Frequently asked questions

EVENT ENTRY

WHAT DATE IS THE EVENT AND WHEN DO REGISTRATIONS OPEN?

2020 ULTRA LONDON is on Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 June.. Registrations are open now and places are alocated on a first come, first served basis.

Saturday 20 June ULTRA LONDON 70
LONDON 35 Sunday 21 June ULTRA LONDON 55
LONDON 27.5 Saturday 21 & Sunday 22 June ULTRA LONDON 125



HOW CAN I LOG IN AND CHANGE MY DETAILS?

If your address and/or other contact details change after you have submitted your application, you can login to your profile on www.greatrun.org and change your postal address. For any other changes or queries please contact us by email at info@ultralondon.co.uk



CAN I WALK THE ENTIRE ROUTE?

Yes you can, subject to the event cut-off times (see below). When you register, please state a realistic completion time, including time for eating, drinking and toilet stops. We will place you in the appropriate wave for your predicted time. You can alter your estimated completion time at any stage up to the end of May by emailing us at info@ultralondon.co.uk.

The required speeds for the shorter distances are slower than the longer distances, and should be achievable for most walkers.

ULTRA LONDON 70 (Saturday 20 June)

There is a required completion time of 21.00hrs in Woolwich. For those starting in the first wave at 07.00hrs this means an average speed of approx. 12 mins/km (19 mins/mile) or faster.

The first cut off time at the half way checkpoint will be 14.00hrs (regardless of your start wave time).

A second cut off point at, or close to, three quarter distance. The exact cut off time and location will be at confirmed in due course and will be calculated based on a similar average pace of approx. 12 mins/km (19 mins/mile) from the 07.00 start wave.

If you have not passed the cut off points by the times specified above we’re afraid you will not be permitted to continue.

LONDON 35 (Saturday 20 June)

There will be a cut off point at, or close to half distance (17.5km). The exact cut off time will be confirmed in due course, and will be calculated based on an average pace of approx. 15 mins/km (24mins/mile) from the 09.00 start wave. This cut off time will apply regardless of the start time of the participant.

If you have not passed the cut off point by the time specified above we’re afraid you will not be permitted to continue.

ULTRA LONDON 55 (Sunday 21 June)

There is a required completion time of 18.00hrs in Richmond. For those starting in the first wave at 07.00hrs this means an average speed of approx. 12mins/km (19mins/mile) or faster.

The first cut off time will be at the second checkpoint at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre at 12.30hrs (regardless of your start wave time).

A second cut off point is at the entrance to Richmond Park at 17.00hrs for any participant who has not yet passed this point.

If you have not passed the cut off points by the times specified above we’re afraid you will not be permitted to continue.

LONDON 27.5 (Sunday 21 June)

There is a required completion time of 18.00hrs in Richmond. For those starting in the first wave at 11.00hrs this means an average speed of approx. 15 minute/km (24mins/mile) of faster.

A cut off point is at the entrance to Richmond Park at 17.00hrs for any participant who has not yet passed this point.

Start Waves/Times

You will be allocated a start wave/time based on your estimated completion time, with those moving at a slower pace starting in earlier waves so that they have the longest possible time to reach the cut off points. Strat wave times are allocated in the weeks before the event.

If you’re concerned about whether you will get round in time based on your allocated start time please contact us at info@ultralondon.co.uk in advance of the event day.

DOES THE EVENT HAVE CUT-OFF TIMES?

Yes (but they’re not overly tough!).

The required speeds for the shorter distances are slower than the longer distances, and should be achievable for most walkers.

ULTRA LONDON 70 (Saturday 20 June)

There is a required completion time of 21.00hrs in Woolwich. For those starting in the first wave at 07.00hrs this means an average speed of approx. 12 mins/km (19 mins/mile) or faster.

The first cut off time at the half way checkpoint will be 14.00hrs (regardless of your start wave time).

A second cut off point at, or close to, three quarter distance. The exact cut off time and location will be at confirmed in due course and will be calculated based on a similar average pace of approx. 12 mins/km (19 mins/mile) from the 07.00 start wave.

If you have not passed the cut off points by the times specified above we’re afraid you will not be permitted to continue.

