
The Calcutta Cup Of Races
A border crossing, fantastic course and bargain shopping - what's not to love about this February 10K?
The X Border 10K returns on 1 February 2026, giving runners the rare chance to race from England into Scotland in one continuous route. Now in its 15th year, the event remains one of the very few races in the world that crosses an international border mid-run, making it a standout fixture in the early season calendar.
The race begins at Kingmoor Park in Carlisle before sending runners north across the border and on to a Scottish finish at Caledonia Park in Gretna. The border crossing has become a defining moment of the event, with many runners citing it as the reason they return year after year. Organisers say: "Our event offers the unusual thrill of moving from one country to another under your own steam, something that continues to draw runners from across the UK."
This will be the fourth year working alongside Gretna's Caledonia Park, whose designer outlet setting provides a fantastic finish area for those who love shopping for a bargain! Runners can celebrate their achievement with exclusive post-race discounts once they have collected their distinctive XB medal.
A free shuttle service will run from the finish area to the start before the race, and Carlos Reina Photography will once again provide complimentary race photos, shared online after the event.
After sold-out editions in 2024 and 2025, demand is expected to be high once again. Organisers said this week: "With only 400 entries remaining, we urge runners to sign up soon for the chance to take part in one of the UK’s most unique events."
If you'd like to know more, visit the X Border 10K website.
Image: X Border 10K Facebook
