The Beast of Bryher: A 24-Hour Island Running Challenge

The Beast of Bryher presents a unique 24-hour running adventure set on the small island of Bryher in the Isles of Scilly. Scheduled for 19th-20th September 2025, this event challenges participants to complete as many circumnavigations of the island’s coast path as they choose within a 24-hour period. It is an event designed to allow participants to “build your own adventure”.

The Challenge

Starting at 15:00 on Friday, 19th September, runners will experience a mix of daylight and night running, illuminated by torchlight for 12 hours after sunset. The course involves laps of approximately 7.5km (around 4.7 miles) of Bryher’s coast path. While the maximum elevation is about 34m, the terrain is described as moderately hilly and technical in places, with plenty of ups and downs, primarily on trails and coastal paths. A small portion is on road.

Participation Options

The Beast of Bryher welcomes a range of participants, from those new to night running or looking to complete their first marathon distance, to groups of friends seeking a shared adventure. You can take on the challenge solo or as part of a team of up to six members. Teams have the flexibility to decide who runs and how many laps each member completes. For those in a team, the option to run the final lap together and cross the finish line as a complete team is available from 13:30 onwards. Walking is also permitted as part of the event.

Logistics and Inclusions

The event fee is £200 for solo runners and £180 per person for team members. This includes return boat transfers to Bryher, camping from Thursday to Monday at Bryher Campsite (participants bring their own gear), access to a large marquee at Race HQ for rest, hot drinks and water, and hot food at designated times. Participants will also receive a live tracker with a big screen display at Race HQ and a dedicated drop bag and seat area for solo runners. Event goodies include a personalised mug, artwork (instead of a medal), an after-party, and Scilly60 Events beer. Participants also receive a race event T, a technical running cap, or a donation to the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust.

Mandatory Kit

Participants must carry a running rucksack (for teams), the provided live tracker, a minimum 500ml water bottle, emergency energy, a mobile phone, and a basic first aid kit at all times. For night running (18:30-07:00), two head torches (min 200lm), a warm hat, and a waterproof jacket with a hood (min 10’000HH) are required. Spare head torch batteries, waterproof trousers, and another basic first aid kit must be easily accessible at Race HQ.

Important Considerations

Travel to the Isles of Scilly involves flying or taking a passenger ferry from Cornwall (Penzance/Land’s End) or flying from Newquay or Exeter. Participants must arrive by 13:00 on Friday for the transfer boat to Bryher. Medical and physio teams will be on site to provide support, alongside continuous hot and cold food and drinks.

The event has a strict no-litter policy, with time penalties for any litter found. A minimum donation of £500 will be made to the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust, which is involved with the organisation of the event. Please note, dogs are not permitted on the campsite or to accompany runners.

The event is limited to 50 teams. No refunds are offered for the 2025 event, but deferrals to the 2026 race are possible until 18th July 2025, subject to an admin/cost inflation fee payable at the point of deferral. Transfers of a place to another runner are allowed until 10th September.

Scilly60 Events organise many sports events on the Isles of Scilly and an interview with RD Wez Swain and a race report from the Scilly 60 will feature in a forthcoming issue of Ultrarunning World Magazine which will be on the dedicated website: Ultrarunningworldmagazine.com.

Links and further information

Registration for The Beast of Bryher is managed via Webscorer.
Website: www.Scilly60.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Scilly60
Instagram: www.instagram.com/Scilly60
Youtube: www.youtube.com/@scilly60
Strava: www.strava.com/clubs/Scilly60
Enquiries: email Hello@scilly60.co.uk.