The image above shows the emotion of the extraordinary Scilly 60 Ultra, where there is a strict cut-off rule that means half the field literally misses the boat. Scilly 60 Organiser, Wez Swain, is the cheerleader-in-chief as competitors sprint to complete one of five stages on five islands in one day, comprising the 60K total mileage of this unique event.

This is one of the most iconic images featured in the first of a four-part Channel 5 series 'Summer in the Scilly Isles' narrated by Fern Britton that was broadcast at 8:00pm on Sunday, 18 May 2025 – catch it on demand on My5 here...

So, what exactly is the format for the Scilly 60? In Wez Swain's words: "Scilly 60 is all about a challenging run, exploring and enjoying this unique location, supporting each other and leaving Scilly as pristine as we find it. I hope to see you on the start line!"

In more detail, the logistics for this fully sold-out annual event are set out on the race website:
Runners will need to be self-sufficient. Each runner can bring one hand luggage-sized bag on the boat, containing all food and gels required for running and resting, any spare clothing and warm clothes for the journeys between the islands. There will be no energy stations. All runners must bring a minimum of three litres of water.

There are two race boats, each with 75 runners. To know what boat you are on you will be given a team neck snood. The runners from the boat with the highest number of finishers will all get a small prize. The Isles of Scilly are an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), so we need everyone to enjoy and respect this delicate environment; this is a no-litter race.

All finishers will receive a t-shirt, with artwork from local artist Erica Hicks. There are trophies for the overall fastest, second and third place for males and females. The awards are unique works of art by local glass fusion artist Oriel Hicks. Everyone will also receive the Fire Brand Brewery official Scilly 60 Event beer to enjoy. There will be an award ceremony and party in the evening at The Gig Shed Cafe.

This year, due to tides, the order of the islands are different – St Mary’s (18K), St Martin’s (10K), Tresco (10K), Bryher (8K) and St Agnes (9K) – before finishing back on St Mary’s for a final 5K to complete the full 60K Ultra.

The pace to avoid missing the ferry to the next stage is 7:30 per kilometre/12:00 per mile. Last year, 40% didn't catch the boat and were eliminated. In 2023, the attrition rate was 63%. The DNF protocol is brutal – if you don't arrive on schedule, the boat departs and you are stranded!

However, the organiser isn't a complete ogre! There is a back-up boat for DNFs, and you can rejoin your race boat later to support, but you are no longer in the race. Entries for this year's punishment – on Sunday 22 June 2025 – are fully sold, but you can join a waiting list here...

runABC South race listing information and results here.

Photo courtesy of Scilly 60 on Facebook