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 2nd running of the Dark Skies Run @ Wooler Half Marathon. 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 Old School long stay car park which is a 10 minute walk from Race HQ at Wooler Hostel.

Old School Long Stay Car Park,

Burnhouse Road,

Wooler,

NE71 6BW

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.

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 If you do not leave the CP by the cut off time you will be withdrawn.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.

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

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.

Race Registration

Race Registration and HQ:

Wooler Hostel,

30 Cheviot Street,

Wooler,

Northumberland,

NE71 6LW

Map for Wooler Hostel

HALF MARATHON - 31^st October 2026

• 17:30 - 18:45 Registration
• 18:55 Race Briefing
• 19:00 Race Start
• 21:30 Race Presentation
• 23:00 Race Cut Off

Checkpoints

There will be 3 CPs on the Half Marathon route (see the route map).

• CP1 & CP3 at 2 miles and 11 miles: water, sweets & cola.
• CP2 at 7 miles: water & sweets.

Please note that support is not allowed at the Yeavering Bell checkpoint as it is located on private access roads.

The Finish

The finish will be at Wooler Hostel where registration took place.

Hot drinks will be available at the finish.

Medals are collected at the finish.

First Aid & Emergency

We have the support of AED Medical providing the First Aid cover at the event. They will be situated at the event HQ.

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.

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.

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.

Race Route

The route will be fully signed and marshalled. 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.

Mandatory Kit

This event takes place in late autumn in a remote location where the weather can deteriorate rapidly and where much of the course is 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 will be disqualified if they do not have all the kit listed below:

• Whistle
• Head/chest/waist torch
• Survival bag or foil blanket
• Hat and gloves
• Quality waterproof jacket (hood strongly advised)
• Minimum of 500ml water
• Personal cup
• Emergency food/sport bar
• Fully charged phone
• Mobile phone number of RD Tim Bateson: +447734309500

Refreshments: Trail Outlaws Soul Cafe

The Soul Cafe will be providing refreshments before, during and after the events for most of the weekend, with 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 purchase 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 adventurous trail spirit and smile with you. Have a great time!