Last updated: February 20, 2024
ONE HUNDRED® WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP COURSE GUIDELINES
Note: the International Endurance Mountain Trail Association “IEMTA” is currently in the process of being created. Any course being designed at the moment shall strictly adhere to the rules set out below.
What is IEMTA
The International Endurance Mountain Trail Association “IEMTA” represents the governing authority of endurance mountain trail running. The sport definition is based on distance, vertical climb and descent, type of terrain, landscape and technical difficulty.
The principal aims of the Association are the direction, regulation, promotion, and development of endurance mountain trail running on a worldwide basis.
Among the events sanctioned and coordinated by the IEMTA are the annual One Hundred® Endurance Trail World Championship and the One Hundred® 'Mountain Goat’ and “King of Hill” and competitions.
Bearing in mind the geographical, logistical and physical limitations of such a challenging sport, the following figures illustrate the potential dimension in numbers expected for the following years:
- 50 official races in 18 countries per annum
- 50,000+ athletes to participate in the official races annually
- Up to 100 countries represented in competitions
The work of the IEMTA commission includes laying down regulations for both athletes and organisers worldwide: selecting, designing and coordinating races for the calendar; research and anti-doping; giving a voice to athletes; international communication and addressing environment issues.
Course Rules
An endurance mountain trail race is a competition which takes place in trails on Mountains, Deserts and Forests in the natural environment, opened to everyone who is willing to participate. The course can range from 100 km to 200 miles and potentially beyond. The trail sections including single tracks should represent at least 30% of the course and the remaining 70% in a variation of asphalt, sand, snow and dirt roads or similar types of terrain.
Mountains, deserts or forests, races take on naturally variable terrain with substantial ascents and descents, with high elevation gain and loss between the start and finish. The distance and elevation changes create the overall level of difficulty for a given race.
All races worldwide should follow the criteria bellow and strictly adhere to course verification rules.
One Hundred® Trail Endurance World Championship
100 kms
- Mountain Trail Races with at least 2,000m vertical climb and not more than 6,000m over variable terrain with a substantial incline, not exceeding 105 kms or with less than 95 kms in length;
- 5% margin of error is acceptable for both length and vertical gain (due to GPS and other track measurement variances);
- A section of the course shall include the King of the Summit Competition:
- Mountain Trail Segments with 1,000m vertical ascent over variable terrain with a substantial incline, not exceeding 12 km or with less than 8 km in length.
- The accumulated elevation gain may vary up to 20 % and the accumulated descent should not exceed 20% of the total accumulated elevation gain.
- 5% margin of error is acceptable for both length and vertical gain.
- The course should be > 30% mountain trail and the remaining may include a variation between asphalt, sand, snow and dirt roads.
- A section of the course shall include the Mountain Goat Competition;
- Mountain Trail Races with 1,000m vertical descent over variable terrain with a substantial incline, not exceeding 12 km or with less than 8 km in length. The accumulated elevation loss may vary up to 20 % and the accumulated ascent should not exceed 20% of the total accumulated elevation loss.
- 5% margin of error is acceptable for both length and vertical gain.
- The course should be > 30% mountain trail and the remaining may include a variation between asphalt, sand, snow and dirt roads.
100 miles
- Mountain Trail Races with at least 4,000m vertical climb and not more than 12,000m over variable terrain with a substantial incline, not exceeding 105 miles or with less than 95 miles in length.
- 5% margin of error is acceptable for both length and vertical gain.
- A section of the course shall include the King of the Summit Competition:
- Mountain Trail Races with 1,000m vertical ascent over variable terrain with a substantial incline, not exceeding 12 km or with less than 8 km in length.
- The accumulated elevation gain may vary up to 20 % and the accumulated descent should not exceed 20% of the total accumulated elevation gain.
- 5% margin of error is acceptable for both length and vertical gain. The course should be > 30% mountain trail and the remaining may include a variation between asphalt, sand, snow and dirt roads.
- A section of the course shall include the Mountain Goat Competition;
- Mountain Trail Races with 1,000m vertical descent over variable terrain with a substantial incline, not exceeding 12 km or with less than 8 km in length.
- The accumulated elevation loss may vary up to 20 % and the accumulated ascent should not exceed 20% of the total accumulated elevation loss.
- 5% margin of error is acceptable for both length and vertical gain.
- The course should be > 30% mountain trail and the remaining may include a variation between asphalt, sand, snow and dirt roads.
200 miles
- Mountain Trail Races with at least 5,000m vertical climb and not more than 45,000m over variable terrain with a substantial incline, not exceeding 210 miles or with less than 190 miles in length.
