WTF Events Pty Ltd believe junior runners should be given the opportunity to compete in challenging sporting events so long as they have sufficient experience, that the appropriate framework is in place on race day and have the necessary support on hand to help if required.
As such, WTF Events Pty Ltd has placed the following conditions on competitors under the age of 18yrs in the WTF Ultra Marathon:
For under 18yrs runners wanting to run the 50km ultra marathon OR do multiple legs of the relay whose total distance adds up to more than 50km, we require that the participant provides evidence that they have:
- Run at least 25km in less than 3:45hrs within 6 weeks of the race – preferably off road.
- Submit a training program lasting at least 8 weeks that meets our expectations. Training program to be submitted to WTF Events Pty Ltd for approval no later than 6 weeks before the event.
- Training diary (we suggest a link to your Strava activities or similar) to be submitted at regular intervals from 6 weeks before race day so we can see if the training program is being followed.
- Submitted a hydration and nutrition plan for what they will consume during the race, along with safeguard measures to ensure that it is followed during the race
- Participated in at least 2 trail running races between 15km and 25km in the 3 months leading up.
- At race director’s discretion, may be asked to supply a doctors certificate saying that they have no known medical conditions that should limit them from tackling and completing the 50km event.
- Must have a dedicated support crew who can assist them during the entire event.
- Failure to complete the above will result in entry being forfeited.
For under 18yrs runners wanting to run the 50mi ultra marathon, WTF Events Pty Ltd requires that the participant provides evidence that they have:
- Completed a minimum of 3 training runs, off-road that are at least 4:30hrs in length within 3 months of the race.
- Complete a training program lasting at least 12 weeks that meets our expectations. Training program to be submitted to WTF Events Pty Ltd for approval no later than 10 weeks prior to the race.
- Training diary (we suggest a link to your Strava activities or similar) to be submitted at regular intervals from 10 weeks before race day so we can see if the training program is being followed.
- Participated in at least 2 trail running races between 25km and 50km in the 4 months leading up to the event.
- Submitted a hydration and nutrition plan for what they will consume during the race, along with safeguard measures to ensure that it is followed during the race.
- Supply a doctors certificate saying that they have no known medical conditions that should limit them from tackling and completing the 50mi event.
- Must have a dedicated support crew who can assist them during the entire event.
- WTF Events Pty Ltd has spoken with the participant and their parents/guardians to discuss what is involved with running a 50mi event.
- Failure to complete the above will result in entry being forfeited.
NOTE: If a race official considers that an underage athlete is in distress at any point in the race, then the athlete must be seen by a member of the event medical team who will determine if they are fit to continue. The decision is final, and failure to comply will result in disqualification.