Ultra Running Ltd MTC Selkie

The course

What you’re in for

Dornoch to Dunbeath up the Sutherland coast — Golspie, Brora, Helmsdale, then the Ord of Caithness and the Berriedale Braes — 42 miles on day eight of the Scotland end to end. Dornoch to Dunbeath: 68.3km and 711m of climb, with eight checkpoints on the way. It is day 8 of the Scotland end to end, and you can run it on its own or as part of the whole. The 711m of climb is the second-most on the Scottish stages and almost all of it is in the last third, where the road leaves the coast to climb the Ord and drop into Berriedale. Mount to Coast rules apply on the single day as on the series: preset cut-offs based on a minimum 4 mph average, a warning the first time you fall below it, and no one on the course after ten at night. Checkpoints roughly every eight miles, a tracker with an SOS button, and maps and GPX for entrants only — bring a map case.

Terrain and trail

The organiser supplies road shoes for the series, which tells you most of what you need to know about the ground: quiet road, cycle path and the odd stretch of towpath or track, almost all of it hard-surfaced. The difficulty is the distance and the day after, not the terrain.

How to enter

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Common questions

How far is the MTC Selkie?

The MTC Selkie is one distance: 42 Mile (67.6 km).

How much climbing is in the MTC Selkie?

The 42 Mile has 711 m of ascent.

How hard is the MTC Selkie?

42 Mile: Expert. TRP grades come from distance and climb measured off the course file, not from the organiser.

Is the MTC Selkie course marked?

No. The MTC Selkie is not a marked course. You are expected to navigate it yourself.

What kit do I need for the MTC Selkie?

We don't hold a compulsory kit list for the MTC Selkie. Ultra Running Ltd confirm mandatory kit in their race information, usually in the final instructions.

What are the cut-offs for the MTC Selkie?

Overall time limits — 42 Mile: 8h 15m. Also Scotland day 8 of the Mount to Coast end to end challenge.

What is at the checkpoints on the MTC Selkie?

We don't hold a checkpoint list for the MTC Selkie. What's on the table varies a lot between races, so check the Ultra Running Ltd race information rather than turning up expecting food.

Can I download the MTC Selkie route?

Yes. The GPX for each distance is free to download here, with no sign-up, the same as every route on Trail Running Planet.

When is the next MTC Selkie?

Sat, 3 Jun 2028. Not open yet.