Sunrise Ultramarathon

Darkside Running is proud to introduce two new winter ultra marathons to the UK endurance racing calendar.  The Sunrise Ultramarathon follows the Norfolk Coast Path, passing through the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).  A stunning journey in its own right but we have added a couple of twists.

Firstly this event will be run in mid-December.  While Norfolk may not seem that remote when the north winds blow it comes directly from the North Pole, and with the flat and open terrain, conditions could be challenging.  

Secondly, the events will be run during the hours of darkness.  As the sun sets in the west, you will be set off from the start in Snettisham.  How far can you get before the sun rises in the east at 07:58, some 16 hours and 19 minutes later?   For the speedier runners amongst you, can you reach the finish 83 miles away by The Britannia Pier in Great Yarmouth?

Support is provided along the route but is kept to a minimum, to minimise the environmental impact of the race, avoid disturbing locals sleeping in their beds and to add to the running adventure.  A full indoor checkpoint is provided at roughly halfway, in Cley-next-the-sea.  Here you will have access to a drop bag and also be provided with warm food and drink.   Additional mobile checkpoints will be provided along the route but these will be limited to water and some snacks, so pack accordingly.

For those that don’t fancy the full Sunrise experience, we will be offering the Half Sunrise.  This starts from the halfway checkpoint at Cley-next-the-sea at 22:00 and follows the same route to the finish in Great Yarmouth some 45 miles away. Both should be an exhilarating pre-Christmas challenge and a great way to end the year.  

Both events will be run under race permit 2642, granted by the TRA and will also run under UKA rules for competition.http://www.uka.org.uk/competitions/rules/

Entries open on our website at 12 noon on the 1st April 2019.