Definition of Endurance Trail Running
Endurance trail running is a long-distance running discipline that takes place in natural environments, such as mountains, forests, and deserts. It is characterized by the following elements:
- Distance:
- Starts at 100 km and includes ultra distances that can exceed 200 miles.
- Courses typically require sustained physical effort over extended periods, ranging from several hours to multiple days.
- Terrain:
- Involves varied natural terrains, such as rocky paths, single tracks, dirt roads, and steep ascents/descents.
- A significant percentage of the course is mountain trails, forests, deserts, or other challenging environments.
- Elevation Gain and Loss:
- Defined by substantial vertical climbs and descents, contributing to the technical and physical challenge of the course.
- Self-Sufficiency:
- Athletes are required to carry essential gear (e.g., hydration packs, nutrition, emergency supplies) to navigate remote and often extreme conditions.
- Community and Sustainability:
- Emphasizes camaraderie among athletes and respect for the environment, often adhering to "Leave No Trace" principles.
- Objective:
- The primary goal of endurance trail running is to test physical and mental limits, immerse in nature, and showcase the beauty of unique landscapes while fostering a sense of achievement.
Course Rules
Definition of an Endurance Mountain Trail Race
An endurance mountain trail race is a competition held in natural environments, including mountains, deserts, and forests. The course must:
- Be open to everyone willing to participate.
- Range in length from 100 km to 200 miles or more.
- Include at least 30% mountain trail sections and up to 70% variations (e.g., asphalt, sand, snow, dirt roads).
- Feature naturally variable terrain with substantial ascents and descents, resulting in significant elevation gain and loss.
Course Guidelines for the One Hundred® World Championship
100 km Races
- Distance: 90–110 km (plus an additional 5% margin of error to accommodate for GPS variance is accepted).
- Vertical Climb: At least 2,000m and no more than 8,000m of elevation gain.
- Terrain:
- At least 30% mountain trails.
- The remaining 70% can include asphalt, sand, snow, or dirt roads.
- Competitions Within the Race:
- King of the Summit Competition:
- Segment with 1,000m vertical ascent over 8–12 km.
- Elevation gain and loss may vary by up to 20%.
- Mountain Goat Competition:
- Segment with 1,000m vertical descent over 8–12 km.
- Elevation loss and gain may vary by up to 20%.
- King of the Summit Competition:
100 Mile Races
- Distance: 95–105 miles (plus 5% GPS error margin accepted).
- Vertical Climb: 3,000m to 12,000m of elevation gain.
- Terrain:
- At least 30% mountain trails.
- Up to 70% other surfaces (asphalt, sand, snow, dirt roads).
- Competitions Within the Race:
- King of the Summit Competition:
- 1,000m vertical ascent over 8–12 km (±20% variation).
- Mountain Goat Competition:
- 1,000m vertical descent over 8–12 km (±20% variation).
- King of the Summit Competition:
200 Mile Races
- Distance: 190–200 miles (plus 5% GPS error margin accepted).
- Vertical Climb: 5,000m to 40,000m of elevation gain.
- Terrain:
- Minimum 30% mountain trails.
- Other 70% can be varied terrain.
- Competitions Within the Race:
- King of the Summit Competition:
- 1,000m vertical ascent over 8–12 km (±20%).
- Mountain Goat Competition:
- 1,000m vertical descent over 8–12 km (±20%).
- King of the Summit Competition:
Safety and Environmental Standards
Safety Protocols
- Mandatory Medical Checkpoints: Required for races exceeding 100 km to ensure athlete well-being.
- Athlete Self-Sufficiency: Runners must carry essential gear for extreme conditions (e.g., hydration packs, emergency blankets).
Environmental Responsibility
- Waste Management Plans: Organizers must implement systems to reduce waste at aid stations.
- Sustainability: Courses must adhere to Leave No Trace principles and use biodegradable markings wherever possible.
- Restricted Motorized Access: Motorized vehicles are prohibited on trails except for emergency response.
These rules are reviewed annually in March