The Scilly 60 Race
The original race | Don’t miss the boat!
60 kilometres | 5 islands | 1 Day
Sunday 16th June 2024
GENERAL INFORMATION
The original Scilly 60 Race
The Scilly 60 Race is the original event – an ultra marathon trail race with a difference. Racers will cover 60km over 5 islands, running every inch of coast path on every inhabited island making up the Isles of Scilly Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The catch? You’ll transfer between the islands by ferry, and any runners not on the boat before the stated cut off time are left on the island and cut from the race. The cut offs are based on 7:30min/kms (12min/miles).
“The best DNF event ever!”
– 2023 participant
60
kilometres
5
islands
1
day
The Race
The Course
You’ll run the coastline of all five inhabited islands – Tresco, Bryher, St Martins, St Mary’s and St Agnes – before finishing back on Tresco.
If you win an island, you get a race vest of the island’s colour to wear. From Bryher onwards, the overall leader – the runner with the fastest combined time – will get a Race leader vest to wear so all racers know who is leading overall.
After running the coastline of all islands, the runners will be dropped at Carn Near on Tresco for a final 5km run, including the infamous incline from Cromwell’s Castle to King Charles’s Castle. Then it’s just one final gentle descent back to the finish at Tresco Community Centre.
A second boat will collect runners who have not made the cut-offs or pulled out.
10km
Tresco
8km
Bryher
10km
St Martin’s
18km
St Mary’s
8.9km
St Agnes
6km
Tresco
Please note: distances are approximate and final distances will be confirmed nearer the event date.
The Race
The Logistics
Due to huge interest, this year there will be two race boats each with 75 runners. In addition, this year, runners will be given headbands.
If you are one boat you will be given a RED headband to wear. If you are on the Second boat you will be given a BLUE headband to wear.
The runners from the boat with the highest number of finishers will all get a small prize!
Runners will need to be self-sufficient. Each runner can bring one hand luggage-sized bag on the boat, containing all food and gels required for running and resting, any spare clothing and warm clothes for the journeys between the islands. There will be no energy stations, though water will be available on the boat.
The Isles of Scilly is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), so we need everyone to enjoy and respect this delicate environment; this is a no-litter race.
All finishers will receive a t-shirt, artwork from local artist Erica Hicks, and a bottle of Scilly 60 beer, brewed specially by Ales of Scilly. There are trophies for overall fastest time, second and third place for males and females. The awards are unique works of art by local glass fusion artist Oriel Hicks.
There will be an award ceremony and party in the evening at Tresco Community Centre.
The Countdown Begins!
Day(s)
:
Hour(s)
:
Minute(s)
:
Second(s)
Scilly 60 is all about a challenging run, exploring and enjoying this unique location, supporting each other and leaving Scilly as pristine as we find it.
I hope to see you on the start line!
Wez Swain, Scilly 60 Organiser
The Race
Important Information
Take the time to think about the whole event. Signing up to the event is not just a run! This is a long weekend break to the Isles of Scilly as a minimum; a tough endurance challenge – and there are logistics and costs to consider besides the £135 entry fee.
We’ve outlined some of the key points below, but you should also read our Frequently Asked Questions before signing up.
Travel & Accommodation
You will need travel by air or sea to Scilly – you can only drive as far as Cornwall. You will also need accommodation – there are campsites, B&Bs, hotels and self-catering cottages, but accommodation books up early.
Timings
This is a long, endurance event with multiple, strict timing cut-offs. You will also need time on the islands – you must arrive on or before Saturday 15th June, and the first chance to leave is Monday 17th June.
Read our FAQs Below
Support
You will need to be self-supported. No refreshments are provided, except water in between stages. Everything you need must fit into one bag (40-litre max), which will be transferred between the islands.
Read our FAQs Below
Race Conditions of Entry
- The entry fee is £135 per person
- No people or dogs can accompany a runner.
- The course may change in the build up to the event due to weather/erosion. Though it will be approximately 60km in total.
- When you apply, if there is a place available, it will be reserved for you for one week. This allows time to find and book accommodation and travel, before paying your entry fee.
- If you are no longer able to compete in Scilly60 please let us know as soon as possible, and we will offer your place to the next in the waiting list. If we can find a replacement you will be reimbursed all but £15 which will cover our admin fees.
- From 31 days before the race it will not be possible to pass your place to another racer and you will get no refund.
- If we have no one on the waiting list, you will not be reimbursed.
- You can give your place to a friend up to 31 days before the race for free, though you must inform me and pass on contact details for the replacement. After 16th March, the T shirt size can not be changed though.
- The event is mainly organised by just one person, so occasionally I may take time to get back to you with any questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What will the terrain be like?
All islands have short steep hills. 95% of the run is on the coast path or trails, with a small amount of running on beaches/sand and road. Although the maximum elevation is only about 93m there are plenty of ups and downs throughout the day – it is hillier than you may think!
Is there an age limit?
Yes, you must be at least 18 to take part. There is no maximum age limit.
Can I take part in a team?
No – due to limited spaces, only those completing the whole event themselves can take part.
What is the best way to train for this event?
Please don’t think just because the longest run is 18km that that will be sufficient training. Train at least for a marathon, and if possible train with broken days of two or more runs to simulate race day.
How strict are the timing cut-offs?
Very. As soon as the time is up, the rope is cast and the boat will leave the quay andyou must not jump for it. Please train hard, we are nice people really; we don’t want anyone to be cut! If you miss the cut-off, you will be boated back to Tresco or St Mary’s. You can rejoin the race boat if you wish but will not be able to take part.
Will there be energy stations?
No – you need to plan and carry what you need for each stage. There will be water at the finish line of each island.
What happens to my kit?
You are allowed one hand luggage sized bag for the day, 56 x 45 x 25cm (or 40 litres maximum). There will be a box that your bag must fit in, or you will be asked to remove some items. This needs to hold everything you need inside; no danglies. Your bag will have your race number on it and will be waiting for you by the finish line of each island. If you miss the cut-off, your bag will be left on the island waiting for you with a member of the team.
Is the boat taking us from island to island covered?
No – there is both an inside and outside area; please take turns and dress accordingly.
Can I have a shower at the finish?
Yes – there are showers and changing facilities at Tresco Community Centre, though you may have to wait your turn.
If I'm staying on a different island, how do I get to and from the race?
There will be a boat from St Mary’s to get you to the start one hour before the race. There will be a boat back to St Mary’s at 2215 or 2315 after the party. If you’re staying on other islands, you will need to contact their boating companies for details, but it may not be possible to get you back late.
How do I get to the Isles of Scilly? Where do I stay?
You cannot drive to the islands – you will have to take a passenger ferry, plane or helicopter from Penzance/Land’s End, or a plane from Newquay or Exeter.
There are various accommodation options across the islands, including campsites, B&Bs, self-catering cottages and hotels. Be aware that accommodation books up fast.
For details on getting to the islands and where to stay, we recommend looking at the Visit Isles of Scilly website.
What about the environment?
This is a no-litter race, and time penalties will apply for any litter found by sweepers. We will also make a minimum donation of £500 to the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust, which is involved with the organisation of the event.
What if my plans change? Can I defer or have a refund?
Please see the race conditions of entry above.
Get Involved
Enter the Race & Contact Us
The race has limited numbers. Currently, the run is full, however please email us at the below address to join the reserve list.
You can also contact us with any questions you have about the race. For the most up-to-date information, please follow us on Facebook or Instagram.
Click to Email Us
hello@scilly60.co.uk