Can I choose when to do the event?
No, the race will start and finish at a set time, just like a normal event, so you’ll be going up against others in a ‘live’ environment. The race will take place on Saturday 24th April. The starting time for each of the 6/12/24 hour events is 8am.
How will I know what distance to cover during the event?
We will communicate this to you via SMS at the start of each hour, so it’ll be important that we have your mobile number. So, for example, you will receive an SMS message at 8am telling you the distance that you need to cover before 9am. This could be anything from 1 mile to 6 miles. If it is 6 miles it is likely to take you a good proportion of the hour to complete the distance, if it is 1 mile you get to build in some rest and recovery time. Winning!
Then at 9am you will receive the second SMS message telling you the distance you need to run before 10am. You will continue to receive a message at the start of each hour until the end of your event.
I am very competitive; how will the winner be decided?
The winner of each event, and each category, will be decided based on the shortest cumulative time taken to complete the distances you are exposed to over the full event.
You will record the time taken to cover the distance you are exposed to each hour; this will be uploaded to the leaderboard. Those covering the distance in the quickest time will sit at the top of the leaderboard. So, if you are in it to win it, you will need to run fast when the distance is revealed at the start of each hour. We do love a bit of competition!
I just want to take part for fun, is that OK?
Yes, of course! Our primary objective of this event is to bring our amazing community together. Please do take part for fun, that is what we want! This is a tough time for everyone so if this event can make life a little lighter for you, we will have achieved our goal. We run for fun, right?
Is there a team event?
Yes, we have the following team events:
6 hour - 2 person team
12 hour - 2 person team
24 hour - 4 person team
To enter as a team just head to the ‘register now’ page and select the event you want to enter.
It's then up to you to decide on your strategy for your team. Each team member can run as many or as little full exposures as you want. It's up to you to decide what works best for your team as long as you are running the right distances at the right times!
Can I choose where to run?
Yes, you can run anywhere. Outside on road, trail, on the treadmill, round your garden, anywhere you like. Please do however adhere to current government guidance on travel restrictions, this is really important to us! It could be a good idea to plan a route close to home so that you can start and finish each hour at your house if this is possible. That way you will be able to rest, get some food and make sure you have access to good Wi-Fi or phone signal before heading back out again. Oh, and be near a toilet! A toilet is always good for runners!
We advise that you chose a route in advance and carry out your own risk assessment of that route. It would also be sensible to let someone know where you plan to run and get them to check in with you during the event, especially if you are taking part in the 24 hour event and running through the night. You should carry an ICE (in case of emergency) card with you if you have one. Make sure you also have someone you can contact to help you if you do suffer an injury during the event.
Can I run with someone else?
We advise you to please comply with the current government and public health guidance in relation to Covid-19. If the guidance for your area allows you to run with your buddy (socially distanced), then please do, we know how much a difference this can make.
What happens if I don’t receive my SMS message advising me of the distance to run?
If for some reason you don’t receive your message, the distance will also be shown on the leaderboard at the start of each hour. This is why it could be a good idea to pick a route from home so that you have access to Wi-Fi. If for some reason you can't access the leader board, we will be on hand to support you. Please follow @pyllon and @pyllonultra on social media too as we will also be posting details there.
If I am tired, can I choose to walk the shorter distances?
Yes, this is your event, you pick your strategy! This event is open to runners of all abilities.
Can I run with my dog?
Yes, if you normally run with your dog and have a suitable route where they can join you safely, then dogs are welcome to join in too! Just make sure you reward them with some doggy treats.
Can I take my kids with me, either running or on their bikes?
Yes, if you normally run with your kids and have a suitable route where they can join you safely, then kids are welcome to join in too! We'd love to see some pictures of your family joining you. Kids can also be very encouraging "do you really run that slow mum/dad?". If they say this, don’t reward them with kiddy treats!
Can I take part on my bike?
C'mon, really? That’s a definite no! This is a running event.
Can I mix things up and run some outside and some on the treadmill?
Yeah sure, do whatever suits you. This could actually work really well if you are doing the 24 hour event, you might choose to do some of the night-time running on your treadmill if you have one.
I don’t have a watch that can record distance, can I still take part?