LONDON 35 (Saturday 20 June)

There will be a cut off point at, or close to half distance (17.5km). The exact cut off time will be confirmed in due course, and will be calculated based on an average pace of approx. 15 mins/km (24mins/mile) from the 09.00 start wave. This cut off time will apply regardless of the start time of the participant.

If you have not passed the cut off point by the time specified above we’re afraid you will not be permitted to continue.

ULTRA LONDON 55 (Sunday 21 June)

There is a required completion time of 18.00hrs in Richmond. For those starting in the first wave at 07.00hrs this means an average speed of approx. 12mins/km (19mins/mile) or faster.

The first cut off time will be at the second checkpoint at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre at 12.30hrs (regardless of your start wave time).

A second cut off point is at the entrance to Richmond Park at 17.00hrs for any participant who has not yet passed this point.

If you have not passed the cut off points by the times specified above we’re afraid you will not be permitted to continue.

LONDON 27.5 (Sunday 21 June)

There is a required completion time of 18.00hrs in Richmond. For those starting in the first wave at 11.00hrs this means an average speed of approx. 15 minute/km (24mins/mile) of faster.

A cut off point is at the entrance to Richmond Park at 17.00hrs for any participant who has not yet passed this point.

Start Waves/Times

You will be allocated a start wave/time based on your estimated completion time, with those moving at a slower pace starting in earlier waves so that they have the longest possible time to reach the cut off points. Strat wave times are allocated in the weeks before the event.

If you’re concerned about whether you will get round in time based on your allocated start time please contact us at info@ultralondon.co.uk in advance of the event day.

WHAT DO I GET FOR MY ENTRY FEE?

  • Entry into London's newest endurance event
  • A fully signed route
  • Chip timing
  • Check points/aid stations along the course with food and drinks
  • Medical support
  • Bag drop & transfer from start to finish
  • Exclusive finishers medal
  • Exclusive finishers tee



IS THERE A LIMIT TO THE NUMBER OF ENTRIES INTO EACH DISTANCE?

In 2020 we are accepting a maximum of 1500 participants spread across all distance options so enter early to avoid disappointment. Unfortunately, no entries can be accepted on race day.



CAN I ENTER ON RACE DAY?

Unfortunately, no entries can be accepted on race day. We expect to sell out so please enter early to avoid disappointment.



IS THERE A MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARD TO ACHIEVE BEFORE I CAN ENTER?

There is no minimum qualification standard required to take part in ULTRA LONDON, however we strongly advise that participants have some experience of long distance events, and ensure that they have trained and prepared adequately as you will be expected to be self-supported for much of the event. This is not an event that you should enter and participate in if you have not trained adequately or achieved significant distances in the past.



IS THERE MANDATORY GEAR TO CARRY ON RACE DAY?

Yes. All participants must carry some basic provisions and equipment with them at all times, including: A mobile phone with a fully charged battery on race day morning

  • Debit/Credit/Oyster card to enable travel on public transport if required
  • Small foil blanket
  • Small first aid kit
  • Water bottle/foldable cup for water
  • Your own initial water supply and any specific fuel/food required.
  • Participants will be advised of the full mandatory equipment list well in advance of the event date.



HOW MANY CHECK POINTS / AID STATIONS ARE THERE?

ULTRA LONDON 70: there are four checkpoints along the route, plus the finish. ULTRA LONDON 55: there are three check points along the route, plus the finish. LONDON 35: there is one check point along the route, plus the finish. LONDON 27.5: there is one check point along the route, plus the finish. Details of the checkpoints will be shared with all participants prior to the event.



WHAT TIME DOES THE RACE START?

ULTRA LONDON 70 The race will start from Richmond in waves between 07.00hrs and 09.00hrs on Saturday 20 June 2020. LONDON 35 The race will start from Richmond in waves between 09.00hrs and 11.00hrs on Saturday 20 June 2020. ULTRA LONDON 55 The race will start from Woolwich in waves between 07.00hrs and 09.00hrs on Sunday 21 June 2020. LONDON 27.5 The race will start from Crystal Palace in waves between 11.00hrs and 13.00hrs on Sunday 21 June 2020. Runners will be notified of their start time a few weeks before the event.



