Ultra Challenge The Borders Challenge
Eighty-four kilometres of Berwickshire coast from Berwick-upon-Tweed to North Berwick, or forty-two. New for 2027.
| Distance | Ascent | Per km |
|---|---|---|
| 84km | 1,550 m | 19 m |
| 42km 1st Half | 1,100 m | 26 m |
| 42km 2nd Half | 450 m | 11 m |
| North Berwick 10 Mile | 100 m | 6 m |
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No reviews of the Borders Challenge, and nothing on what people wore. Both are things no organiser publishes and every runner wants before they enter — how it actually went, and what was on your feet.
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Pick your distance
Start time not confirmed yet — check with the organiser.
What you’re in for
New for 2027, and a double marathon rather than a 100km: Berwick-upon-Tweed to North Berwick, 84km up the Berwickshire Coastal Path through Eyemouth and over St Abb's Head, then on past Dunbar and through John Muir Country Park to the finish, with about 1,550m of climb on the organiser's figures. The first 42km has 1,100m of it; the second is the flat one. Late August, in one day or split over two, with a ten-mile at North Berwick on the Sunday. An Ultra Challenge event, which means walkers, joggers and runners on the same course, signed with pink arrows and glow sticks after dark, with a covered rest stop every twelve kilometres or so — food, drink, medics, toilets — and a bigger one every twenty-five. Runners can enter with a target time; most of the field will be walking.
Terrain and trail
Cliff-top coast path with steep dips into the coves between Berwick and St Abb's Head — the hard half — then beach, dune, links and lane along the East Lothian coast. Exposed to the North Sea wind the whole way. Signed. A trail shoe.
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How to enter
Sat, 28 Aug – Sun, 29 Aug 2027 · Entries open
Enter on their website ↗Entries are handled by Ultra Challenge, not by us. We take nothing for sending you there.
Add to your calendar · as an all-day entry, until the start time is confirmed
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Common questions
- The Borders Challenge offers 4 distances: 84km (52.2 miles), 42km 1st Half (26.1 miles), 42km 2nd Half (26.1 miles), North Berwick 10 Mile (16.1 km).