You asked us about the ranking, scoring, age groups and much more. After the public launch and the unveiling of the World Trail Majors calendar, it is time to welcome the main stars of the events: the runners, all of them, amateurs and elites. There were many questions following the launch, we are going to try and answer as many as possible.

What is the objective depending on the type of runner?

For amateur runners, the World Trail Majors can be seen as a “once in a lifetime” list of races, suggestions for your “bucket list” of events, but also all the races will be part of an annual ranking for those who have that competitive drive. For amateur runners – but also for the elite – they can be understood as races that you have to do sometime in your life, hence the slogan “Races of a Lifetime.” They are races that go beyond the racing challenge.

As an addition to the annual ranking system, we will also keep records over multiple years for runners who only do one race a year, this will create an ongoing leaderboard for all runners. More information on how this system will be managed soon.

For the elite, the World Trail Majors is about competing for glory. Prize money will be the reward for training hard and competing at the highest level. At the same time, we are sure some elites will “cherry pick” a race to suit their calendar and not be in for the series.

What is the scoring system?

World Trail Majors will be using a hybrid scoring system. For most athletes, we will use the already established ITRA system, as they are the reference body for trail running.

Following conversations with the PTRA (Professional Trail Runners Association) we wanted a more predictable points system to make it fairer for comparison and ranking amongst elite runners and races. Allowing runners to easily calculate what position they must finish in a race for their final overall ranking. Therefore, the Top 20 in each race will be scored as per the table below and 21st onwards will be ITRA scoring.

Chart of points according to finish position

Using this hybrid scoring gives us a “best of both” system because:

  • ITRA score is a simple, well known, tested and established system.
  • ITRA Performance Index is the official trail running world ranking recognized by World Athletics.
  • Points for each race are based performance at that race.
  • The ITRA algorithm is continuously reassessed so it improves race by race.
  • Elites can easily calculate where they need to finish to achieve a specific final score.
  • It is almost impossible to have a tie, see below.
  • Not in the control of World Trail Majors who cannot modify it at their convenience or according to their own interests.

Awards

The distribution of cash prizes is as follows for overall Male and Female rankings:

1st place: €12,000

2nd place: €6,000

3rd place: €3,000

4th place: €1,500

5th place: €1,000

(Prizes without having applied the taxes that each country determines).

What about in the case of a tie?

If there is a tie at the end of the season, something possible for elite runners, but almost impossible for amateurs, the rules are:

  • The runner with best combined ITRA race score will be placed ahead.
  • If runners are still tied, the prize fund for their positions will be added up and divided equally, i.e.
  • If 1st prize is 5000 € and 2nd is 3000 €. Each runner will receive (5000 + 3000) / 2 = 4000 €.

 What performance index will be applied?

Likewise, to obtain an objective ranking of the elite runners, the ITRA Performance Index will be used as it is an independent scoring system, widely used and accepted, so it is suitable for the purposes of the World Trail Majors.

How many races will be scored?

We know the enormous physical demand that long distance races require and that is why it has been agreed that the sum of the two best results count for scoring in World Trail Majors. Obviously, a runner can do as many races as they wish during the year, but we must consider the health and wellbeing of the runners. To be eligible for the series one race is enough.

Will there be Age Group ranking?

Yes, runners will be ranked in age groups based on their age at the end of the year (31st December 2024 in the case of the first edition of the World Trail Majors). Age groups will be:

  • Under 25 M/F (under 25)
  • Seniors M/F (25-39)
  • Master 40 M/F (40-49)
  • Master 50 M/F (50-59)
  • Master 60 M/F (60+)

Prizes will be announced soon.

Will there be prizes for the elite?

Yes. The reason we have not announced a prize table for the podium athletes yet is because there is a possibility that additional sponsors may add to the pot. We are working to reward podium performances as well as possible. Regardless of additional sponsors, World Trail Majors has allocated a budget for the prize fund for the top runners.

Which races will be eligible?

The most emblematic from each event:

  • Anta Hong Kong 100 Ultramarathon: 102 km, +5314 m.
  • Black Canyon Ultras: 100 km, +1250 m.
  • The North Face Transgrancanaria: 126 km, +6804 m.
  • Fuji 100: 165 km, +7574 m.
  • MIUT – Madeira Island Ultra-Trail: 115 km, +7100 m.
  • Swiss Canyon Trail: 111 km, +5350 m.
  • South Downs Way: 161 km, +3800 m.
  • Quebec Mega Trail: 160 km, +6500 m.
  • Grand Raid des Pyrenees: 163 km, +9800 m.
  • RMB Ultra-Trail Cape Town: 100 km, +4972 m.

What is the organization like?

World Trail Majors is a non-profit organization, as stated in its statutes. Each founding race has an equal share and each event participates voluntarily in the organization and can leave whenever they wish. Future additions to the World Trail Majors series are being considered and, we hope to add races in a way that ensures gradual and sustainable growth.