Do You Need Poles?
Poles aren't compulsory for The Wall, but they're popular — particularly for the hillier first half from Carlisle to Hexham. Here's the honest community view.
Why Use Poles
- Save your quads significantly on climbs
- Help maintain pace on ascents without burning legs
- Provide stability on rough terrain
- Useful as a third and fourth point of contact in the dark
- Can be collapsed and stowed when running fast sections
Downsides to Consider
- Add weight and take up vest space when stowed
- Need practice — bad pole technique wastes energy
- Can be annoying on runnable sections
- Extra kit to manage at transition points
Community Pole Picks
Helvellyn Carbon Z-Poles
The clear community favourite — these poles from Harrier Run Free come up again and again in Wall discussions. Ultralight carbon, Z-fold design for rapid stowing and carrying in vest side pockets, and excellent for ultra distances. Multiple Wall runners specifically name this brand and model.
Alpkit Lite Carbon Trekking Poles
A solid budget-friendly carbon option mentioned in the community. Alpkit is a well-respected UK outdoor brand known for good value without compromising on key specs. Lighter than many aluminium alternatives.
TrailMed Folding Carbon Poles
Available from the Rat Race shop — mentioned in the Wall community. If you're picking up kit from the race organiser ahead of The Wall, these are a convenient option from a trusted source.
Leki Ultratrail FX.One
Specifically called out as "brilliant" in the community's most recent poles discussion. Leki's ultratrail range is designed for exactly this kind of event — ultralight, foldable, and built to last a 70-mile effort. The FX.One's Speed Lock 2 system lets you adjust on the move, and the Aergon Thermo grip is comfortable over many hours. A premium choice with specific Wall community backing.
OMM Carbon Poles
OMM (Original Mountain Marathon) poles are specifically highlighted in the community for their weight — available in both carbon and alloy, with the carbon versions coming in close to the 100g-per-pole target that experienced runners recommend. OMM is a trusted UK brand in the ultra and mountain running world. Good value for a quality carbon pole.
Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z
The industry-standard ultra racing pole. Z-fold design, featherlight carbon, trusted by ultra runners worldwide. If you're not using the Helvellyn poles, this is the next most recommended style for racing.
Folding Carbon Poles (Budget Option)
Sport Pursuit often has flash sales on outdoor and running kit — worth checking for folding carbon poles at a reduced price. Also worth searching Amazon for budget folding carbon poles. Good for first-timers not wanting to spend a lot.
What to Look For in Race Poles
Carbon, Not Aluminium
Carbon poles are significantly lighter than aluminium equivalents and will reliably hit the 100g-per-pole target. Over 70 miles, arm fatigue from heavier poles is real. Carbon also has better vibration damping — kinder to your wrists over hours of use.
Foldable / Z-Fold, Not Telescopic
Foldable poles collapse in seconds and stow in your vest's side pockets while running. Twist-lock telescopic poles are heavier, slower to stow, and more prone to coming loose mid-race. For racing, foldable wins every time — and telescopic poles almost always exceed the 125g-per-pole weight limit anyway.
Getting the Right Length
A useful approach: start with standard extendable poles to find your preferred length, then buy fixed-length carbon folding poles at that measurement. For most runners, elbow at 90 degrees is a starting point — slightly shorter for faster sections, slightly longer for steep descents. Practice getting poles in and out of your vest in training.
Comfortable Grips
Cork grips absorb sweat better than foam or rubber over long sessions. Check the wrist strap system — it should allow you to release the grip without dropping the pole (essential for eating at pit stops and checkpoint food stops).