About The Race

Each September, a selection of 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, this race has produced many great performances, National and World Best Records, and is renowned for its superb organization.

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 55 runners with competitors selected on the basis of previous experience and potential.

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

For full information on the race see https://uk.srichinmoyraces.org/london-24

Change of Location

Due to Battersea closing their track for re-laying, this year's race is being held at Tooting Bec Athletics Track, Tooting Bec Road, SW17 8AR.

British 24 Hour Championships

We are honoured to have been chosen to host the British 24 Hour Championships for 2026.

How to Enter

Open to experienced runners. Competitors must have completed at least 100K distance in the last couple of years.

Entering does not guarentee acceptance. All race applicants will receive confirmation of their application at the time of submission, followed by an email indicating whether a place is guarenteed.

For those we cannot accomodate there is a waiting list for places that come free leading up to the race.

Payment of the entry fee is due within 7 days of acceptance. Failure to make payment may result in withdrawal of a confirmed place.

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

Tooting Bec Athletics Track provides the perfect set-up to enable runners ready access to everything they need throughout the race.

Parking in the carpark over the road

Space for runners to set up tents / support stations trackside

Communal tent for those without a tent/crew

Trackside lap counters to record your distance and provide encouragement

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. Race packs are sent in advance, on arrival you will receive your race number with chip and race tee - if ordered.

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 suffers in inclement weather.

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.

Description supplied by the event organiser.