Yes, we are operating an honour based system. The only thing we would ask is that you run for a time that equals the distance that has been exposed. So, for example if you normally run at an average pace of 9 minute miles and we expose a 5 mile distance, you should go and run for 45 minutes if you’re confident you can maintain that average speed to give you the distance you need.
I am a back of the pack runner, I'm worried I might get timed out very quickly, can I still take part?
Yes, please don’t let that worry put you off entering!
We will not ask you to run more than 6 miles in any Exposure. If during the event you don’t manage to cover the distance for that hour, submit your distance at the right time anyway. And get ready for your next Exposure. If you are able to make up the shortfall in distance in the next Exposure then you can stay in the race. If you are not back on track by the end of that next hour, then your race is over. When we say over, it just means that you cannot achieve an “official” finish, but you’ll be very welcome to keep on running, and to finish all of the Exposures. Maybe that can then be your benchmark for the next edition of the race!
We created this as a challenging race, which naturally means we have to have some constraints. Without them it would just be another “do x miles over x period and you’ll get a finish” virtual event, and there’s been lots of those already. We wanted to create something that generates some real race excitement and provides a genuine opportunity for growth - just like a normal race. That growth only exists outside our comfort zones, where uncertainty and discomfort are inevitable. If you want to take on Exposure, then we are asking you to step out of your comfort zone.
We spent a lot of time creating this concept to ensure that the event caters for many people - not just faster runners. The beauty of this event is that you can either choose to target just completing the event, or if you like to race, to do it as fast as possible. We want you to enjoy it, and to achieve a finish. We’re certain that if you can face your fears and embrace the uncertainty then you’ll at least learn something about yourself along the way.
I am not based in the UK; can I still take part?
Yes, we'd love to see as many people from across the globe taking part. All that we ask is that you consider your time zone and start your race at 8am GMT.
How do I submit my results?
The link to submit results will be made available before 8am on Saturday 24th April. Your time must be uploaded as soon as you finish each Exposure. You should do this straight away, to ensure you can stay in the race. If we do not receive it within 30 mins past the end of each exposure, then your race will be over! So, for example, the first Exposure will start at 08:00 and close at 09:00. You’ll have up to 09:30 to upload your first entry. This is where you could get your friends or family to help you. They could upload your results for you so that you can head back out on your run. It is VERY IMPORTANT that you upload the time taken to complete each exposure (i.e. the distance announced each hour) and not just the total time taken to complete the full event.
Do I need to submit proof of my time?
This is an honour based system so we will not be asking for proof unless you are eligible for a prize (winner at each category). There will however be an option to enter links to strava or similar if you want to. If you are a prize winner, we may ask you to provide these links.
How often does the leaderboard update?
The leader board will be updated hourly so you can keep track of your progress and decide on your race strategy. It may take until the half hour after the last exposure for the table to be updated. The ability to race against others fills us with huge amounts of excitement!
Can I switch events?
Once the event starts you cannot drop down to a shorter event.
However you can switch events up to Monday 19th April. Simply head back to your entry, login and the option will be open to you. If you upgrade to the 12 hour or 24 hour event you will pay the difference. If you downgrade, we will give you a refund of the difference once entries are locked on Monday 19th April.
How will I get my race number?
Your race number will be available via the entrants' page. You can download your race bib at any time in April before the event. We'd love you to share your race number on social media using the hashtag #PyllonExposure
Get the kids involved and decorate your race bib, there may be a prize for this, just saying!
How should I train for this event?
This event is open to runners of all abilities. The 6-hour version could be a great kick-off event for anyone looking to run beyond marathon distance for the first time. The 12 and 24 hour events are for experienced ultra runners and could provide fantastic focus races for the first half of the year - particularly if you’re looking to race a non-virtual 50 mile, 100K or 100 mile event in summertime or beyond. Included in our entry fee is access to two online coaching seminars with Pyllon Coaches covering training and race planning advice. We are also offering a special discounted monthly Pyllon coaching offer to get you to the race in shape. If you'd like to take advantage of this offer, please contact events@pyllonultra.com
When will my race gift be sent out?
Please give us up to 2 weeks from the end of the event to get your race gift to you. It may of course arrive sooner than this. This will be subject to the postal service, but we will certainly do our best!
When is the last day to enter?
Entries will close the night of Weds 21st April. We can't wait for you to join us.
I am still unsure about something, can I ask?
Yes, please do, you can contact us at events@pyllonultra.com