For an event of this nature, real mountain running experience and ability is more relevant than race results. Therefore, UTS is not a vetted-entry event, however we strongly advise any aspiring entrant has completed training or races that meet the specifics indicated below as a minimum.
We strongly recommend runners considering entering UTS 100M have a valid UTMB Index in the 100K category or above, and runners considering entering UTS 100K have a valid UTMB Index in the 50K category or above.
Successful completion of an on-route recce will offer ideal, course-specific training experience, whilst also allowing you to judge your fitness and pace in comparison to the fastest/slowest runner split time charts found under 'Race Info'.
It is expected that you arrive on the start line well trained, both physically and mentally, and confident in your ability to safely complete the race within the time limit. Failure to start the race well prepared significantly increases your chance of DNF, as well as posing an increased risk to the Event Safety Team. UTS 100M & 100K in particular are NOT an event for Ultra-Trail® novices, nor are they events you can 'just wing it' at!...
If you have any queries with regards to your readiness to take on UTS, please email the Race Director prior to entering: michael.jones@utmb.world
On the start line of UTS 100M, you will confidently possess the ability to complete a race/training run of at least 60km distance, featuring at least 50m+ elevation gain per km (e.g. a 70km long run with >3,500m+ cumulative ascent), on mountainous terrain that also takes in easy, ungraded scrambling in adverse weather conditions. You possess the ability to apply sound mountain judgement at all times and can navigate using map and compass if required.
To make the race cut-off times, we recommend you are able to maintain a minimum average speed (including breaks/stops etc.) of 4.5km/hr for any of training run up to 60km in distance. Above this distance, ability to maintain a minimum average speed of 3.5km/hr or above is advised.
Examples of sound training/race experience: Completion of a 50km training run that accumulates over 3,000m+ cumulative ascent in Snowdonia, the Lake District, Scottish Highlands, the Alps, etc. and took less than 13 hours to complete; successful Bob Graham/Paddy Buckley/Ramsey Round attempt; completion of races such as, or similar to Lakeland 100, TDS, Mont Blanc 90km, Ben Nevis Ultra, V3K, or any ultra-distance SkyRace over 50km long.
Examples of training/race experience that will not prepare you adequately to complete UTS 100M: Completion of a 60km training run with less than 3200m+ cumulative ascent on forest trails; completion of races such as Highland Fling, Lakeland 50, North Downs Way 100, etc.
On the start line of UTS 100K, you will confidently possess the ability to complete a race/training run of at least 50km distance, featuring at least 50m+ elevation gain per km (e.g. a 60km run with over 3,000m+ cumulative ascent), on mountainous terrain that also takes in easy, ungraded scrambling in potentially adverse weather conditions. You possess the ability to apply sound mountain judgement at all times and can navigate using map and compass if required.
To make the race cut-off times, we recommend you are able to maintain a minimum average speed (including breaks/stops etc.) of 5km/hr for any of training run up to 50km in distance.
Examples of sound training/race experience: Completion of an official UTS guided recce event; a 45km training run that accumulates over 2,300m+ cumulative ascent in Snowdonia, the Lake District, Scottish Highlands, the Alps, etc.; successful Bob Graham/Paddy Buckley/Ramsey Round attempt; Completion of races such as, or similar to the V3K, Scafell SkyRace, Snowdon SkyRace, Ben Nevis Ultra, Wasdale & Ennerdale Horseshoe fell races, or any SkyRace over 30km distance.
Examples of training/race experience that will not prepare you adequately to complete UTS 100K: Completion of a 32km training run with less than 1,600m+ cumulative ascent on predominantly runnable trails; completion of races such as Highland Fling, Yorkshire 3 Peaks Race, Edale Skyline, trail marathons with less than 2,100m+ cumulative ascent, etc.
On the start line of UTS 50K, you will confidently possess the ability to complete a race/training run of at least 30km distance, featuring at least 50m+ elevation gain per km (e.g. a 35km run with over 1,800m+ cumulative ascent), on mountainous terrain that also takes in easy, ungraded scrambling in potentially adverse weather conditions. You possess the ability to apply sound mountain judgement at all times and can navigate using map and compass if required.
To make the race cut-off times, we recommend you are able to maintain a minimum average speed (including breaks/stops etc.) of 4.5km/hr for any of training run up to 40km in distance.
Examples of sound race/training experience: Completion of an official UTS guided recce event, a 30km training run that accumulates over 1,500m+ elevation gain in Snowdonia, the Lake District, Scottish Highlands, the Alps etc.; Completion of races such as or similar to Scafell SkyRace, Wasdale & Ennerdale Horseshoe fell races, etc.
Examples of training/race experience that will not prepare you adequately to complete UTS 50K: Completion of a low-level trail half marathon, completion of a trail marathon with less than 2,100m+ cumulative ascent, etc.
As this is an entry-level event open to runners of all abilities, there is no defined minimum recommended experience.
However, we do advise you to be fit and ready to take on this route, that features 1,300m+ over its 25kms, including a full ascent of Yr Wyddfa/Snowdon, which tops out at 1,085m.
