The Salomon Ben Nevis Ultra™ follows in the tradition of skyrunning, which consists of uncompromising mountain running, such as easy scrambling along mountain ridges with steep ascents, traverses and descents on technical and challenging terrain. The Salomon Ben Nevis Ultra™ route is only suitable for experienced and competent mountain runners.

The organisers have an obligation to ensure that the Salomon Ben Nevis Ultra™ is as safe as possible, but without diminishing the nature of the challenge. The nature of the challenge is serious and there is a risk of serious injury or death whilst participating in this event. 

The race route traverses high and remote mountainous terrain. Once committed to some sections of the race route, especially the ridges, it is difficult to retreat or deviate from the commitment of the race route. 

The entire route is subject to rapidly changing, highly variable and extremely severe weather. For this reason, competitors must be capable of a ‘robust completion’ of the route in all but the most serious weather conditions. 

The route is at times very rough underfoot with long sections of rock and scree-covered terrain. There is a considerable amount of ascent and descent. In general, aside from this technical terrain, there are long sections of easier running.

If you do not explicitly understand these terms, or have no direct personal experience of easy scrambling and mountain ridges, then the Salomon Ben Nevis Ultra™ is not suitable for you.

Parking 
See our page on parking and bus options for more information. 

Registration
The registration marquee will be in the Event Village outside the Ice Factor in the centre of Kinlochleven. This is where registration, issuing of competitors’ timing chips, GPS trackers, race numbers & race maps will take place. Competitors should allow at least 1 hour to complete the registration process. Any competitors trying to register after registration closes will not be accepted. Registration is only possible between the times specified above. 

The Route 
See separate section below.

Spectators
Family, friends and members of the public are welcome at the Support Points particularly, and also at the more remote Checkpoints. They are also welcome to spectate anywhere on the route, including the mountains - this is a great support experience for runners, spectators and walkers. 

Prize Giving Ceremony 
There will be a Prize Giving Ceremony for the Salomon Ben Nevis Ultra™ at approx. 1600 on Sunday.

Retirements
The race route traverses high and remote mountainous terrain. Once committed to many sections of the race route, it is difficult to deviate or retreat. Any competitor retiring from the race (or indeed any spectator in the mountains) is likely to face a long walk along the race route (either continuing onwards or retracing their steps). Competitors should expect long sections of the route to have no marshals and they will only find flags marking the route.

Mandatory Kit List 
There is a mandatory kit list for competitors and you will be kit checked at Registration and possibly also at the finish.

See separate section below.

This route is only roughly drawn to show the route! Competitors must follow the race signs on race day and NOT rely on their GPS for the route. The organisers retain the right to alter the race route at any time.

You can either download the 2023 GPX file or use the Outdooractive app on your phone:

 

 

Route Statistics
Approximately 52km / 4,000m

 

Route Description
The Salomon Ben Nevis Ultra™ is a challenging mountain ultra, set in the most tremendous mountain scenery. The race has the considerable objective of summiting the highest mountain in the UK within its route of 52km and 4,000m ascent. Ben Nevis is certainly not the only Scottish ‘Munro’ in the route: Four other Munros are summited, famous glens are visited, tremendous waterfalls, rivers, gorges and lochs are passed, while two distinctly different mountain ranges are traversed: The Mamores (twice) and the loftier Grey Corries. Certainly, one of the strongest memories - at 20km - will be the passage along the airy CMD Arête, that connects Càrn Mòr Dearg summit to Ben Nevis itself. In-between the mountains, the route follows a mixture of ancient established paths, glen paths and forest tracks; many of which are the type of superb single track that trail-runners dream of! The final section of the route merges into the Ring of Steall Skyrace route for the completion of the final three Munros. World-class in all respects, this stern route will be a tremendous achievement, with a return to Kinlochleven in sub 12-hours.

In terms of runnablity, here is how the route breaks down:
 

• 70% / 36.5km. Single-Track: Always runnable. Usually gravel or soft peaty ground. Gravel = sometimes good and well drained surfaces, excepting puddles. Peat = often wet and slippery surfaces, and perhaps with wet and muddy ditch crossings. Runners in single file and sometimes fanning out to find best ditch crossings.
   
• 13% / 6.5km. Double-Track: Always runnable. Usually Glen and Estate tracks and Forest tracks. Often well-drained surfaces, excepting puddles. Runners will have room to run side-by-side. 
   
