Vermont 100 Race Qualifiers: A Deeper Dive

Each year behind the scenes, Todd Hobson is the tireless volunteer who works to confirm the race qualifiers of every 100-mile runner* on the VT100 start list. Thanks to Todd we are able to ensure that every runner has the best chance of success on race day!

Below, Todd shares his approach to this task, including answers to some of the more frequently asked questions. We again thank him for his efforts to help ensure that the Vermont 100 retains the consistency that we strive for!

*Note: Those running our 100-kilometer race do not need a race qualifier. They only need to complete their service (volunteer) requirement, as do all 100-milers.

The VT100 prides itself on being fair and consistent to all participants relative to our race qualifier requirements. To qualify for our 100-mile race, you must complete a race of 50 miles or longer within the posted qualifying window and times.

Many folks seem to think that there is room for negotiation when it comes to their qualifiers – however there is NO fair and consistent way to make exceptions.

Every year, we are inundated with special requests that are outside our parameters. These requests take time and energy away from the monumental task of confirming the mound of legitimate submissions (those completed within the regulations) that need to be confirmed.

Frequently, we are asked some form of the following questions:

“I didn’t make your time cutoff but the race course I ran last week was very difficult. Will you accept my effort?”

NO!

Or, “I’ve trained for two years and was planning to qualify last week at (pick a race). But I wasn’t feeling well and had a bad day. Believe me, I’m prepared and able to complete your race. Will this be acceptable?”

NO!

Or, “I finished (pick a 50-mile race) in 12:03. I’m in great shape but didn’t manage my aid station stops efficiently. Does this qualify?  But it was really hot and/or really muddy on race day so that’s why I was slower.”

And… You guessed it, NO!

We understand that every race is different, but without a formal handicap system that provides a relatively consistent race course comparison, we cannot fairly judge.

Is Hardrock more difficult than VT100? Sure. But how much harder? Equivalent to 35 hours?  40? More? If someone runs Superior 100 in 33 hours, is that effort the same as finishing Wasatch in 34 hours, or Old Dominion in 30?  If someone runs the Pineland Farms 100k on a day when it’s 90 degrees or the trails were a mudfest (trust me, I’ve been there on those days!), how much slower would that be than a day when it’s 70 degrees and the trails are dry?

You see, it’s a slippery slope fraught with inconsistency.

Please plan your race schedule to find a way to crush a race within our qualifying times.

As you look around at the qualifying standards for other ultra races, they are all different and each have their own sets of pros and cons. For example, Western States has taken the time to ‘handicap’ finish times for several races (i.e. Vermont 100 miler in 30 hours, and Bear 100 miler in 36 hours both serve as qualifiers), but it also requires that you qualify via one of their designated qualifying races.

At Vermont 100, we don’t have a published list of qualifying races. You can use any 50-mile or longer event to qualify. However, the flip side is that it does mean that you need to select a race that allows you to reach the finish line within our qualifying standards.

Are there any exceptions? 

There are always situations that are unique but still meet the intent of the qualifiers, and we have developed a process to maintain consistency, such as the following:

If you run a race (over 50 miles) that is a non-traditional distance (such as Ultra Trail Hurricane 125k, Manchester to Monadnock 54-miler, or Laurel Highlands 70-miler), we have a curve that allows us to determine an equivalent finish time given the non-traditional distance.

If you run a race over 100 miles, we can accept any 50-mile split from that race that is under 12 hours, or 100k split under 16 hours, or 100 mile split under 30 hours. (And, as the previous paragraph shows, that may include the timing split from an aid station at a distance greater than 50 miles…and we’ll use the non-traditional distance formula to determine the equivalent qualifying time.) We need documentation, however, besides your watch data. So please coordinate with that race’s RD to make sure you can get a published split (from an aid station).

Or, for other non-traditional races (backyard ultras, etc.) or timed events (24-hour races, etc.), we will accept any 50-mile split that is under 12 hours, or 100k split under 16 hours, or 100 mile split under 30 hours. (Again, an aid station split at a distance beyond 50 miles can be used, so long as the appropriate non-traditional distance equivalent time is met.)  If you plan to use a split rather than a finishing time, you’ll need to provide us with a link to the published aid station/timing splits to verify your qualifier.

If you think any of these situations apply to you, email the VT100 RD to discuss your qualifier.