The Eildons are the defining feature of this event: a demanding trail run offering "great views on the course" and a finish visible from high ground before your legs have completed the task. St Cuthbert's Way Ultra occupies a dedicated space in the ultra running calendar, holding a UTMB Index listing and featuring routes that traverse natural landscapes, forests, coastal stretches, and point-to-point terrain rather than returning to a central point.
A field of experienced ultra runners is expected, those who understand the challenge ahead. One race report recounts a hot day where the sun significantly impacted participants, detailing the climb up Wideopen Hill, the passage through Hethpool, and then crossing the Eildons with "looking down the finish in Melrose". The post-race scene is depicted simply: runners still finishing while others recovered in the village hall.