How the 10hr Ultra Works – Solos, Teams, Families
So you’ve signed up for the Sunshine Coast 10hr Ultra – awesome choice! Whether you’re going it alone as a solo legend or sharing the adventure in a pair, team or family, here’s the lowdown on how the laps roll.
✨Not Your Usual Backyard Ultra….
This one’s got a twist! Unlike a Backyard Ultra, you’re not out if you miss a lap. 🙌
Here’s the key differences:
- You can run it solo, or mix it up in a pair or team or family with a relay-style format. One runner on the course at a time.
- Need a breather? No worries. If you choose to sit out a lap – or don’t make it back within the hour – you’re not eliminated.
- Just jump back in on a later lap and keep adding to your tally.
It’s all about how many laps you and your crew can stack up over 10 hours, with plenty of freedom to run it your way.
🔔 The Start Line Buzz
Every lap kicks off on the hour – and when the hooter sounds, it’s game on!
- 1 Minute rule: Once the hooter goes, you’ve got 1 minute to cross the start line. You must have checked in before starting. Miss it, and that lap is a no-go but you can jump back into the race on the next start.
Before the start of each lap the following warnings will be sounded:
- 3-minute whistle (3 blasts): Time to head to the start line.
- 2-minute whistle (2 blasts): Check in with the officials.
- 1-minute whistle (1 blast): Last call – get ready to run!
🏁 The Finish Line
To make your lap count, you need to cross the finish line before the clock passes 59:59.
- If you’re late, that lap doesn’t count – but don’t stress, you can still head out again on the next lap that starts after you’ve finished.
- Complete your lap in time, and it goes towards your tally. Easy!
👟 Solos vs Teams
- Solos: You’re the hero of your own story – just you and the trails for 10 hours. Every lap is yours to conquer.
- Pairs & Teams: Think of it as a tag-team adventure!
- Only one runner is out on the course at a time, while the rest of the crew chill, cheer, or refuel. (No coaches, pacers, or tag-alongs though – this one’s all yours!)
- You’ll all share a single race number, so don’t forget to hand it over at each lap change.
- The fun part? The strategy’s totally up to you – swap out for short, speedy bursts, take turns on longer stints, or mix it up to keep things interesting.
👨👩👧 Family Fun Category
Want to share the adventure with the whole crew? The Family Fun Category is designed just for you! Families can enter with up to 5 runners from the same family and take on a shorter 5k lap in a fun relay-style format – perfect for younger runners (and those young at heart).
Here’s how it works:
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At least 8 years of age: May join the fun, but must be accompanied on the course by a designated parent or guardian (18+), who is also part of the family team.
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At least 10 years of age: Can run the 5k lap unaccompanied.
The best part? You can run as many laps as you like or simply sit some out, relax, and soak up the atmosphere at Race HQ. It’s all about fun, teamwork, and creating unforgettable memories together on the trails.
🏆 The Victory Formula
It’s simple: the most laps in the shortest overall time wins. Solos, pairs, or teams – whoever stacks them up best takes the glory.
Whether you’re chasing personal bests, swapping laps with your mates, or just seeing how far you can go, the 10hr Ultra is all about challenge, fun, and plenty of trail-time stories to take home.
You can find out more by checking out the Race Rules