24 Hour Ultra Distance Race
Ultra-distance running really took off with the marathon boom in the 1980’s, with 24-hour races soon developing to provide an endurance challenge to those extraordinary athletes for whom 26 miles (42.2 km) just wasn’t far enough.
For the last two decades the sport has been governed by the International Association of Ultra Runners (IAU), which currently has 47 national federations affiliated worldwide.
The IAU has held international competitions since 1987, however the 24-hour event has only been held annually since 2001.
In the European 24-hour Championship there have so far been seven Commonwealth medalists, highlighting the strong tradition of endurance running across Commonwealth nations.
Race Schedule
- Start Time: Midday, Thursday 17 September
- Finish Time: Midday, Friday
- Location: Fitz Park
- Race Duration: Full 24 Hours
Race Format
The race takes place entirely within Fitz Park, with athletes completing repeated laps of a 1km circuit around the park.
Competitors run continuously through the night and into the following morning.
The winner is expected to complete the equivalent of seven marathons within a single day.
