JOHN MUIR WAY ULTRA MARATHON (50K) & RELAY (25K)
Overview
“I could have become a millionaire, but chose instead to become a tramp” – John Muir
The annual John Muir Way Ultra Marathon is back! For the fourth consecutive year, runners will tackle the John Muir Way as it follows East Lothian’s stunning and iconic coastline from Port Seaton Promenade to Foxlake Adventures, Dunbar. 50km over a mostly flat and fast course, the JMWU is suitable for all ULTRA runners whether you are an aspiring newcomer or an established, wise owl of the trails! The John Muir Way Ultra Marathon guarantees to provide competitors with mile upon mile of East Lothian’s most stunning and iconic coastal stretches, rural landscapes, and woodland trails.
RACE DAY
The Race registration will take place at Foxtrail HQ: Foxlake Adventures, Dunbar. Cars are welcome to be parked for the duration of the race at Foxlake, this will also become the finish point of the race. Transport to the race start in Port Seton will be provided via coaches from Foxlake. Full race brief, map and additional information will be issued in the run up to the race.
The route begins at Port Seton Promenade, hugging the coastline, the trail follows the well-established John Muir Way meandering through a number of historic towns and villages including: Aberlady, Gullane, North Berwick and East Linton with the race finishing at FoxTrail HQ. The trail varies underfoot with sections of gravel paths, farm tracks, and roadside paths in the village sections. The John Muir Way is a relatively flat course making for some fast finish times over the years. The current course record was set in 2017 with Hugh McInnes completing the 50km course in 3:45:11 and Rachel Newstead setting the women’s record in a time of 4:10.19. Both records remain as the times to beat this year in the 2019 John Muir Way Ultra Marathon!
RELAY EVENT
The relay event sees teams of two tackling 25km each. Team member one takes on the Port Seaton to North Berwick stretch, passing the baton at North Berwick RNLI where team member number two will carry on the homeward stretch to Foxlake HQ, Dunbar. Both legs offer variety of trails, each showcasing the stunning East Coast. If the 50km solo event is stretching it a bit then the relay a is the perfect race – train together with your teammate and share the success!
EARLY BIRD ENTRY FEE – SOLO £45 // RELAY £35 per runner
FINAL PRICE FROM 15th NOVEMBER 2019 – SOLO £52 // RELAY £40.00 per runner
*Part of the entry fee is donated to RNLI North Berwick for their support on race day
ULTRA MARATHON RACE ROUTE
John Muir Way Ultra Marathon Race Route
Terrain
The terrain of the John Muir Ultra is mixed with spells of tarmac as you pass through the villages, farm roads, dirt trails and long stretches of red gravel path that covers stretches of the John Muir Way. Along with the unpredictability of an east coast spring comes with it a mix of mud and dry ground, and a section of beach running just beyond the 25k mark – be prepared for the weather and terrain with suitable trail shoes. Some tips regarding the terrain;
- The first 25km is very flat, and a mix of tarmac, red gravel paths and dry off road paths
- The second 25km features more trail and a technical, potentially wet section at Balgone estate.
Race timetable
Race timetable
The John Muir Way Ultra Marathon will start at 9.00am on Saturday the 30th of March 2019.
Key Times
7.00am – Race registration/Parking at Foxlake Adventures (EH42 1XF)
8.00am – Complimentary Buses leave for the Start Line (Port Seton, EH32 0DF)
8.30am – Arrive at Start Line (Toilets available)
8.45am – Pre-Race Briefing and Photo
8.55am – Line up for Start
9.00am – Race Start
10.40am – First (approx) Relay Change Over at North Berwick (EH39 4LB)
12.15pm – Finish Line ready for the first runner at Foxlake
12.30pm -Cut-Off Time at North Berwick, 25.5k (EH39 4LB)
1.30pm – Cut-Off Time at Balgone Estate, 32k
2.30pm -Prize giving ceremony
4.00pm – Finish line close
Parking
Parking will be located at Foxtrail HQ; Foxlake Adventures, Dunbar. Please follow the link below for detailed instructions on how to get to Foxlake;
More detailed directions for parking will be released in the race brief.
Water/Aid Stations
Water/ Aid Stations
There will be 5 water/aid stations located along the Trail. There will be two marshals present to assist all runners and provide water/sustenance if required. The Aid stations are intended to offer supplementary water and food.
We would highly recommend each runner plans their own hydration/eating strategy and utilises our aid stations as a back up/supplement, although our aid stations will be well stocked!
Exact locations of each aid station will be released due course. Savoury food will be provided at the finish line for competitors.
What's Included
Whats Included
All runners will receive their John Muir Way Ultra wrist band, race numbers and safety pins at race registration in the morning at Foxlake HQ. A complimentary coach will then transport all runners to the start line in Port Seaton. Water and food stations are provided at five points along the route with stations providing, water, Active Roots, flat coke, jelly sweets, fruit and savoury bites. Our generous sponsors at Archerfield Walled Garden provide what must be one of the best feed stops on any race… (first leg relay runners you are in for a treat!).
