Isaac's Tea Trail Ultra
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Event overview
Isaac’s Tea Trail Ultra - Backwards takes place on 1 August 2026 at Allendale Village Hall, Allendale, NE47 9PR. The route is a loop of 37 miles that runs from Allendale via Ninebanks, Alston and Nenthead and returns to Allendale. The course lies entirely within the North Pennines AONB and UNESCO Global Geopark. The event has a minimum age of 18.
Course and logistics
The route has about 4800 ft of ascent and is waymarked with Isaac’s Tea Trail signs and fingerposts. Marshals will be placed at key points, but the event is described as largely self-navigating; a downloadable map and a GPX file are provided. Participants are allowed 12 hours to complete the route, which equates to an average of about three mph. Terrain includes farmland tracks, field boundaries, sheep trods, minor roads and stony undulating trails; trail shoes are recommended.
Format, distances and entries
Entry options include solo Ultra and a relay for teams of up to three. Entry fees noted in event information are approximately £78-£80 for solo Ultra (affiliated/unaffiliated) and £100 per relay team. Relay leg distances are:
- Allendale to Ninebanks: 10.2 miles, 1200 ft climbing
- Ninebanks to Nenthead: 15.8 miles, 1900 ft climbing
- Nenthead to Allendale: 11.4 miles, 1750 ft climbing
What is included
The event provides a branded mug, free event photos, an event tracker, well stocked checkpoints with drinks and snacks, and hot drinks at race headquarters after completion. A donation from each entry contributes to trail upkeep. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
