As ultrarunning continues to boom globally and more people look to go beyond marathon distance, there’s one number that still looms large: 100 miles. Often hailed as the holy grail of endurance running, the 100-miler is seen as the pinnacle, a distance steeped in prestige, grit, and tradition.

But with that prestige has come gatekeeping.

Signing up for a 100-mile ultra has long meant navigating a maze of prerequisites: qualifying races, harsh cut-offs, vetting processes, and an unspoken expectation that only elite, ‘serious’ runners need apply. For years, 100 milers were treated as the exclusive domain of the 0.001%, those with perfect training logs, sub-elite marathon times, or enough free time and money to dedicate their lives to the trail.

Why 100-Milers Have Been Gatekept

In the ultrarunning world, 100-mile races are often viewed as the “holy grail.” To even sign up, you’ve traditionally had to:

  • Complete qualifying events (sometimes multiple).

  • Be able to meet aggressive cut-off times.

  • Prove you’re already an accomplished ultra runner.

  • Have a support crew willing to assist you on the day.

This creates an intimidating barrier for anyone curious about attempting their first 100 miler or those who just want to see if they have it in them to make it to the finish line.

But here’s the truth: you don’t have to be elite to finish a 100 mile ultramarathon. You just need the right mindset, preparation, and support.

Our Philosophy: Epic, But Achievable

At Rat Race, we’ve spent over a decade creating iconic ultramarathons like The Wall, a 70-mile ultra that sees thousands of everyday runners and walkers cross the finish line every year.

Our core belief? Everyday people can do extraordinary things. Whether it’s multi-day challenges or even multi-week journeys like Run Britannia, our goal is always to make big adventures inclusive, not exclusive.

Testing the Rat Race 100 Concept

In summer 2024, we decided to see if we could create a 100-mile ultramarathon for people who don't do 100 milers. One that anyone could attempt. Our Test Pilot team included:

  • Experienced ultra runners

  • Walkers planning to cover the distance on foot

  • People with very minimal training but a good base fitness

We filmed the journey (mini-doc to right, and what we discovered was game-changing: with mental toughness, support in all the right places and steady pacing, anyone can complete 100 miles.

What You Really Need to Finish 100 Miles

Running your first 100 miler isn’t about speed. It’s about:

  • Mental grit

  • Resilience

  • A plan to keep moving forward (even if that means walking)

And most importantly: an event environment that supports you rather than shuts you out.

Our 100-Miler: Inclusive by Design

We’ve built the Rat Race 100 to welcome first-timers and solo participants:

  • No qualifying races required

  • Generous cut-off times and a 48 hour completion window

  • 2.5mph completion pace

  • Sleep stations where you can rest safely

  • A supportive, community-first atmosphere

  • Fully waymarked course so no need to navigate

  • Fully stocked Pit Stops with real food to keep you moving

  • In event bag drops, sweeper bus and post event transport so you don’t need a support team

  • Female focused support including pregnancy transfer options for your entry, female only changing areas, toilets and sanitary products and the option to ‘pair up’ at Pit Stops with people for night time sections

In July 2025 we welcomed over 500 #ratracers to the startline at Bamburgh Castle ready to see if they could make it. The weather was not on their side and the Northumberland coastline battered them with a solid 24 hours of none stop rain, despite these conditions a huge 64% of them still finished – one of the highest completion rates in the country for this distance.