Companion runners (100K)

Some runners have told us they’re worried about running alone, especially through the night. We want everyone to feel safe, so the Granite Peaks 100K now allows a companion runner through the night section, from the start in Newcastle to Rostrevor.

There’s no charge for a companion. We cover the cost of their tracking and safety cover.

What is a companion runner?

• Someone who runs with a competitive runner to keep them company and reassure them they’re not alone.
• Someone who encourages the competitive runner.
• An extra pair of eyes and ears for the competitive runner.
• Live tracked as a non-competitive runner. A companion’s tracker is not publicly visible.

What a companion runner is not

• Not a competitor. Companions have no results recorded, no official time, no UTMB Index score, and no finisher medal or race T-shirt.
• Not a pacer or a navigator. The competitive runner must set their own pace and navigate the course themselves.
• Not a carrier. A companion must not carry the competitive runner’s kit, food, water or poles, or give them any physical help, such as pulling, pushing or carrying.

Where companions run

• A companion must start at the race start in Newcastle, with their competitive runner.
• A companion must stay with their competitive runner at all times. If they don’t, the competitive runner faces disqualification.
• A companion’s run ends at Rostrevor (53 km). They can’t continue beyond it.
• A companion can stop earlier at Deers Meadow, the crew point before Rostrevor, after telling the marshals there.
• Once a companion has stopped, they can’t rejoin the race.
• If the competitive runner’s race ends before Rostrevor, through a missed cut-off or a withdrawal, the companion’s run ends there too.

Who can have a companion?

• Only 100K runners. Companions are not allowed on the 50K or 25K.
• Only one companion per runner, and a companion can only accompany one runner.
• Runners with a companion runner are not eligible for a podium position.

How it works

1. The competitive runner must first be entered in the 100K.
2. By the entry closing date, they email racedirectors@granitepeaksultras.com with their companion’s details.
3. We then email the companion a sign-up link.

The companion must:

• meet the 100K entry requirements, including the minimum age of 20
• sign up using the link we email them
• agree to the same participant declaration as competitive runners, and follow all race rules
• register and have their kit checked at 100K registration (Friday 16:00–17:45)
• carry the full 100K mandatory kit for as long as they’re on the course
• return to race HQ and hand in their tracker when they’ve finished

Companions don’t count towards the 100K entry limit.

Questions about this policy? Email the race directors: racedirectors@granitepeaksultras.com