• 10% / 5.5km. Trackless: Typically ground that may be ridge boulders, bedrock, gravel, heather, and rough grass. This ground is usually runnable if; a) it’s not too steep in ascent, b) it’s not too wet, c) it’s not too rough, d) you are fit and practised enough and e) you have good traction. Most of these terrain types are possible to descend whilst running. 
   
• 7% / 3.5km. Road-Tarmac: Always runnable. Tarmac sealed open (not closed to traffic) public roads. 

 

Coire Giubhsachan
Coire Giubhsachan is ecologically very special and sensitive. As such it is protected by a number of significant conservation designations. Our route through here has only been agreed after careful consultations, and follows virtually trackless ground for 3km (in the segment 16-19km), which is the approach to the saddle before Càrn Mòr Dearg. It is essential that runners follow our precise route markings in this area, and if conducting a recce before the event, follow the digital route we have provided above.

Càrn Mòr Dearg Arête
The route ascends Carn Mor Dearg and then traverses The Càrn Mòr Dearg Arête (known as the CMD Arête) towards the summit of Ben Nevis. This features some easy but intimidating scrambling where competitors may need to use their hands occasionally and will certainly feel the exposure of this mountain ridge.

Ben Nevis summit area
Ben Nevis has a large summit plateau, and as you summit you are likely to be amongst many tourist visitors, most of whom will be using the main summit path that you descend. Keeping to the main path and our route is important, for both safety and path adherence reasons.

An Gearanach ridge
The route traverses the An Gearanach ridge. This is between An Gearanach and Stob Coire a’ Chairn, which also features some occasional scrambling where competitors may need to use their hands occasionally and might feel exposed on the steep rocky terrain.

Fixed Ropes 
There will be no fixed ropes to safeguard any sections of the route and competitors must be confident to move safely over easy scrambling terrain in all but the most severe weather conditions. 

 

Cut-Offs

Cut-offs are designed to give people best chance to enjoy as much of the course as possible, whilst stopping people from entering the highest/most dangerous/most exposed ground if they will not be able to complete the course before the Course Closure time. Participants will need to be well ahead of the Cut-off times at CP 6 and 7 in order to complete the course.

There will be cut-offs at Checkpoints 3, 6 and 7. These cut-offs are based on a desire to have all competitors safely off the higher sections of the course before dark and finished by the Course Closure Time, which is 20:30. These cut-offs are based on a 08:00 start time. The cut-offs are:

• Checkpoint 3 (Steall Ruin Footbridge at 14.5km) = 11:30
• Checkpoint 6 (Glen Nevis Visitor Centre at 29km) = 15:00
• Checkpoint 7 (Lower Falls Car Park at 35km) = 15:55

Competitors must have departed from these Checkpoints by the cut-off time. These cut-off times are based on a maximum overall 12h30 completion time for the entire route.

 

Course Closure Time: 20:30

Competitors can only competitively complete the course if they finish within the course opening times; finishing after 20:30 will result in competitors being timed out and therefore no medal or competitive result time will be issued.

 

 

Support Points 
There will be one low-level support point at the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre (29km) where food and water will be available to the competitors, two low-level Cut-Off management points, and numerous high-level checkpoints, all where no food or water will be available but emergency aid from the event team will be possible. Due to the remote nature of the route, competitors will need to carry their own safety equipment, food and fluids as described in the mandatory clothing and equipment section. The low-level support point in Glen Nevis Visitor Centre is approximately half-way along the race route and a long way from the Start/Finish in Kinlochleven.

Family, friends and members of the public are welcome at the low-level support point and hot/cold drinks, food and portable toilets will be available for competitors and supporters alike. You are also welcome to spectate anywhere on the route, including the mountains - this is a great support experience for runners, spectators and walkers - why not take the hassle out of organising this and book onto our guided walk?

 

Retirements
The race route traverses high and remote mountainous terrain. Once committed to many sections of the race route it is difficult to retreat. Any competitor retiring from the race (or indeed any spectator on the mountains) is likely to face a long walk along the race route (either continuing onwards or retracing their steps) into a glen (valley). Competitors should expect long sections of the route to have no marshals and they will only find signs marking the route.

Bad Weather GPS Route Data
This route is only roughly drawn to show the route! Competitors must follow the race signs on race day and NOT rely on their GPS for the route. The organisers retain the right to alter the race route at any time.

