Embark on a Coastal Adventure...

The inaugural RATHLIN LIGHTHOUSE CHALLENGE will take place on Saturday 4th July  2026 (11:15am).  The race will start and finish in Church Bay, approximately 400m from the Harbour.

Important Notes - Please Read:

• The event will be limited to 50 people in it's first year!  This will allow us to assess the impact on the island, prior to opening up more spaces in 2027.
• All participants are responsible for booking their own ferry, when the 2026 Summer Timetable is released (around March/April 2026).

The distance of the RATHLIN LIGHTHOUSE CHALLENGE is 16 miles in distance.  The route is mostly on the road, but will include some trails.

 A detailed route map will be published as soon after the land permission process has been officially completed. 

The cost will be £50 per person.  

For your race entry:

• You will be treated to a memorable and well-organised event covering 16 miles of stunning landscape;
• There will be 5 water stations;
• The event will be manually timed and results will be produced (and published);
• There will be prizes for the Top 3 male and female finishers (as well as Vet35, Vet40, Vet45, Vet 50 and Vet55+ Age Categories);
• A specially designed custom medal for ALL finishers; a nice way to remember your achievement;
• You will also receive light refreshments on finishing the race;
• First Aid and Emergency medical cover will be in place.

Entries for the event will open on Tuesday 5th August 2025 at 7:30pm.  

You can enter the race by clicking the ENTER NOW button below!  

Please remember, there are only 50 places in 2026.

The RATHLIN LIGHTHOUSE CHALLENGE is a running event and as such, participants are expected to be adequately trained and prepared for the challenging 16 mile course.  All participants must be 18 years or older.

Yes, if a participant has not passed through Church Bay (the road directly behind McCuaig's Bar, en-route to the final lighthouse (Rue Point) after 3 hours (2:15pm), they will be withdrawn from the event.  This is for safety and logistical reasons.  We would politely and respectfully request that if you disagree with this cut-off, you do not enter the event.

There will be a specified bag drop area near the finish line.  Please note that this area is not resourced at all times and belongings are left at your own risk.  The Rathlin Run take no responsibility for theft or damage to any belongings. 

Although participants are required to be self sustainable in terms of in-race nutrition - there will be official water stations are located at:

• 4.3 miles (West Lighthouse);
• 8.2 miles (St Mary's School);
• 10.8 miles (Road to rear of McCuaig's Bar - also cut off point);
• 12.4 miles (en-route to Rue Point);
• 14.3 miles (en-route back from Rue Point).

There will also be water on the finish line for each competitor.

Whilst race signage will be erected at significant junctions, participants will be expected to use road signs to navigate their way to each of the lighthouse (they are well sign-posted).  

No, whilst we love both music and pets - unfortunately, both are forbidden on the course with runners while the race is taking place.  Both are against UK Athletics Race Rules and as such, we must disqualify anyone breaching these rules.

No - unfortunately we cannot offer refunds.  As soon as you enter the event, we commit to purchasing items for you, and thus, as a not for profit event, we would have to pay for these items if we gave you a refund - as a not for profit event, this would be unsustainable.  This is clearly explained in the event terms and conditions and on the race registration form. 

This can only be allowed if it is transferred until Friday 5th June 2026 (5pm) and using the official race transfer system operated by The Rathlin Run.  You can manage your own registration and transfer the entry via the 'My Registration' link which is included on your confirmation email.  Any transfers requests from 5/6/26 (5pm) will not be accepted as per terms and conditions of entry.  Anyone knowingly competing under someone else's name on the race day will be immediately disqualified. Please check your race pack at registration to ensure your details are correct.  

Given the unique nature of the Rathlin Run and the essential ferry crossings, it is important to note the following BEFORE entering the race.

Entry fees are also non-refundable if the race has to be cancelled due to circumstances outside of our control; for instance, cancellation of ferries, or, due to a major incident, adverse/dangerous weather conditions or on Police/Emergency Services' advice.  

In the unlikely event that any of the above should occur, the Rathlin Run Team will do our upmost to provide an alternative value for money solution.  This is more than likely to be a VIRTUAL run.

Entries will NOT be deferred to 2027.

On your race entry form you will be asked about donations to Belfast Activity Centre (BAC).  100% of this donation will go to BAC (after the event).  For further information on BAC please visit www.belfastactivitycentre.com. 

Firstly, please check your spam folder.  If you still can't find it.  Please email runrathlin@gmail.com to ensure your entry has been recorded on our system. 

Due to the unique nature of the event, were people must leave after the race to get ferries, it has proved logistically impossible to organise a prize-giving that suits everyone.  

Therefore, the top three male and female finishers across the line will receive their prizes when they cross the line.    All other prizes will be posted to the winners within 7 days of the event. 

Please visit the RATHLIN FERRY website HERE for the latest timetable information.  

The Rathlin Ferry Summer Timetable will be published and in April / March 2026, at which point you can book your ferry to / from the Rathlin Lighthouse Challenge.  Please remember it is your responsibility to put travel arrangements in place that allow you to be on Rathlin Island in sufficient time for the race starting.