Welcome

Please read the pre-race information carefully and bring a copy with you on race day. If you have any questions about the race, then please contact info@trailoutlaws.com or phone Tim Bateson (07734309500) in an emergency.

Race Information

This is the 11th running of the Wooler Trail Marathon (The Beast). Without a doubt it is our most challenging and rewarding route. We hope you enjoy it!

Please read this information carefully, as it will help to answer any pre-race queries and settle those nerves. Most importantly, we want you to have fun and be safe!

Before the Race

Consider taking out personal insurance against accident or injury whilst participating in sporting activities.

Bring appropriate footwear for the race conditions.

Event Parking

Parking is at the Wooler Auction Mart which is about a 10 minute walk from race HQ at Wooler Hostel.

Wooler Auction Mart,

Berwick Road,

Wooler,

Northumberland,

NE71 6SL

Map for Race Parking

Parking at Wooler Hostel is strictly for event staff and no parking or drop offs will be allowed here before or during the event.

You can leave your belongings in the bike sheds at Wooler Hostel which will be manned at all times. But this is done so at your own risk. We cannot take responsibility for runners' keys, phones or valuables.

Accommodation - Wooler Hostel

If you have booked one of the bunks at Wooler Hostel on the Friday night, could you please start arriving from 17:30. Last arrival will be 23:00, after this we will shut up shop for the night (as we will need the sleep also).

Sheets and bedding are provided, but you will need to bring your own towel.

We have access to the full kitchen facilities from Friday evening until Sunday morning.

Race Numbers

Please note that race numbers will be given out at race registration on the day of the race. Please do not remove the foam tags from the bib, as these are needed for race timing.

Registration

Race Registration and HQ:

Wooler Hostel,

30 Cheviot Street,

Wooler,

Northumberland,

NE71 6LW

Map for Wooler Hostel

MARATHON - 14^th November 2026

• 06:45 - 07:55 Registration
• 07:55 Race Briefing
• 08:00 Race Start
• 14:00 Race Presentation
• 17:30 Race Cut Off

Checkpoints

There will be 5 CPs on the Marathon route (see the route map).

4 standard CPs with water, sweets & cola:

• CP1 at 6 miles
• CP4 at 18.5 miles
• CP5 at 22 miles
• CP6 (extra CP) at 27 miles

1 manned emergency CP:

• CP2 Rescue Hut at 12 miles. This will have water and sweets, however this is for emergency use should it be required.

You will need to fill your water provision at CP1 as your next standard CP is located 12 miles away, and there are no water sources to fill from during this time.

Please note support is prohibited at Hethpool or Yeavering Bell checkpoints as they are located on private access roads. There is a public car park at Hethpool village that is close to the race route.

Wooler Common car park is also a good point to catch runners near the end of the race.

The Finish

The finish will be at Wooler Hostel where registration took place. There will be hot drinks available at the finish.

Medals and t-shirts are collected at the finish.

DNF / Race Cut Offs

Cut off times are in place to ensure the integrity of the event as a running race and as a safety and comfort measure for all those involved – including the event volunteers manning the CPs.

Cut offs for the event will be strictly enforced throughout. If you do not leave the CP by the cut off time you will be withdrawn.

Should you need to withdraw from the race, please do so at an official CP. You must inform the RD ASAP of your withdrawal as we will be monitoring runners through CPs, and if we cannot account for a runner we will have to implement emergency procedures.

We cannot accept voluntary withdrawals at CP2 Rescue Hut unless this is in an emergency or injury situation, as we simply cannot expedite you from this CP without taking event staff away from the area.

If after CP1 you need to withdraw, you must carry on to CP4 Hethpool at 18 miles as there is no place to take you from the route before this (no road access).

Please Note: If you withdraw from the event you may face a long wait to be transported to the finish area. Please bear this in mind when considering whether to carry on the event or not.

First Aid & Emergency

We have the full support of Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team providing the First Aid cover at the event. They will be situated at the event HQ and on the route.

Should you require First Aid at any other CP or location please contact the RD or CP staff numbers at the top of this page. Have them saved to your phone in case of emergency for this event. We will then arrange for First Aid at your location.

If you find yourself or another runner in immediate need of emergency help (i.e. risk to life and limb, not just bumps and bruises), contact race HQ or CP staff or sweepers who will then arrange for help.

If this is not an option and you are on the route that is not accessible by a standard vehicle, the Mountain Rescue procedure is to dial 999 and ask for police and then Mountain Rescue.

Do not panic, stay with the runner, use the foil bags and extra layers to keep warm and calm. Alert other runners who can go for help. Use your maps to see where you are to be able to relay your location. We do not anticipate this will be the case, but it is very important that you all know these lifesaving procedures when in the hills.

Race Route

The route will be fully signed and marshalled. It is straightforward in that it follows a natural clockwise loop on prominent paths.

We diligently mark our courses with highly visible marks and signs. Occasionally, these markings are removed by dog walkers and locals so please familiarise yourself with the online route map available on the event website and the printable route map.

Mandatory Kit

This event takes place in late autumn at height, almost 3000ft on the Cheviot and 2000ft at other locations. The conditions at altitude can be vastly different to those lower down.

The weather can deteriorate rapidly and much of the course is remote and inaccessible by vehicles.

Mandatory kit is for your safety and must be carried at all times during the event. You will be asked to sign a disclaimer to say that you have packed all the mandatory kit.

Random kit checks will be carried out and runners disqualified if they do not have all the kit listed below:

• Route map – OS Explorer OL16 recommended (Harvey maps, printed OS, or our route map printed and laminated full size also acceptable)
• Compass
• Waterproof trousers
• Full length leggings – must be carried if shorts are worn
• Waterproof jacket – hood strongly advised
• Hat and gloves – NOT buff
• Survival bag – NOT blanket
• Head torch – WITH spare batteries
• Whistle
• Long sleeve thermal top – Merino/Helly Hansen
• Minimum of 500ml water
• Personal cup
• Emergency food/sport bar
• Mobile phone number of race director – Tim Bateson +447734309500. Please save to your contacts.

Trail Outlaws Soul Space Cafe

We will be providing refreshments before, during and after the events, providing hot and cold drinks to purchase, including tea, coffee, hot chocolate, soup, pop, etc. There will also be a range of sweet and savoury snacks on sale. The internet connection can be intermittent therefore we recommend that you bring some cash just in case.

Trail Outlaws Trading Post

We will be selling a range of fabulous Trail Outlaws clothing, cups, head torches, etc. Please come and have a look. You can also buy these items through our website.

Finally!

We are looking forward to meeting you all at Wooler! There is a great atmosphere at Trail Outlaws events thanks to our fantastic runners and volunteers. The race marshals are there to cheer you on and stop you going the wrong way – so please thank them and give them a high five on the way round.

Come rain or shine bring your trail spirit and smile with you. Have a great time!