What is The Wall?
The Wall is a 70-mile ultramarathon organised by Rat Race Events, running from Carlisle to Gateshead along the route of Hadrian's Wall. It takes place in June each year and is one of the most iconic ultra events in the UK.
What's in This Guide?
This site is built entirely from community wisdom – questions and answers from the unofficial Wall Facebook group (5,300+ members) and Strava community. It's not official Rat Race content.
Gear Guide
The most popular shoes, hiking poles and running vests chosen by Wall runners – based on a real tally of what the community wears. Includes admin-recommended picks and Amazon links.
View Gear Guide →Nutrition Guide
What to eat, when to eat it, and what to avoid. Real advice from Wall finishers – including what's available at the legendary pit stops and how to fuel 70 miles without hitting the wall.
View Nutrition →Training Guide
How to prepare your body and mind for 70 miles. Time on feet, back-to-back long days, strength work, night training and gut training – all from experienced Wall finishers.
View Training →Race Day Guide & FAQ
The top tips, the most common questions, the things nobody tells you. From "what shoes to start in" to "how to survive the night section" – all answered by the community.
View Race Guide →Logistics & Drop Bags
Everything you need to know about the Hexham drop bag, parking at Carlisle Castle, getting to the start and collecting your kit after the finish.
View Logistics →Top Tips from Finishers
43 Wall finishers were asked: "What one piece of advice would you give a first-timer?" The answers are funny, honest and invaluable. This section distils the very best of them.
Read Tips →Community Wisdom
A snapshot of the best advice from the group – the things that come up again and again from experienced Wall runners.
Walk the hills. Change your socks at Hexham.
The most repeated piece of advice in the community — two simple things that make a huge difference over 70 miles.
Don't stress about carrying food — the pit stops are incredible.
Community consensus: the Wall checkpoints are packed with food. You don't need to carry everything. Top up at every stop and focus on moving.
Have a 'why'. Dark moments are easier with a purpose.
Experienced Wall finishers consistently mention the importance of knowing why you're running. It's what carries you through mile 55 at 3am.
Chase the sun. When it goes down, stay warm.
The temperature drops dramatically after dark. Staying warm in the overnight section is critical — don't wait until you're cold to put layers on.