Multi-day ultra-marathon organiser Beyond the Ultimate has announced a new ‘Fast and Light’ racing format for two of its signature events – the Highland Ultra and the ForRangers Ultra – in a bid to make multi-day trail racing more accessible to a broader international running community.
Under the new structure, runners will carry essential stage gear on the trail while gaining access to additional food, personal equipment, and camp supplies via a designated drop bag system transported between overnight camps.
The format aims to lower the logistical and physical barriers to entry often associated with traditional, fully self-sufficient stage racing Beyond the Ultimate notes that this is without sacrificing the remote environments and technical challenges that define the events.
The update applies specifically to:
- Highland Ultra: A 125 km multi-stage trail race set across the remote Knoydart Peninsula in the West Highlands of Scotland.
- ForRangers Ultra: A 230 km stage race held across five days in wildlife conservancies in Kenya, organised in support of frontline wildlife rangers and anti-poaching initiatives.
Beyond the Ultimate confirmed that full self-sufficiency will remain at the core of its core international race series – which includes the Ice Ultra, Desert Ultra, Jungle Ultra, and Mountain Ultra. However, the introduction of ‘Fast and Light’ provides an intermediate entry point for athletes transitioning into multi-stage events or seeking a less gear-intensive expedition.
Kris King, Race Director at Beyond the Ultimate, said “At Beyond the Ultimate, we love multi-day racing. We love the challenge of heading into a remote environment, carrying what you need and finding out what you’re capable of when things get tough.
“Self-sufficiency is a huge part of that. But when we looked at the Highland Ultra and the ForRangers Ultra, we started asking ourselves a question: could we make these two races more welcoming without losing the adventure and challenge that make them special? We believe we can. That’s why we’re introducing a new Fast and Light format.”
King added “For others, particularly those new to multi-day racing, it can feel like a daunting place to start. There’s a lot to learn before you even reach the start line. Fast and Light is our way of opening the door a little wider. It’s to make the load more manageable, while making sure runners have the equipment they need for the environment they’re in.”
Detailed kit guidelines and updated race information packs reflecting the ‘Fast and Light’ requirements are available directly via the Beyond the Ultimate platform.
