UK’s Largest Ultra Set To Break Its Own Record In 2014
News Release / 28.01.2014
The Wall is a cross-country Ultramarathon journey through 69 miles of Hadrian’s Wall country between Carlisle Castle and Newcastle Gateshead Quayside. Launched in 2012 it has achieved almost cult status due to its iconic credentials. It has been widely praised for both the quality of its delivery and its completion rate: 90% of runners completed the 2013 route; all the more surprising given the sheer number who took part – with exactly 1000 entrants last year, making it by far the largest Ultra on the UK calendar in 2013.
2014 is set to be larger still, with the Ultra market enjoying significant growth as ordinary runners gain confidence to push for ever-longer distances. Participant feedback and rave reviews have seen hundreds of participants making a New Year’s resolution to sign up The Wall’s third outing and the 2014 event has almost reached 1000 registrations already. The event will take place on 21st – 22nd June 2014 and is set to deliver the same stunning 69 mile route, featuring a mixture of off-road and on-road terrain and sensational venues en route, steeped in the history of Hadrian’s Wall country.
The run has been created by Rat Race, the UK’s leader in adventure sports events. The company is currently enjoying massive growth, seeing numbers rocket for their various challenges, ranging from Ultra runs to iron-distance triathlon, bike events and adventure races. The firm, which was formed by ex-Red Bull events manager Jim Mee in 2004, expects to cater to some 70 000 participants in 2014 making it one of the largest single operators of mass-participation sports events in the UK. Rat Race has also launched a successful online retail store selling endurance sports gear, bikes and cycling kit and 2014 will see the unveiling its first line of own-label sports apparel also.
The Wall offers a superb running line across Northern England and sees participants attempt the challenge as one single 69 mile stage, or break the journey halfway in the heart of Hadrian’s Wall country, with camp-site, hot showers, bar and catering as well as facilities for supporters. The run starts at 1000 year-old Carlisle Castle as runners burst over the drawbridge to commence their adventure. The way-marked route then links a number of pit stops evenly spaced throughout, themselves now fabled for the gluttonous selection of food and treats on offer. The pit-stops are all located in fascinating and glorious places, such as Lanercost Priory and Hexham. The main overnight location at Vindolanda (or the half-way point for those attempting the run in one serving) is situated right next to 2000 year-old remains of a Roman fort. The sense of history is all around as runners tackle the hilliest part of the route here in Northumberland National Park.
Jim Mee, Rat Race MD and creator of The Wall explains: “Ultra is booming. There’s something really special about making a journey on foot and we wanted to create something that had a real ‘destination feel,’ provided big-ticket wow factor as well as being very do-able. Everyone knows Hadrian’s Wall and it provides a superb backdrop for us to create a running route that is at-once beautiful, do-able and memorable. We think The Wall delivers on all fronts and it seems folk agree; it became the country’s largest Ultra in its first year and is set to continue that trend as the UK’s must-do multi-day run. Plus who doesn’t love a beer tent halfway through something like this?”
Entry to the 2014 event is open until capacity is reached and costs £165 per person for Solo Entry into the 1-day event. More information and online entry can be found at www.ratracethewall.com.
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