On the day
Parking (and camping) is available at the race HQ: Mendip Activity Centre (Basecamp)
06:30 – 07:30 50M race registration at the Mendip Activity Centre
07:30 – 08:30 50K race registration at the Mendip Activity Centre
07:45 50M race briefing
08:00 50M race starts
08:45 50K race briefing
09:00 50K race starts
19:00 50K cut-off (see routes for intermediate cut-off times)
22:00 50M cut-off (see routes for intermediate cut-off times)
Checkpoints/ aid stations:
The checkpoints will have a range of sweet food (e.g. cake, biscuits, fruit, sweets, malt loaf) and savoury food (e.g. crisps, nuts, sausage rolls), and water, squash, and flat cola. We will cater for vegan runners. If you have a sensitive food allergy, please provide us with sealed, named bags, numbered for each checkpoint. Please email us in advance if you wish to do this.
There will also be a free meat or vegan hot meal at the finish for all entrants.
Drop Bags:
There is no provision for drop bags in either race. Runners must carry everything they need for the entire race.
Running with dogs:
We cannot accept runners with dogs due to the possibility of livestock in fields throughout the route.
Event Rules
1. Headphones
We discourage the use of headphones on the Butcombe Trail Ultra. If you decline to follow this advice, be aware that this is your responsibility. Note that you must be alert to instructions from marshals, the risks of road crossings and the needs of fellow runners at all times. This is for the safety of yourself and others. Both earpieces MUST be removed at all checkpoints and marshalled road crossings, runners risk disqualification if they do not follow this requirement.
2. Pacers
One pacer per runner is allowed from the final checkpoint, the penalty for having more than one pacer or a pacer before then will be at the Race Director’s discretion
3. Short-cutting the route knowingly
Runners must follow the course at all times, the penalty for deliberately cutting the course will be at the Race Director’s discretion
4. Mandatory kit
You must arrive at registration with the items listed below and carry them throughout the race. It is permitted to exchange individual kit items with supporters at checkpoints, but you have to carry everything with you at all times (you can’t pick up a torch later on, for example).
Either:
- TWO independent electronic devices (e.g. GPS watch and smartphone), with sufficient battery/ charger to last for the full duration of the race (15 hours).
OR - Paper maps of the course. Either download and print the GPX files or mark-up the route on relevant OS sheets. Your maps should be on waterproof paper or in a waterproof case / sleeves.
You need these items because the route is self-nav. There will be some marker signs to help you at tricky junctions, but you cannot rely on these to get you round. You may want to recce the course (eg by joining the organised recces) ahead of race day.
- Survival bag or emergency foil blanket
- Compass (not required if you are using two electronic devices as above, both of which include GPS/compass functionality).
- Water bottle or bladder (it is up to 10 miles / 16km between checkpoints) (Note: This is a cup-free event so please bring one if you want a checkpoint drink)
- Emergency food (e.g. gel, energy bar)
- Whistle
- Waterproof top with hood and taped seams
- Waterproof or windproof trousers
- Long-sleeved, warmer top
- Gloves
- Buff or hat
- Fully charged mobile phone with volume set to maximum.
- Headtorch with charged batteries (yes, even if you plan to finish well before dark!).
5. Pregnancy policy
We offer 100% refunds to runners who notify us of pregnancy. Please email us at races@tach.club to arrange this.
6. Guide runners
Guide runners for the blind, visually impaired, or disabled runners are welcomed, both the blind, visually impaired or disabled runner and their guide runner must register for the event. We offer free entry for guide runners, please email races@tach.club to arrange this. Note: guide runners will receive a finishers medal on event completion but are not eligible for any prizes.
Butcombe Trail Ultra 