You can download the 2023 GPX file or use the Outdooractive app on your phone:

 

Bad Weather Route Statistics
Approximately 47km / 1,700m

 

Bad Weather Route Description
It is reasonably unlikely that this Bad Weather Route will be required.

The Bad Weather Route is still a very significant, lengthy and challenging mountain run and should not be underestimated especially if conditions are very poor. 

In keeping with the ethos of the Salomon Skyline Scotland® races, this Bad Weather Route is challenging with reasonable height gain, great variability in the terrain including river crossings and traverses of exposed upland trails. It avoids all of the exposed summit scrambling terrain and it will only be used if the weather is forecast to be very poor during the race. We must reiterate that competitors must be confident to move safely over exposed terrain in all but the most severe weather conditions. After CP3, the route stays low in Glen Nevis on main trails, and in forests, still to reach the existing Glen Nevis Visitor Centre Support Point (Called CP5 for the Bad Weather Course). After which the route uses the established and popular, though still remote, West Highland Way to reach the Finish at Kinlochleven.

There will be no fixed ropes to safeguard any sections of the route. 

 

Bad Weather Course Closure Time: 18:00
Competitors can only competitively complete the course if they finish within the course opening times; finishing after 18:00 will result in competitors being timed out and therefore no medal or competitive result time will be issued.

 

Bad Weather Cut-offs
There will be a Cut-Off at the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre Support Point (CP 5 for the Bad Weather Course) at 14:15. Competitors must have departed from this Point by the Cut-Off time. There is then an additional Cut-Off at CP6, of 15:45. Any runner, at any point on the route, will be retired from the race if they have no chance of finishing before the Course Closure Time, at 18:00. We will be able to develop this retirement intervention once we start to see time splits between Checkpoints during the race, using our GPS tracking data. It is unlikely that interventions will be required as the 9-hour course open duration very achievable for this Bad Weather Route at lower altitudes.

Competitors must have departed from these Checkpoints by the cut-off time. These cut-off times are based on a maximum overall 9-hour completion time for the entire bad weather route.
Experienced but slower competitors are very welcome at the race but please note that the cut-offs will be strictly enforced. 

 

Bad Weather Support Points 
There will be one low-level support point at the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre (26km) where food and water will be available to the competitors, two low-level Cut-Off management points, and numerous high-level checkpoints, all where no food or water will be available but emergency aid from the event team will be possible. Due to the remote nature of the route, competitors will need to carry their own safety equipment, food and fluids as described in the mandatory clothing and equipment section. The low-level support point in Glen Nevis Visitor Centre is approximately half-way along the race route and a long way from the Start/Finish in Kinlochleven.

Family, friends and members of the public are welcome at the low-level support point and hot/cold drinks, food and portable toilets will be available for competitors and supporters alike. You are also welcome to spectate anywhere on the route, including the mountains - this is a great support experience for runners, spectators and walkers - why not take the hassle out of organising this and book onto our guided walk?

 

Bad Weather Retirements
The race route traverses high and remote mountainous terrain. Once committed to many sections of the race route it is difficult to retreat. Any competitor retiring from the race (or indeed any spectator on the mountains) is likely to face a long walk along the race route (either continuing onwards or retracing their steps) into a glen (valley). Competitors should expect long sections of the route to have no marshals and they will only find signs marking the route.

Please arrive in good time for the start as there will be a kit check as you enter the start pen. Remember, “No Kit, No Go”.  Anyone in a position of note at the end of the race will be kit checked, and anyone found without the mandatory kit will be disqualified. 

The kit requirements for the Salomon Ben Nevis Ultra are summarised here. However, for more detail on each item, please refer to our overarching clothing and equipment guidance article on the Ourea Events website. This contains important detail on each specific kit item, for example, the exact requirements of your waterproof jacket having taped seams.

