We often receive questions asking for clarification of whether a runner is qualified to compete at one of our events. Here is a brief overview of what counts, and what doesn't.
Please note that these are the absolute minimum qualifications required in order to start. We advise gathering a great deal more experience than a single qualifier before attempting the 50 mile, but especially the 100 mile distance.
We recognise that for 2021 events, many runners had planned qualifiers over 2020 or the early part of 2021 that have either been postponed or cancelled. In light of the situation we are willing to accept other qualification criteria being met. If you do not have a qualifier that meets the criteria but have any of the following, you may email us by clicking here, with details of what you would like us to consider instead. We will need to see proof of the alternative qualifier either through Strava/ Garmin/ Suunto link or similar for virtual events, or a link to results for older/ shorter events. This situation is just for 2021 as it stands and each case will be treated on its merits:
- Runner has a qualifer that meets the standard but is from prior to 2017
- Runner was able to complete the qualifing criteria as part of a virtual race
- Runner has a qualifier which is shorter than the standard but demonstrates ability to safely complete the event they are qualifying for due to other conditions.
100 mile Distance - What Counts for 2021?
All Results must be from between 1/1/2017 and the race date of the chosen event.
- Completion of a 50 mile single stage ultra within 15 hours and with a published set of results. (Note if you have finished a 50 mile event within the cut off of that event, but in a time over 15hrs, you may apply to the committee for exception).
- Completion of a single stage ultra longer than 50 miles in length.
- Completion of a Double Iron Distance Triathlon (Run Stage is single stage and over 50 miles in length)
- Completion of a multi-day race where one individual stage is longer than 50 miles and invividual stage results/ lengths are published. Example: Marathon Des Sables where the long day is greater than 50 miles in length.
- Completion of over 50 miles in a timed event up to 12hr (runners may not use splits or final distances achieved at 24hr, 48hr or 6 Day Races)
- Completion of over 75 miles in a timed event up to 24hr (runners may not use splits or final distances achieved at 48hr or 6 Day Races)
100 mile Distance - What Doesn't count for 2021?
- A race that is less than 50 miles in length.
- Completion of a 50 mile event outside of 15hrs total time (Exceptions apply for significantly more diffiult events at the discretion of the committee).
- Running the qualifying distance in training only. GPS traces/ Links to Strava, Garmin Connect or Movescount do not count.
- Running the distance as part of a military exercise where no results are published.
- Running the qualifying distance in an official race, but not as a single stage effort: Example: Completing 50 miles over a two day event or over two separate runs on the same day.
- Ironman
- Completing over 50 miles in an ultra distance event, but not completing the full event. Example: DNF at the SDW100 at mile 70.
- Old results. Example: Standard must be achieved between 1/1/2017 and race date, and the entrant offers a result from 2016.
50 mile Distance - What Counts for 2021?
All Results must be from between 1/1/2017 and the race date of the chosen event.
- Completion of a marathon (or greater distance) single stage race within the time limits of that event and with a published set of results.
- Completion of an Iron Distance Triathlon (Run Stage is single stage and 26.2 miles in length)
- Completion of a multi-day race where one individual stage is longer than 26.2 miles and invividual stage results/ lengths are published.
- Completion of over 26.2 miles in a timed event (includes up to 6hr but NOT more ie. 12hr, 24hr, 48hr or 6 Day+ Races)
50 mile Distance - What Doesn't count for 2021?
- Running the qualifying distance in training only. GPS traces/ Links to Strava, Garmin Connect or Movescount do not count.
- Running the distance as part of a military exercise where no results are published.
- Running the qualifying distance in an official race, but not as a single stage effort.
- Completing over 26.2 miles in an ultra distance event, but not completing the full event. Example: DNF at the SDW50 at mile 42.
- Old results. Example: Standard must be achieved between 1/1/2017 and race date, and the entrant offers a result from 2016.
* One caveat here are races which are published to be a certain distance, but are renowned for being short. If a race is advertised as 50 miles by an organiser, it will be counted as a 50 mile race and will be accepted as a qualifier.
