receive a full refund of your entry fee if you are unable to attend the event due to a qualifying unforeseen circumstance. PLEASE NOTE this protection is with our 3rd party partner Refund Protect and NOT Rat Race. In the event you make a refund application this is administered by the Refund Protect customer service team, Rat Race are not privy to the application and cannot intervene on your behalf to influence the outcome determined by their team. To check the full list of qualifying unforeseen circumstances that are protected please click here to view Refund Protect terms and conditions. To add Refund Protect (administered by a 3rd party) to your Rat Race booking simply select this option when presented during the entry process. Refund Protect cannot be added retrospectively. Rat Race will then send you name and booking details to Refund Protect in order to protect your transaction with them. If you opt to pay in instalments and transfer your entry before the entry cost is full paid you will be liable to ensure the cost of Refund Protect has been fully covered. This total amount will be deducted from any Rat Race credit due through the transfer process or you will be invoiced by Rat Race for the outstanding amount as Rat Race have paid this on your behalf to Refund Protect at point of entry.
We will use a mixture of UK Rat Race crew, British medics, foot sweeps and local guides. Extractions are not possible at all points and you may need to hike to get to an extraction point if you need to retire.
Once you’ve signed up, you will receive a confirmation email. After that, you will be kept in the loop closer to the event when we will send out our Essential Event Information approximately 12 weeks ahead of the event, detailing the full itinerary, what you need to bring and other important information relating to the specific event you have signed up for. We will also host webinars which you will be invited to (again, closer to the event), where you will have the opportunity to ask questions. There will be a final email one month ahead of the event, just to check you’ve completed all the important forms and are ready for the event ahead.
If you have chosen to pay in instalments, we will also get in touch with you if any of your payments have been missed.
Rat Race have been audited and accredited to the prestigious BS8848 expedition safety standard. We have firm emergency protocols and response systems in place whilst out on our adventures. Our main priority above all else is to keep you and our staff safe. Before we leave for each trip a comprehensive in-country risk and threat assessment has been conducted by the Head of Expeditions. All protocols are put in place relating to those assessments. We make sure that the staff involved have the highest level of first aid training; a higher level of medical cover is also put in place if needed; all instructors have qualifications and/ or competencies to match the adventure we will undertake. In the event of an emergency, Rat Race staff and appointed contractors have comprehensive knowledge of procedures which will rapidly be put in place. If needed, our staff will provide first aid and then further medical assistance and evacuation if needed in line with a published Medical Procedures Plan. We have medical back-up and Clinical Directorship provided by a specialist events medical company and we have further emergency response support services provided by competent contracted partner. All our cover is available 24/7 while operations are underway. We use our knowledge and emergency procedures to provide the best possible care in our often remote and austere environments. Before leaving on a trip, we will advise on the insurance cover you are required to have in place for the trip; we will ask for a copy of these insurance details before the departure date.
Race entry includes a glorious finishers medal and bespoke event Rat Race tee. We will request your tshirt size and this will be the size you will be given at Registration.
The short answer is no. The price for this event is for everything outlined on the website and it is very difficult for us to split this out. Our accommodation is based on group rates and is on a shared basis. All of our event logistics, support and organisation has been designed to have all the participants in the same locations to allow transfers, briefings etc to run smoothly and to let you bond with your fellow #ratracers!
We have designed this challenge so that you may travel at your own pace and in general you will have 12 hours to complete each day allowing a completion pace of 3mph. There will also be some cut-offs within each day, but in the true Rat Race tradition these will be generous and we will always look to help you to achieve your goals in finishing this challenge, vs having to pull out.
GPX routes will be provided one week ahead of the event, or you can hire one of our GPX watches with the routes pre-loaded for the duration of the challenge. Don’t worry – you won’t get lost. But if you do – support is never far away.
October 2024
Back from Shetland and the inspiring End to End experience. We were blessed with good weather, but now and then the islands showed you what it can be like, and it’s dramatic. High winds, torrential rain, then azure blue skies and warm sunshine. And that’s just one afternoon! The route has everything, including beaches, bogs, roads and trail. Running next to gigantic wind turbine and the ponies, you’re assured of changes in scenery and impressive organisation, back up, hugs and routes to test you and make sure you deserve a tot at the end of the day.
"The route has everything, including beaches, bogs, roads and trail"
October 2024
Just back from the Shetland End to End Test Pilot event and I can honestly say it was amazing. The route was a nice mix of trail and road and there were views round every corner from sandy beaches, turquoise seas, cliffs to wind farms. There was also lots of wildlife to see and we got very good at spotting seals. The weather was kinder than it could have been so we only got wet on the last day but then it really was the true Shetland experience with horizontal rain and storm force winds. The organisation was second to none and there was everything we could need at the pit stops including lots of food, warm drinks, warm coats and hugs.
"The route was a nice mix of trail and road and there were views round every corner"
October 2024
This was one epic adventure to the wilderness of the Shetlands for the End to End Test Pilot event. Stunning route from South to North through the changeable Scottish Weather. Once again lead by the experience of James from Rat Race and the brilliant support crew. If you prefer pure running events and not sure about stepping up to the 6 days of The Isles, then this is one to go for.
"If I could give it more stars I would!"
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