MULTIDAYRUNNING
🕐 24-HourIAU

Self-Transcendence 24 Hour Track Race

Incorporates the British 24-Hour Championships 2026. An IAU Bronze Label event limited to 55 experienced ultra-runners, held on the Tooting Bec Athletics Track for this edition.

Official WebsiteBack to Events

Event dates, entry rules, qualification standards, and course details can change. Always verify current information on the official event website before registering or booking travel.

Event Overview

DateSep 19-20, 2026
Location🇬🇧 Tooting Bec Athletics Track, London, UK
Format24-Hour
TerrainTrack
RegionEurope
Cutoff24 hours
Start12:00 Saturday; race finishes at 12:00 Sunday.
Field sizeLimited to 55 runners.
SanctioningIAU
HighlightsBritish Championships, IAU Bronze Label

Course & Terrain

Fixed-time 24-hour race on a standard athletics track at Tooting Bec.

Key course features to know before comparing this race:

  • British 24 Hour Championships 2026
  • IAU Bronze Label and UK Athletics permit
  • Direction changes every four hours
  • Live results, lap counters, and hourly scoreboard updates

The track makes distance control and support easy, but it amplifies repetitive-load stress and mental fatigue.

The track is floodlit overnight; runners still need layers and wet-weather planning for a full September day and night in London.

Entry & Logistics

Application windowThe 2026 race opened February 4, with payment on acceptance and a waiting-list process if demand exceeds the field limit.
QualificationOpen to experienced runners with recent ultra race experience of at least 100 km or 12 hours-plus duration.
Entry fee£120 unaffiliated / £118 UKA affiliated club.
Support modelLap counters, sports physiotherapists, officials, trackside refreshments, hot and cold drinks, snacks, night soup, and post-race meals.
Crew / pacersNo pacing is allowed. Supporters may help from a stationary position but cannot walk or run alongside competitors.
Logistics noteThe 2026 event moved from Battersea to Tooting Bec because of track works. Vehicles are not permitted trackside, but runners can set up trackside support stations.

Why This Race Matters

Self-Transcendence 24 Hour Track Race is a useful reference point for runners comparing 24-hour events. Its format, terrain, and support model shape the kind of preparation required: not just fitness, but pacing discipline, nutrition planning, foot care, and the ability to make good decisions under fatigue.

Current benchmark performances listed in the race data:

  • Men: Donald Ritchie, 268.25 km, 1991
  • Women: Therese Falk, 236.8 km, 2017

Best Fit

  • Experienced 24-hour runners targeting national-standard competition
  • Athletes who want precise pacing and lap-count support
  • Runners comfortable with strict track etiquette and no pacing

Planning Notes

  • Build your plan around hourly distance targets, not moment-to-moment pace. In 24-hour races, controlled walking and quick aid stops usually beat early speed.
  • Flat, repetitive surfaces make pacing simple but increase repetitive-load stress. Rotate shoes and schedule foot checks before problems become visible.
  • This is not marked as a beginner-friendly event. Confirm qualification standards, support rules, and registration requirements before building a season around it.
  • Selection is based on experience and potential if entries exceed 55 runners
  • No beds are provided for rest breaks
  • Phone use and headphone rules are tightly controlled on the track

Event FAQs

Where is the 2026 Self-Transcendence 24 Hour Track Race held?

The 2026 race is held at Tooting Bec Athletics Track in London after a temporary move from Battersea Park.

Can supporters pace runners at the London 24 Hour?

No. The race follows IAU and UK Athletics rules, and supporters cannot walk or run alongside competitors.

Sources

  1. Official London 24 Hour page — https://uk.srichinmoyraces.org/london-24
  2. Multiday Running event directory data, last reviewed June 2026.