🌊 The Tide Race – 10km
Friday 14th August 2026. £45
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.
The Race starts at 1157.
If you are staying on St Mary’s you will likely need to get a ‘tripper boat’ at 1015. This will get you to Carn Near at the south of Tresco for 1030. it is a 2km walk to the start area. If you get the 1115 boat, you will need to run to the start.
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 Scilly60 Events vest, which must be worn during the race which you get to keep.
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.
(If you Sign up after the 20th July, you will be given a Scilly Swimrun Race vest to borrow instead as the vests will be already ordered)
🧒 Kids & Family Race – 2km. £10 per family.
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
Children will be given a Scilly60 Swimrun vest to borrow to make them easy to spot.
(There is an option to buy a Tide Race T-shirt as an addition here https://scilly60.teemill.com/search/?search=tide)
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
Under 13’s Can take part in the 10km, but must be accompanied by an adult in a ratio of 1:4
This truly is a once-in-a-cycle opportunity to run between islands, against the clock — and against the returning sea.
Highlights of the 2024 Tide race. This is an idea of what to expect in 2026.