🌊 The Tide Race – 10km

Friday 14th August 2026

The Tide Race returns in 2026 for one of the most unique running events in the UK.

This spectacular 10km race begins on the island of Tresco. Thanks to a rare alignment of the sun and moon, the tide drops just long enough to reveal the famous sandbar linking Tresco to Bryher.

Runners will:

• Start on Tresco

• Run across the temporarily exposed sandbar to Bryher

• Complete a full circumnavigation of Bryher

• Then race back across the sandbar to Tresco — before the tide returns

⏱️ Time Limit & Cut-Off

• Runners have exactly 2 hours to complete the course.

• Low tide is at 1257. The Race will start at 1157 and finish no later than 1357.

• Any runner who finishes the Bryher loop with less than 15 minutes remaining will not be permitted to start the return crossing due to the incoming tide.

This strict cut-off is in place for safety and is non-negotiable.

💦 The Tide Crossing

You will be running through water.

• Water depth is expected to be no deeper than thigh-deep for most runners

• In conditions of particularly low air pressure, the water could be deeper (but still below waist height)

• You will get wet feet

For safety reasons, all runners must wear footwear for the water crossing.

👟 Mandatory Event Vest

All participants will be issued with an official technical event vest, which must be worn during the race.
This allows the event team and safety staff to clearly distinguish registered runners from members of the public who may also be exploring the low tide.

🧒 Kids & Family Race – 2km

A special 2km Tide Race is available for children and families.

• This race starts 15 minutes before low tide

• The route runs from Tresco across the sandbar to Bryher and back again

It’s the perfect way to experience the magic of the crossing in a shorter, family-friendly format.

👨‍👩‍👧 Young Runners

• Young people aged 13 and over may take part in the full 10km Tide Race

• Parental permission is required

This truly is a once-in-a-cycle opportunity to run between islands, against the clock — and against the returning sea.