RATHLIN RUN 2025 - FINAL RACE DAY INSTRUCTIONS

RATHLIN RUN 2025  FINAL INSTRUCTIONS: PLEASE READ!  

The 23rd running of the Rathlin Run takes place this coming Saturday, the 23rd  August 2025!  

We hope you are looking forward to it as much as we are!?  

As we make our final preparations and get ready to head over to the island, we wanted  to send out these final instructions, which will assist in making race day as smooth and  enjoyable as possible. 

This information has been sent to everyone who entered the event - if you entered a friend /  family member, please pass this email on.  

Race Day Instructions...  

Date:  Saturday 23rd August 2025  

Start Time:  10 mile Race @ 1pm - 5k Race @1.10pm 

Start Location:  Church Bay... close to McCuaigs Public House.  This will be well  sign-posted.  

1. Please arrive at the Rathlin Ferry Terminal in Ballycastle in plenty of time for your  ferry. The ferries will be running at capacity so if you miss the ferry you are booked on,  it's highly unlikely that you will be able to get on another.  Also, with the annual ‘Ould  Lammas Fair’ taking place this weekend, parking in Ballycastle will be at a premium –  please care share where possible and leave plenty of time for your journey.  

2. Please try to arrive in your race kit (with suitable clothing on over it to keep you  warm) - although public toilet facilities are available in Church Bay and within  McCuaigs Public House, we expect these to be busy in the hours leading up to the  race.  

3. When you arrive on Rathlin Island, please make your way over to Race HQ -  McCuaigs Public House. Please expect to wait a short time at registration - despite  our team being hugely experienced and efficient, the unique circumstances around  the Rathlin Run means that approximately 100-150 people will arrive at Race HQ at  one time (when everyone gets off the ferry).   

PLEASE NOTE:  THERE IS NO ON THE DAY ENTRY.  ALSO, AS PER TERMS AND  CONDITIONS OF ENTRY, THE TIME PERIOD FOR TRANSFERING ENTRIES AND  SWAPPING RACES HAS NOW CLOSED. PLEASE DO NOT ASK FOR THIS ON  RACE DAY AS REFUSAL OFTEN CAUSES OFFENCE.  

4. Race pack collection will be located at McCuaigs Public House and will be open  from 10am and will close at 12:55pm. This is to allow you time to attach your race  number, drop your bag off to the baggage tent (located on the green area adjacent to  McCuaigs Public House) and be at the start line in time for the essential race briefing.  

5. If you are on the 12pm ferry from Ballycastle (which arrives at 12:40pm), please  quickly make your way to Race HQ / Registration - you will have time to get to the start  line for the 1pm start (and 1:10pm start for 5k). We will accommodate those coming  off this ferry, however, we will NOT hold the race start back for those who opt to  casually make their way across to Race HQ / Registration whilst chatting to everyone  they pass - there will be plenty of time to catch up with your friends and running  buddies after the race!  

6. The start line for both the 10 mile Race and 5k Race will be well sign-posted. Please  pick an appropriate position, based on your race expectations, within the group on the  start line.  

7. An important race briefing will take place at the start line just prior to the start of  both races; all competitors are required to attend this.  

8. Please wear your race number on the FRONT of your t-shirt/vest/jacket where it is  clearly visible to marshals at the start/finish and around the course. This is absolutely  ESSENTIAL.  

9. Although Race Marshalls wearing hi-viz will be on the course for your safety, it is  very important to remember that all roads will be deemed as officially open. All  competitors MUST adhere to any instruction given by PSNI or official Race Marshalls.  

10. Official Water Stations will be located at approximately 2.5 miles, 5.7 miles and 8.1  miles in the 10 mile Race and 1k and 4k in the 5k race. In the past, residents have  also set up additional water stations around the course. If you can, please dispose of  your cups in the bins provided.  

11. First Aid will be available if / when required - the local HM Coastguard, Northern  Ireland Fire & Rescue Service and Island Nurse will also be aware of the event. If you  experience any kind of trouble, please speak to any race marshall, stop one of the  Rathlin Run Team or stop any first responder vehicle you come across (HM  Coastguard, NIFRS etc).  

12. At the finish line, water and a chocolate bar will be provided. If you want to go and  find your friends who are still running, please feel free to do so... BUT please DO NOT  re-cross the finish line with them - this will lead to errors in results.    

13. Due to the unique nature of the event, where people must leave after the race to  get ferries, it has proved logistically impossible to organise a prize-giving which suits  everyone.    The top three finishers across the line in the 10 mile and 5k races will receive their  prizes when they cross the line. All other prizes will be posted to the winners within 7  days of the event.  There will be prizes for the following athletes....  

Rathlin Run 10 mile Challenge:  1st Place Male & Female (Handed out on the day)  2nd Place Male & Female (Handed out on the day)  3rd Place Male & Female (Handed out on the day)  1st Place Vet35 Male & Female (Posted)  1st Place Vet40 Male & Female (Posted)  1st Place Vet45 Male & Female (Posted)  1st Place Vet50 Male & Female (Posted)  1st Place Vet55+ Male & Female (Posted)  

Rathlin Run 5k Race:  1st Place Male & Female (Handed out on the day)  2nd Place Male & Female (Handed out on the day)  3rd Place Male & Female (Handed out on the day)  

Note:  Participants will only be able to avail of one prize, for example, should a Vet35  finish within the top three places... they will be classed as podium placing athlete in  the open race and the next Vet35 who finishes outside of the top three will receive the  Vet35 prize.    

14. Results will be available at www.rathlinrun.com as soon as possible after the race  (this is dependent on signal / wifi access on the island).  

IMPORTANT:  AS PER UK ATHLETICS RULES, THE ONLY HEADPHONES  ALLOWED DURING THE RACE IS 'OUT OF EAR' BONE CONDUCTING  HEADPHONES. THIS IS FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY.  

ENJOY the amazing Rathlin Island…  We want you to enjoy your time at the Rathlin Run 2025, but please respect the island  and its residents:  

 Do NOT litter;  

 Do NOT make excessive noise during hours of darkness;  

 Do NOT camp in un-designated areas;  

Thank you for supporting the Rathlin Run 2025.   We hope you are looking forward to  the event as much as we are!  See you on race day!