Registration is between 9.00-10.30 on Sunday 11th, with the race starting at 11.00

There is limited parking available at Assynt Leisure Centre (Registration HQ), with plenty more free parking available in Lochinver village, only a short walk from the race start.

How old do I have to be to race?

For insurance purposes, participants must be over 18 years old on the day of the race, and under 75.

Will I need to navigate?

No. The race follows a well defined path, and will be marshalled and fully marked.

Sorry no. We love dogs, but this run passes through unfenced croftland, with sheep, deer and other wildlife roaming free. For their safety, and the safety of your fellow runners, we will not allow dogs.

Lochinver is on the world-famous NC500 touring route, so there are loads of choices for accommodation. Book early though, as rooms fill up very fast!

Is water/gel availale on the route?

We will be providing water at ~3 mile intervals, but not energy gel. Feel free to bring your own, but please respect the environment by taking any gel packets away with you. PLEASE NOTE - this is a 'Leave No Trace' Race with cup/bottle free water stations - bring your own bottle, hydration vest or collapsible cup for water stations.

What kit will I need?

You'll need to bring a water bottle, hydration vest or collapsible cup. The water stations are plastic and cup free to reduce our environmental impact and prevent littering. Runners will also need to carry a charged mobile phone for safety reasons- this is a remote race, so this is an ESSENTIAL item, and runners will not be allowed to participate without a working mobile phone with them. Trail shoes are a must as the course is muddy and slippy in places. Poles are allowed, but we'd ask you've experience using them, and to be mindful of other runners in places where the route is narrow. Hydration packs are encouraged, but not necessary. Lochinver is in the remote Highlands of Scotland. Although we hope for good weather, May is notoriously fickle here, so competitors should be ready for any weather - including snow.

Is there a time limit?

Yes. For the safety of our marshals, there is a time limit of 4 hours. After this time, our race marshals will be brought down off the race route. No sweeper vehicle will be available on the rough sections of track (miles 3-10), so please bare this in mind before entering.

Race to the Base 2025

From Race to the Base

Date Sun 11th May 2025
Time 11:00
Location Assynt Leisure Centre, Lochinver, IV27 4JP
Price £30.00
Races 1 race
Distances Half Marathon

Event summary

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure at the Race to the Base 2025, hosted by Race to the Base on Sunday, May 11th, 2025! Set in the breathtaking landscapes of Lairg, Lochinver, within the Highland Council area, this wild trail half-marathon invites participants to tackle over 13.1 miles of stunning Highland scenery. Runners will experience the thrill of racing to the base of Scotland's iconic mountain, Suilven, while enjoying the pristine views of Loch na Gainimh and the lush beauty of Culag Woods Forest.

This unique race promises not only challenging muddy trails but also encounters with spectacular wildlife and the raw beauty of the Scottish Highlands. Perfectly positioned just off the famed NC500 road trip route, the Race to the Base is an extraordinary trail half-marathon that showcases the very best of the UK’s natural landscape. Whether you're a seasoned runner or a passionate adventurer, mark your calendar for this exhilarating event and prepare for a truly memorable experience!

Race to the Base 2025

Sun 11th May 2025

A serene landscape featuring a coastal village with small houses near a calm body of water. Rolling hills and dramatic mountains rise in the background. The scene is bathed in warm, golden sunlight under a partly cloudy sky.

A person stands on a hill overlooking a scenic landscape with a lake and mountains under a sky filled with clouds. The warm sunlight casts a golden glow on the autumn-colored terrain.

A stunning sunset casts a warm glow over a mountain landscape with grassy foreground. The sky is partly cloudy, reflecting orange and pink hues, and a winding river or lake nestles at the mountain's base.

A rocky trail leads through a scenic landscape of grassy hills and large boulders under a partly cloudy sky. A mountain peak is visible in the background, partially shrouded in low-hanging clouds.

