UK 24 Hour Championships 2024

Read the BBC's article on this year's race which incorporated the UK 24 Hour Championships.

About The Race

Each September, a selection of 50 experienced and promising Ultra runners take on the physical and mental challenge of covering the greatest distance they can run in 24 hours, completing as many loops of the track as possible. First held in 1989, with a record of great performances, including National and World Best Records, and superb organization, this international race attracts runners from around the globe. 

Organised by Sri Chinmoy MT in conjunction with Run and Become, under UK Athletics Rules, this is a Chip Timed, IAU Bronze Label event to RRC and IAU. Entry is limited to 50 runners with competitors selected on the basis of previous experience and potential.  

How to Enter

Entries open 01/03/2023 and close 15/07/2023 - see Enter Now button.

Entering the race does not guarentee acceptance. We usually receive in excess of 50 entries, selection is based on previous experience and potential.

All race applicants will receive confirmation of their application at the time of submission. A further email will be sent within 14 days, indicating the likelihood of being selected to compete in the race. 

For those we cannot accomodate there is a limited waiting list  as there are always withdrawals in the weeks leading up to the race. We do not accept competitors who have no race experience less than 100K distance.

Payment of the entry fee is due within 7 days of acceptance being confirmed by the race director. Payment is by credit card. Failure to make payment may result in a withdrawal of a confirmed place in the race.

The closing date for applications to compete is 15th July, the confirmed list of runners will be available by 1st August.

FACILITIES & SUPPORT

It is our aim to serve, encourage and support each runner to the highest level as each embraces the challenge and works towards their goal. Our support team consists of:

• Live Leaderboard 
• Lap counting supervisor
• Sports medic and physiotherapists
• Race Referee, Time Keeper and other officials

Millenium Arena provides the perfect set-up to enable runners ready access to everything they need throughout the race.

• Trackside parking (for cars and camper vans must be booked in advance, see entry form)
• Space for runners to set up tents / support stations trackside
• Trackside lap counters to record your distance and provide encouragement
• Heated indoor changing rooms
• Showers
• Heated indoor physio treatment room
• Toilets a few strides off the track
• Trackside Portaloos
• Trackside refreshments thoughout offering hot & cold drinks, sweet and salty snacks and a cheer.

RACE RECORDS

• Men: Donald Ritchie, Copthall Stadium 1991, 268.25K
• Women: Therese Falk, Tooting Bec Stadium 2017, 236.8K
• MV50: Dave Cooper, New River Stadium 1990, 239.76K
• WV50: Miki Neant, Millennium Stadium Battersea Pk 2023, 217.79K
• MV60: Geoff Oliver, Tooting Bec Stadium 1993, 218.34K
• WV60: Ann Bath, Tooting Bec Stadium 2016, 186.55K
• MV70: Geoff Oliver, Tooting Bec Stadium 2004, 182.1K* New World Age Best
• WV70: Ann Bath, Tooting Bec Stadium 2018, 142.64K
• MV80: Geoff Oliver, Tooting Bec Stadium 2014, 160.74K* New World Age Best
• WV80: Patricia Seabrook, Millennium Stadium Battersea Pk 2021, 121.86K* New World Age Best

RACE DAY

The track opens at 9am and runners are welcome to arrive anytime from then on, and must arrive by 11am to enable a stress-free pre-race prep and familiarisation with our set-up.

On arrival you are greeted by the race director and given your race pack, consisting of 4 sets of race numbers (to fix to different items of clothing and save you time during the race), pins and race programme. 

At 11.15 there is a race briefing by the race director and referee. Followed by the introduction of competitors to their lap counters.

Race starts midday sharp.

Hot meals are offered at approximately 1.30pm, 8pm, 6am and post race. All meals are vegetarian. We do our best to accomodate any food intolerances if notified well in advance.

We require all runners to bring a windproof jacket and full length tights/trousers to ensure no-one is left suffering should the weather turn cold/hostile.

The race is brought to an end with a blast of the horn and over the next hour we provide a meal, aid to those in need, hot showers, and an awards ceremony with provisional results.

Location

Directions

Millenium Stadium, Battersea Park, Carriage Drive East, London, SW11 4NJ

• By Tube and Bus: The nearest Tube station is Sloane Square (District and Circle Line). From Sloane Square Tube station walk 3 minutes to Lower Sloane Street and take Bus 137 from stop M. Get off after 3 stops at Chelsea Bridge (just over the bridge). Cross the road and enter the park (Chelsea Gate) turn immediately left down the path beside the railings, keep straight along the path till it comes out behind the athletics track, a bit further along it joins the Carriage Drive and enmtrance to the stadium building in on the right. (SW11 4NJ) 10 min walk.
• By Train: We are a ten minute walk from Battersea Park rail station and Queenstown Road rail station (both overground lines). When you enter the park at Rosery Gate turn right at the T-junction just ahead and follow the road for approximately 300 metres to the stadium building.
• By Car: Enter Battersea Park through Chelsea Gate at the North East corner of the park, parking in the carpark. Proceed to East Carriage Drive on foot (5 minutes to stadium). Postcode is SW11 4BE.

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