The Gralloch Ultra is a non-competitive endurance adventure, not a race. It celebrates discovery, resilience and respect for Scotland’s landscapes. Riders must be self-sufficient, respectful of others and committed to completing the challenge safely.

Respect the Landscape: The route passes through the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere, a protected area of natural and cultural significance. Riders must leave no trace and respect all wildlife, landowners and residents.

No Littering: Discarding any waste, including gel wrappers, bottles or fruit peels, is strictly forbidden. Offenders will be disqualified.

Respect Local Laws: Follow the Highway Code and all local access laws. Avoid disturbing livestock, gates, or fencing beyond reasonable necessity.

Each participant must carry the following at all times:

• GPS Navigation Device with the official route loaded (the course is not marked).
  
  
• Front and Rear Lights, both in working order.
  
  
• Event GPS Tracker, issued by organisers, must be powered during and carried by the rider throughout the entire Ultra ride. It must be returned post-event. Failure to return will result in a fine and potential ban from future events.
  
  
• Helmet compliant with BS EN 1078 standards — mandatory while riding.
  
  
• Space Blanket or emergency thermal cover for cover to prevent hypothermia if a participant has to stop moving for an extended period.
  
  
• Bike Number, Jersey Number, and Timing Chip — visible at all times. Timing chip must be attached according to the instructions contained in the rider pack.
  
  
• Mobile Phone with the Event Control number saved and WhatsApp installed (messages can send in low-signal areas).
  
  
• Power Pack to recharge phone and lights.
  
  
• Personal ID, Medical Information, and Insurance Summary carried on your person.

Public Highways

Sections of the Ultra route use open public roads, and riders must fully comply with the Highway Code and all traffic laws. Remain alert to other road users, ride no more than two abreast, and always show courtesy to local residents and drivers.

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Private Land

The organisers have secured special permission for the route to pass through several private estates and working farmlands. Riders must stay strictly on the approved GPS route and not leave the designated tracks under any circumstances.

Landowners, farmers and their vehicles have absolute priority on these roads and tracks. Riders must slow down or stop where necessary to allow safe passage and must not disturb livestock, gates, fences or crops.

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Forestry Land

The route also crosses parcels of land managed by Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS). While permissions for access have been granted, this is a working forest environment, and there may be instances where local forestry or logging operations are in progress.

Riders must respect all temporary signage and instructions from forestry staff or contractors. Please be aware that some logging vehicle operators may not have received full details of our event permissions. Should you encounter a logging vehicle, give way immediately — these machines weigh several tonnes and cannot stop quickly. There is no discussion to be had with a timber lorry; your safety depends on staying alert and yielding the right of way.

• Riders are responsible for their own safety and that of others.
  
  

• E-bikes or any powered propulsion are not permitted.
  
  
• Use of team radios or communication devices is prohibited.
  
  

Riders must show respect and courtesy to crew, volunteers, and fellow riders at all times. Abuse may result in disqualification and exclusion from future Red On Sports events.

No outside assistance is permitted at any point during The Gralloch Ultra. Riders must complete the route entirely under their own power and self-sufficiency.

When it comes to drinks, nutrition or mechanical issues, assistance may only be received from:

• Official event staff located at the Feed Zones, or
  
  
• Fellow participants riding in the event.
  
  

Support from private teams, friends, family or members of the public is strictly prohibited. Riders may, however, make short stops at publicly accessible shops or cafés along the route to purchase food or drinks, but must return to the exact point where they left the course before continuing.

Sharing basic tools, spares, water or food between riders is encouraged as part of the event’s spirit of camaraderie. However, the exchange of major components (such as a full wheel, frame or drivetrain) is not allowed.

These rules ensure fairness, safety and the self-reliant adventure that defines The Gralloch Ultra.

Feed Zones will be located at key points along The Gralloch Ultra route. Each will provide essential supplies and support to help riders continue safely and self-sufficiently.

Each Feed Zone will include:

• Water, energy drinks and sports nutrition
  
  
• Snacks and fruit
  
  
• Basic mechanical tools and limited spares
  
  
• Self-service First Aid kits
  
  
• Waste bins — riders must dispose of all litter properly
  
  

A bag drop service will operate to Feed Zone 2, with all bags transported back to the Event Village after the event.

Feed Zones are strictly for riders only. No external assistance from friends, family or private support crews is permitted.