Mandatory items

All competitors must carry or wear the following:

1. Running rucksack/vest/bumbag
2. Fell/mountain running shoes* 
   We recommend:  Salomon S-Lab Cross 2 Unisex or Speedcross 5 Men's / Speedcross 5 Women's
   (road trainers or running shoes without a deep enough lug are NOT acceptable)
3. Waterproof top with hood 
   We recommend:  Salomon S-Lab Gore-Tex Shakedry Unisex  or Salomon Bonatti Gore Tex Shakedry Jacket Unisex or Salomon Bonatti Trail Jacket Mens / Salomon Bonatti Trail Jacket Women's
4. Waterproof trousers/pants
5. A long sleeve base layer
6. Spare synthetic warm top (minimum 300g) suitable for the weather conditions. Spare means unworn at the start – this must be kept in a waterproof bag.
   We recommend: A technical midlayer (see Men's / Women's) / insulated garment
7. Hat, gloves/glove-mittens suitable for the weather conditions
   We recommend: Salomon Beanie, Salomon Bonatti WP Mitten 
8. Survival bag (not a blanket)
   These can be purchased with your entry for collection at registration
9. Headtorch (with sufficient light to be able to navigate in the darkness)
   We recommend: the SILVA Trail Runner Free ULTRA 400 Lumens (This model is AAA & Rechargeable Battery Operated. Carry Spare Batteries)
10. Water bottle and / or hydration system (must have the capacity to carry 1,000ml)
    We recommend: Salomon Soft Flask or Soft Reservoir
11. Whistle
12. Sufficient food**
13. Mobile Phone
14. GPS Tracker (supplied)

Recommended items

1. A pack in which to carry the above
   We recommend: Salomon ADV Skin 5 Running Vest
2. A smart-device (waterproof [or kept waterproof] with plenty of battery power) - likely a smartphone and watch combination, capable of displaying a compass, grid-reference, altitude).

Clothing and Equipment Clarifications

• The use of trekking/hiking poles is strictly prohibited between the summit of Càrn Mòr Dearg and the summit of Ben Nevis.
• It is not possible to leave surplus equipment with event staff at the checkpoints.
• *Trail running shoes may be appropriate but they usually don’t have sufficiently deep lugs to provide a reassuring grip in a wide variety of situations.
• **Relying entirely on support point food is not acceptable. The support point food should be regarded as more of a bonus to your core nutrition.

Competitors must complete an online entry form and entries will be sold on a first come, first served basis. Entries are likely to sell out very fast so please enter early to avoid disappointment. 

Minimum Experience 
Entries for the Salomon Ben Nevis Ultra™ are not vetted, but competitors must be suitably experienced and agree to the declaration below. The Salomon Ben Nevis Ultra™ route is only suitable for experienced and competent mountain runners and includes short sections of easy scrambling. 

Declaration 
Each competitor must agree to the following Declaration when completing an application form:

I am an experienced and competent mountain runner, capable of a 'robust completion' of the Salomon Ben Nevis Ultra™ and declare that: 

• I have experience of running in a similar mountain environment to the Salomon Ben Nevis Ultra™ 
• I have experience of scrambling on similar mountains to those featured in the Salomon Ben Nevis Ultra™ and confirm that I am capable of safely negotiating easy scrambling terrain in all but the most severe weather conditions; 
• I can competently cross the ground in the Salomon Ben Nevis Ultra™ without experiencing debilitating fear and without causing delay or distress to other participants or members of the public; 
• I can apply sound mountain judgement at all times even if it means compromising my overall race result; 
• I know how to be aware of others around me, both above and below me, and can take care with my footfall on the mountain to minimise the hazard of rockfall, slips and trips; 
• I can diligently concentrate and follow waymarking; 
• I can understand and interpret a pre-event route map and elucidate the main features and passage points, such as marshalled support locations, road crossings and time cut-offs (this does not mean map-memory and full navigational competence – this is a waymarked route); 
• I accept full responsibility for my own safety and any injury sustained during the event. These are not the responsibility of the event organiser, their agents or the landowners; 
• I know my limitations and I am experienced enough to make a reasoned decision whether or not to start the event and/or to retire from the event rather than jeopardise my own or other people’s safety; 
• I understand that there is a risk of serious injury or death whilst participating in the Salomon Ben Nevis Ultra™ 

We will award the following prizes, finisher's medals and trophies:

Finisher's Medal 
All finishers completing the course (within the cut-offs and course opening times) will receive a Salomon Ben Nevis Ultra™ finisher's medal. This will be presented at the finish.

Prize Ceremony
The Salomon Ben Nevis Ultra™ winners' trophies will be awarded at the prize giving ceremony at approx. 16:30.

 

---

2022 Prize Fund

1st Male - £200.00
2nd Male - £100.00  
3rd Male - £50.00 

1st Female - £200.00  
2nd Female - £100.00 
3rd Female - £50.00