WILL THERE BE TOILETS AT THE START/ FINISH OR ON THE RACE ROUTE?

Yes, there will be toilet facilities at all starts, at (or very close to) the check points and at the finish. Public toilets and some portaloos will be available at various locations.



WHAT FOOD AND DRINK WILL THERE BE ON ROUTE?

All check points will have a range of drinks and cold food.



I NEED TO WITHDRAW, WHAT IS THE REFUND/ TRANSFER POLICY?

We have a flexible policy for transfers. We do not offer any refunds or deferrals. Please read our withdrawal and refund policy for more details.



HOW DO I GET IN TOUCH?

If you have any specific questions that are not answered within this section you can contact us at info@ultralondon.co.uk.



ARE THERE AGE RESTRICTIONS FOR PARTICIPANTS?

To enter ULTRA LONDON 70 or ULTRA LONDON 55 you must be aged 20 or over. To enter LONDON 35 or LONDON 27.5 you must be aged 18 or over.



WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

As with all ultra running events it is important that you wear appropriate kit - and test your kit out on a long run/walk prior to the event. With the event being staged in June you should be prepared for all likley weather conditions, taking into account weather forecasts for London in the lead up to the event date.

Consider the following:

  • Shoes - comfort/cushioning, lightweight, adequate grip for multi-terrain
  • Socks and underwear - comfort, able to wick away moisture
  • Gloves
  • Legs & upper body - consider the potential of changing temperatures and the potential for wind and rain.
  • Race pack & hydration vest - comfort is key but also consider how much you want to carry with you, and ease of access whilst on the run.
And remember to train with the gear you plan to race in.



ARE DOGS ALLOWED?

We love dogs and hope that in future years we will allow them to participate in aspects of the event (accompanied obviously). However this year we are limiting the event to just those on two legs only.



IS ACCOMMODATION AVAILABLE?

There are numerous hotels a short distance from the starts in both Richmond and Woolwich. In the future we hope to provide accomodation packages for runners, but these are not currently available for 2020.





IF THE EVENT IS CANCELLED DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, HOW WILL I GET A REFUND?

If circumstances dictate that we are required to cancel the event, entrants will be entitled to a refund (minus a £5 admin fee). We will transfer the refund (and iTab fee if purchased at the point of entry) back to the card that was used for payment. If you no longer have access to this card, please get in touch with us via email info@ultralondon.co.uk All refunds are subject to a £5 administrative fee to cover the costs involved in processing the original booking, fixed costs incurred in planning and developing the event, including staff and supplier costs, and third party payment providers. This is outlined in our event terms and conditions at the time of booking.



ROUTE

HOW DO I GET TO THE START?

Saturday 20 June

  • ULTRA LONDON 70 will start in Richmond upon Thames
  • LONDON 35 will start in Richmond upon Thames
Sunday 21 June
  • ULTRA LONDON 55 will start in Woolwich
  • LONDON 27.5 will start in Crystal Palace
All locations are well-connected with good rail, bus and Tube links. Exact venue locations will be shared well before the event date.



WHERE IS THE FINISH?

Saturday 20 June

  • ULTRA LONDON 70 will finish in Woolwich
  • LONDON 35 will finish in Hendon
Sunday 21 June
  • ULTRA LONDON 55 will finsih in Richmond upon Thames
  • LONDON 27.5 will finsih in Richmond upon Thames
All locations are well-connected with good rail, bus and Tube links. Exact venue locations will be shared well before the event date.



HOW TOUGH IS THE COURSE?

The ULTRA LONDON course is on or very close to the Capital Ring path. Being an urban ultra event you can expect the terrain to be a mixture of footpaths, parks, woodland trails, canal paths and disused railway lines. There are also steps in places. Dependent on weather conditions parts of the route may be muddy.

Whilst it is not mountainous, there are hills in places that will provide a challenge for participants.



ARE THERE ANY ROAD CROSSINGS OR GATES/ STILES TO NEGOTIATE?

Yes. There are a number of road crossings on the route, some quiet and some will be on busier roads. It is the responsibility of all participants to ensure they travel along footpaths and not on roads, and that they cross roads at suitable and designated road crossing points. Participants must leave gates as they find them (i.e. opened or closed). The event is on public footpaths and other footpath users will be present. All participants must be aware of other footpath users, be courteous and polite at all times. Please avoid running/walking abreast on narrow footpaths.