The exact locations and provisions for all Feed Zones will be confirmed when the final route is released.

To ensure safety and welfare for all riders, volunteers and staff, cut-offs will be enforced. Approximate times (subject to final route confirmation):

• Feed Zone 1: 70km — 13:30 on Saturday, 16 May 2026
  
  
• Feed Zone 2: 160km — 20:30 on Saturday, 16 May 2026
  
  
• Feed Zone 3: 230km — 01:30 on Sunday, 17 May 2026
  
  
• Finish Line: 330km — 08:00 on Sunday, 17 May 2026
  
  

Riders who miss a cut-off time will be asked to stop their ride for safety reasons. A shuttle service will operate from each cut-off location after the designated time to return riders to the Event Village.

Riders may choose to continue riding after missing a cut-off, but they do so entirely at their own risk and outside of official event support. Feed Zones will be closed, and no further mechanical, medical or emergency coordination will be available through Event Control.

After 08:00 on Sunday, no riders may cross the official finish line, as the Sportive events will be underway. Riders still on course must divert to the main public entrance of the Event Village and return their timing chip and GPS tracker to the Info Desk.

These rules are in place to maintain the safety, welfare and integrity of the event for all participants and staff.

Only pedal-powered bicycles are permitted at The Gralloch Ultra. Riders may use:

• Road bikes
  

• Gravel bikes / cyclocross bikes
  

• Mountain bikes
  

• Hybrid or city bikes

Tri-bars or similar extensions are permitted on handlebars; however, riders may only use them when they are confident they can maintain full control of the bicycle and safely navigate the terrain and traffic conditions. By starting this event, riders acknowledge and accept the increased risk associated with using such extensions and remain solely responsible for their safe use at all times.

However, the following are not permitted at The Gralloch:

• E-bikes (electric-assist or fully motorised)
  

• Tandems
  

• Recumbent bikes
  

• Time trial or triathlon bikes
  

There is no general sweep vehicle for The Gralloch Ultra.
Riders unable to continue must make their own way back to Gatehouse of Fleet. We strongly advise reaching a Feed Zone if possible, from where repatriation can be arranged. Riders may need to wait several hours for repatriation.

The Event Control Team will be available via phone to provide guidance and details of public transport options.

To ensure fairness, safety and compliance with event regulations, the following equipment is strictly prohibited during The Gralloch Ultra:

• E-bikes or any form of battery-assisted propulsion — riders must complete the course entirely under their own power.

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• Helmets that do not comply with recognised safety standard BS EN 1078.
  
  

Any participant found using prohibited equipment will be disqualified and may be barred from future Red On Sports events.

Use of any electronic device to receive instructions, information or assistance from team members, supporters or external parties during the event is strictly prohibited.

Riders must complete The Gralloch Ultra as an independent, self-supported challenge.

Communication devices, including mobile phones, may only be used for:

• Emergency contact with the Event Control Team or emergency services
  
  
• Safety updates or location sharing if instructed by event staff
  
  

Any use of communication technology for tactical coordination or outside support will be considered a breach of fair play and may result in disqualification.

If abandoning the ride, you must:

• Inform Event Control via call or WhatsApp.
  
  
• Return to the Event Village and hand in your timing chip and tracker.

Failure to do so will result in a fine and may affect participation in future Red On Sports events.

The main reward is personal achievement. All finishers will receive an official Finisher Medal and are invited to the Ultra Finisher Celebration at the Event Village.

For medical or safety emergencies, contact the Event Control Room. They will coordinate response from the medical team or emergency services as appropriate. Riders must carry a fully charged phone with WhatsApp installed and the ability to send and receive SMS.

In case of a life threatening emergency, always call 999.

Fair play lies at the heart of The Gralloch Ultra. This event is built on mutual respect, integrity and a shared spirit of adventure — values that define what it means to take on this challenge together. Every rider is expected to uphold these principles throughout the event, whether out on the trail or in the Event Village.

• The use of performance-enhancing drugs is strictly prohibited.
  
  
• Riders must act with integrity, honesty and sportsmanship.
  
  
• Anyone found violating fair play principles may be disqualified and banned from future events.

• Respect the Crew: Volunteers and staff are there to help. Abuse or aggressive behaviour will not be tolerated and may result in disqualification and a ban from future Red On Sports events.
• Respect Other Riders: Offer assistance to anyone in distress. Riders who stop to help another participant should report this to the organisers for potential time redress.