The Rules

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Elevation Gain and Loss:
   • Defined by substantial vertical climbs and descents, contributing to the technical and physical challenge of the course.
4. Self-Sufficiency:
   • Athletes are required to carry essential gear (e.g., hydration packs, nutrition, emergency supplies) to navigate remote and often extreme conditions.
5. Community and Sustainability:
   • Emphasizes camaraderie among athletes and respect for the environment, often adhering to "Leave No Trace" principles.
6. 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:

1. Be open to all athletes willing to participate.
2. Range in length from 100 km to 200 miles or more.
3. Include at least 30 percent mountain trail sections with up to 70 percent variations such as dirt roads, rocky paths, sand, snow or mixed natural surfaces.
4. Feature demanding terrain with substantial ascent and descent, resulting in significant elevation gain and loss across the course.

Course Guidelines for the One Hundred® World Championship

100 km Races

• Distance:
  • 90 to 110 km, with an additional 5 percent margin of error accepted to account for GPS variance.
• Vertical Climb:
  • A minimum of 2,000 m and a maximum of 8,000 m of elevation gain.
• Terrain:
  • At least 30 percent mountain trail sections.
  • The remaining 70 percent may include asphalt, sand, snow or dirt roads.
• Competitions Within the Race:
  • King of the Summit Competition:
    • A designated ascent segment with 1,000 m of vertical climb over 8 to 12 km.
    • Elevation gain and loss may vary by up to 20 percent.
  • Mountain Goat Competition:
    • A designated descent segment with 1,000 m of vertical drop over 8 to 12 km.
    • Elevation loss and gain may vary by up to 20 percent.

100 Mile Races

• Distance:
  • 95 to 105 miles, with an additional 5 percent GPS variance margin accepted.
• Vertical Climb:
  • Between 3,000 m and 12,000 m of total elevation gain.
• Terrain:
  • At least 30 percent mountain trail sections.
  • Up to 70 percent on other natural surfaces including asphalt, sand, snow or dirt roads.
• Competitions Within the Race:
  • King of the Summit Competition:
    • A climb segment featuring 1,000 m of vertical ascent over 8 to 12 km, with a variation allowance of up to 20 percent.
  • Mountain Goat Competition:
    • A descent segment featuring 1,000 m of vertical drop over 8 to 12 km, with a variation allowance of up to 20 percent.

200 Mile Races

• Distance:
  • 190 to 200 miles, with an additional 5 percent GPS variance margin accepted.
• Vertical Climb:
  • Between 5,000 m and 40,000 m of total elevation gain.
• Terrain:
  • Between 5,000 m and 40,000 m of total elevation gain.
  • The remaining 70 percent may include varied natural terrain such as dirt roads, sand, snow or mixed surfaces.
• Competitions Within the Race:
  • King of the Summit Competition:
    • A designated ascent segment with 1,000 m of vertical climb over 8 to 12 km, with up to 20 percent variation allowed.
  • Mountain Goat Competition:
    • A designated descent segment with 1,000 m of vertical drop over 8 to 12 km, with up to 20 percent variation allowed.

Safety and Environmental Standards

Safety Protocols

1. Mandatory Medical Checkpoints:
   • Required for races longer than 100 km to monitor athlete condition and ensure safety throughout the event.
2. Athlete Self Sufficiency:
   • Runners must carry essential gear suitable for remote and demanding conditions, including hydration, nutrition and basic emergency equipment.

Environmental Responsibility

1. Waste Management Plans:
   • Organisers must implement effective systems to minimise waste at aid stations and along the course.
2. Sustainability:
   • All events follow Leave No Trace principles and apply eco friendly measures including biodegradable course markings and carbon offset initiatives.
3. Restricted Motorized Access:
   • Motorised vehicles are not permitted on mountain trails except when required for emergency response and athlete safety.

These rules are reviewed annually in March