A stunning view of Suilven mountain in Scotland at sunrise. The peak rises majestically above a landscape of rolling hills and valleys, partially shrouded in mist. The sky is a soft blend of pink and orange hues.

A wooden footbridge crosses a small stream in a rugged landscape, with brown grass and scattered rocks. In the background, mist shrouds the peaks of distant mountains under a cloudy sky.

A person wearing a cap and a jacket smiles in the foreground with a mountainous landscape and a body of water in the background. The sky is cloudy, adding a dramatic effect to the scene.

A panoramic view of a rugged landscape with a dirt trail, rocky hills, and a calm lake under a cloudy sky. The area is covered with brown grass and sparse vegetation, with a prominent mountain peak in the background.

A tranquil scene of a serene lake with reeds and smooth stones in the foreground, reflecting the mountainous landscape under a cloudy sky. The silhouette of hills blends with the misty atmosphere, creating a peaceful, natural setting.

Organiser's Description

A wild trail half-marathon to the base of Scotland's most iconic mountain, the mighty Suilven!
Over 13.1 miles of stunning Highland Scenery, you'll race to the shore of pristine Loch na Gainimh at the base of Suilvens impressive northern face, before heading back to the finish line in Lochinver, detouring through lush Culag Woods Forest, before finishing alongside the pretty fishing harbour.
Prepare for muddy trails, stunning wildlife, remote beauty and savage weather!
Just off the famous NC500 road trip route, Race to the Base is a trail half-marathon like no other in the UK.

Races

Race to the Base 2025

A Wild Half Marathon Trail Run to the Base of Scotlands Most Iconic Mountain, the Mighty Suilven.

Sun 11th May 2025 (00:00)

£30.00

SOLD OUT

FAQs

When does it start?

Registration is between 9.00-10.30 on Sunday 11th, with the race starting at 11.00
Where do I park?

There is limited parking available at Assynt Leisure Centre (Registration HQ), with plenty more free parking available in Lochinver village, only a short walk from the race start.
How old do I have to be to race?

For insurance purposes, participants must be over 18 years old on the day of the race, and under 75.
Will I need to navigate?

No. The race follows a well defined path, and will be marshalled and fully marked.
Can I bring my dog?

Sorry no. We love dogs, but this run passes through unfenced croftland, with sheep, deer and other wildlife roaming free. For their safety, and the safety of your fellow runners, we will not allow dogs.
Where can I stay?

Lochinver is on the world-famous NC500 touring route, so there are loads of choices for accommodation. Book early though, as rooms fill up very fast!
Is water/gel availale on the route?

We will be providing water at ~3 mile intervals, but not energy gel. Feel free to bring your own, but please respect the environment by taking any gel packets away with you. PLEASE NOTE - this is a 'Leave No Trace' Race with cup/bottle free water stations - bring your own bottle, hydration vest or collapsible cup for water stations.
What kit will I need?

You'll need to bring a water bottle, hydration vest or collapsible cup. The water stations are plastic and cup free to reduce our environmental impact and prevent littering. Runners will also need to carry a charged mobile phone for safety reasons- this is a remote race, so this is an ESSENTIAL item, and runners will not be allowed to participate without a working mobile phone with them. Trail shoes are a must as the course is muddy and slippy in places. Poles are allowed, but we'd ask you've experience using them, and to be mindful of other runners in places where the route is narrow. Hydration packs are encouraged, but not necessary. Lochinver is in the remote Highlands of Scotland. Although we hope for good weather, May is notoriously fickle here, so competitors should be ready for any weather - including snow.
Is there a time limit?

Yes. For the safety of our marshals, there is a time limit of 4 hours. After this time, our race marshals will be brought down off the race route. No sweeper vehicle will be available on the rough sections of track (miles 3-10), so please bare this in mind before entering.

Event Video

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Race to the Base 2025

Race to the Base 2025

Organiser's Description

Races

Event Video