All runners will receive a spread of savoury food from Foxlake’s Boardside Café after the race.
Finishers will all receive one of our coveted handmade wooden medals to celebrate completing the John Muir Way Ultra Marathon!
Route Marshalling
Route Marshaling/ Marking
The route will be way marked with tape and directional arrow signage. Marshals situated at key points in the race. However: we ask all runners study the route map prior to the race start to avoid going off course. Route marshals are there for your safety and supervision, many of our marshals are fully qualified in first aid and all will be carrying minor first aid kits equipped to deal with minor injuries.
On race day, we will also have floating marshals contactable by mobile phone should you require any assistance and you are not near a stationary marshal.
A detailed Route Map including marshal locations and food/ aid station locations will be released alongside a detailed Race Route, Race Overview and Emergency Contact Details/Procedure in advance before Race Day.
Insurance
Insurance
The John Muir Way Ultra Marathon is covered by event/public Liability Insurance. All racers and spectators that attend the event and participate at their own risk.
Prizes/Medals
Prizes/ Medals
The top three men and women, and winning relay teams in the categories; male-male, male-female, and female-female, will receive our coveted podium medals and a goodie-bag with prizes from our generous sponsors.
All finishers of the John Muir Ultra will receive a hand crafted, wooden medal that has become a coveted bit of bling for trail runners!
There will also be sponsored spot prizes given out on race days so try and stick around for announcements – if your race number is called and you are not there the prize will be allocated to the next number.
Medical
Medicals
All race marshals will have minor first aid kits and a radio/mobile phone should further assistance be required. Many of the marshals are also qualified first aiders.
The race start and finish area will also have first aid provisions, first aid qualified staff. A support vehicle will be floating throughout the duration of the race. In case of emergency please carry with you a mobile phone.
Major injury/ emergency procedure and minor injury/ non-emergency procedures will be included in the race brief that is released closer to the event.
Please note it is of the UPMOST importance that a marshal is notified if a runner drops out of the race.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Policy
In the unfortunate event of extreme weather resulting in the cancellation of the race a full refund will be given to entrants. This is due to the fact that we are unable to reschedule this event to another day.
If you can’t attend the event then please let us know at least 3 weeks in advance to get a refund/ deferral to the following year.
Transport
Transport
The John Muir Way Ultra Marathon is an A to B race. We will be providing complimentary transport via coach from Foxlake to the start line in Port Seton. Participants are welcome to leave their vehicles at Foxlake for the duration of the race. Please note that transport will be provided from Foxlake to Port Seton ONLY. There will be no transport provided for participants running the first leg of the Team Relay from North Berwick.
Wherever possible, please share transport to and from the event with other runners and help us reduce the carbon footprint of our events.
A train from Edinburgh is available to/from Dunbar train station and then via bus (East Linton bound busses, ask for Foxlake Adventures) or a taxi. Bus times are infrequent, a taxi may be more suited to the race time.
The race timetable will be released closer to the event.
Train Times
Local Taxi Firm
Torrance Taxis: 01368862612
Kit List
Kit List
Recommended Kit
- Trail Running Shoes (if the conditions have been dry in the lead in to the race, a road shoe would also be suitable, especially for the first coastal leg)
- Clothing suitable for the weather conditions, the first half of the route can be very exposed to wind also this is Scotland’s East Coast where 4 seasons in one day is expected!
- Fluids/Nutrition (we will provide plenty at aid stations but we would recommend having your own supply on the trail)
- Smart phone (mandatory)
- Waterproof, hat and gloves (depending on conditions)
- Warm clothing for after the event
Please note that there will be places to store kit bags at Foxlake Adventures.
Bag Drop
We will also be operating a ‘kit drop’- whereby you can take a small kit bag on the coach to the beginning of the race, take off excess layers before the race start, and place them in a vehicle that will transport kit back to Foxlake Adventures where you can collect at the end of the race. Relay runners running the first leg will receive a tag to attach to the bag so we know to leave these bags at the relay swap point at North Berwick RNLI.
Team Relay Information
Relay Teams will be comprised of two runners per team, both of which will cover 25km each.
The Team Relay change over will take place at the 25km distance mark. The Race Registration (for the 2nd Leg Runner) and Relay Change over will take place at the RNLI Boat House located at the Harbour in North Berwick.
Detailed information relating to registration and change over instructions/logistics, transport, parking and full race timetable will be issued in due course. If you have specific questions relating to the Team Relay do not hesitate to contact us at foxtrail@foxlake.co.uk
Please note that transport will be provided from Foxlake to the start line in Port Seton ONLY. There will be no transport provided for participants running the second leg of the Relay from North Berwick. Participants running the second leg of the relay will be responsible for their own travel to the change over in North Berwick.