IS THE ROUTE FULLY MARKED?

Yes, there will be event-specific directional signs and confidence markers throughouth the course. At registration and in the briefing before the race participants will be shown the course markers. Due to the nature of the route, certain parts are somewhat coplex to navigate and runners are advised to moderate their speed at these points to ensure the correct path is taken. A sports GPS navigation device is reccomended if you have one - GPX files will be released closer to the event date. More detailed course notes will be published closer to the event date.



RACE DAY

WHERE SHOULD I PARK?

For participants, we advise using public transport to access the start and finish locations. There is no event parking available at the start locations. If you do wish to drive to the start - a list of near by car park locations will be provided on the event website in due course. For spectators, public transport is also recommended.



WHAT FACILITIES ARE THERE AT THE START/ FINISH?

The start locations will have toilets and changing facilities available. Water will also be available for participants to fill their water bottles, although we recommend that where possible, participants arrive with a full supply of water. At there finish there will be toilets and drinks available. A bag drop and transfer service will be provided from the events starts to the finish. Please note that the baggage transport will leave the start locations only when the last participants have started at that location.



ARE PACERS ALLOWED?

No pacers are allowed in this event. You are allowed to run with friends (who have also entered the event).



ARE SUPPORT CREWS ALLOWED?

Yes, participants may receive support from friends and family along the course. Naturally this support cannot extend to assisting the participant to travel along the course.



CAN I HAVE A BAG TAKEN TO THE FINISH?

Yes, participants can give one bag to the race organiser at the start to be taken to the finish. This bag should be as small as possible. No suitcases please. Please note that the baggage vehicle will leave the start only when the last participant has started. Also note that once bags have been taken to the finish they cannot be transported elsewhere and must be collected at the finish.



WILL I NEED A MAP?

A map and/or course notes are reccomended. Whilst there will be event-specific directional signs and confidence markers throughouth the course, due to the nature of the route, certain parts are somewhat complex to navigate and runners are advised to moderate their speed at these points to ensure the correct path is taken. A sports GPS navigation device is recommended if you have one - GPX files will be released closer to the event date. More detailed course notes will be published closer to the event date.



WHAT ARE THE PRIZES / AWARDS?

All finishers will receive an exclusive medal and tee-shirt. The first man and women in each distance will receive a commemorative trophy.



WHAT HAPPENS IF I NEED TO DROP OUT DURING THE RACE?

If you need to drop out during the race it is ultimately your responsibility to notify event control (via phoning the event control number or notifying event staff at the checkpoints) of your decision to retire from the event. If you have a bag to collect, you will need to make your way back to the finish line. We will try to help where we can although please note that public transport might be the most suitable option.

Except in an emergency or where you cannot continue due to injury or ill health, please make your way to the next check point and inform the event staff at the check point that you intend to drop out. This is important so that we can account for all runners in the event.

If you cannot make it to the check point, you must call the event control (number will be on your race number) to notify them of your location and of your intentions for onward travel (i.e. if you are planning to make your way to the finish). In the unlikely event of an emergency situation call the emergency services first and then call event control. Participants who retire will not receive a finshers medal or t-shirt.



WHAT LEVEL OF MEDICAL SUPPORT CAN I EXPECT?

Medical support is provided at the checkpoints and at the finish. However please note that due to the nature of the event participants should recognise the physical challenge and should train and prepare adequately. If you have not been able to prepare properly please do not take part. For much of the route participants are expected to be self-supported. ​If you have a problem that requires medical attention but you can make your way to the next checkpoint please do so. If you (or another participant you are attending to) require medical assistance and are unable to reach the next checkpoint please call Event Control - this number will be on your race number bib, and you will be given the Race Director's number at registration on the day of the event. In the unlikley event that emergency medical attention is required please call the emergency services on 999 in the first instance and then call the race director.



HOW DO I CONTACT THE EVENT DIRECTOR ON THE DAY OF THE EVENT?

The Event Control number will be printed on your race number. Participants will be advised to save this number into their phone at registration.



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