How the 24hr, 10hr and 5hrWorks – Solos, Teams, Families
So you’ve signed up for the Sunshine Coast 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 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 24, 10 or 5 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 24, 10 oe 5 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.
👟 The 10hr Ultra – Your Adventure, Your Way
Not everyone wants to run their 10 hours the same way, so we’ve given you two options.
🌞 5hr + 5hr Format
Break your challenge into two fun-filled sessions. Run 5 hours on Saturday afternoon, then come back refreshed for another 5 hours on Sunday morning.
- Saturday: Midday start with the final lap commencing at 4pm.
- Sunday: 7am start with the final lap commencing at 11am.
🌙 10hrs Straight Format
Prefer to embrace the magic of the night? Start at 2am Sunday and run right through sunrise, with your final lap commencing at 11am.
Whichever path you choose, you’ll compete in the same overall 10hr Ultra category, with prizes awarded across both formats.
The challenge is the same. The experience is different. The choice is yours.
👨👩👧 Family Fun Category – 5hr
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 the 5hr 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 24, 10 or 5hr 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