- 5% margin of error is acceptable for both length and vertical gain.
- A section of the course shall include the King of the Summit Competition:
- Mountain Trail Races with 1,000m vertical ascent over variable terrain with a substantial incline, not exceeding 12 km or with less than 8 km in length.
- The accumulated elevation gain may vary up to 20 % and the accumulated descent should not exceed 20% of the total accumulated elevation gain.
- 5% margin of error is acceptable for both length and vertical gain.
- The course should be > 30% mountain trail and the remaining may include a variation between asphalt, sand, snow and dirt roads.
- A section of the course shall include the Mountain Goat Competition;
- Mountain Trail Races with 1,000m vertical descent over variable terrain with a substantial incline, not exceeding 12 km or with less than 8 km in length.
- The accumulated elevation loss may vary up to 20 % and the accumulated ascent should not exceed 20% of the total accumulated elevation loss.
- 5% margin of error is acceptable for both length and vertical gain.
- The course should be > 30% mountain trail and the remaining may include a variation between asphalt, sand, snow and dirt roads.
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Definitions
1) International Endurance Mountain Trail Association "IEMTA":
- Definition: The IEMTA represents the governing authority overseeing endurance mountain trail running. It establishes rules based on factors such as distance, vertical climb and descent, terrain type, landscape, and technical difficulty.
- Principal Aims: The IEMTA's main objectives include directing, regulating, promoting, and globally developing endurance mountain trail running. It coordinates events like the One Hundred® Endurance Trail World Championship, One Hundred® 'Mountain Goat,’ and “King of Hill” competitions.
2) IEMTA Commission's Responsibilities:
- Definition: The IEMTA Commission is responsible for formulating regulations for athletes and organizers globally. Its tasks encompass selecting, designing, and coordinating races for the calendar, addressing anti-doping measures, representing athlete voices, international communication, and managing environmental concerns.
3) Course Rules for Endurance Mountain Trail Races:
- Definition: An endurance mountain trail race is a competition open to all participants, taking place in natural environments like Mountains, Deserts, and Forests. Courses can range from 100 km to 200 miles, with trail sections comprising at least 30% mountain trails and the remaining 70% featuring a mix of asphalt, sand, snow, and dirt roads.
- Terrain Characteristics: Races encompass naturally variable terrains with substantial ascents, descents, high elevation gain and loss, creating varying levels of difficulty.
- Global Criteria: All races worldwide must adhere strictly to the outlined criteria and follow course verification rules.
4) One Hundred® Trail Endurance World Championship:
- Definition: This championship consists of 100 km, 100 miles, and 200 miles mountain trail races, each with specific criteria and competitions (King of the Summit and Mountain Goat). The outlined rules include acceptable margins of error for length and vertical gain due to measurement variances, emphasizing the percentage of mountain trail and types of terrains allowed.
5) Mountain Trail Definition:
- Definition: A mountain trail is a designated path or route specially crafted for hiking, running, or recreational activities in mountainous terrain. These trails traverse diverse landscapes, incorporating natural features like ascents, descents, and varied terrains, offering both physical challenges and scenic beauty. The primary goal is to allow individuals to engage with nature, enjoy physical activity, and explore unique ecosystems found in mountain regions.
- Width and Length:
- Width: The width of a mountain trail can vary, ranging from narrow single tracks to wider paths based on the intended use and terrain conditions.
- Length: Mountain trails can extend for varying lengths, accommodating short hikes to long-distance trails, offering options for different levels of outdoor enthusiasts.
- Terrain Characteristics: Mountain trails often incorporate natural features like ascents, descents, and varied terrain to offer a blend of physical exertion and scenic beauty. They may include rocky surfaces, forested areas, and alpine environments, providing a diverse and engaging outdoor experience.
- Difficulty Levels: Difficulty levels of mountain trails can vary widely, catering to a range of outdoor enthusiasts. Trails may range from well-maintained paths suitable for beginners to rugged, technical trails designed to challenge even seasoned adventurers.
- Accessibility to Vehicles: Typically, mountain trails are intended for pedestrian use. While some may permit non-motorized vehicles like bicycles, the use of cars or other motorized vehicles is generally restricted to preserve the natural environment and ensure safety.
- Primary Goal: The primary goal of a mountain trail is to allow individuals to engage with nature, enjoy physical activity, and explore the unique ecosystems found in mountain regions. It serves as a conduit for outdoor enthusiasts to connect with the natural world while promoting health and well-being.
