Self-Transcendence 24 Hour Race Ottawa


The Ottawa Self-Transcendence 24 Hour Race is part of a triple Ultramarathon race in the National Capital Region Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. The run takes place currently in July, organised by the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team. For many years, this race was held on an outdoor track at the Terry Fox Athletic Facility, and then indoors at the Louis Riel dome, on a 400-metre track. Since 2017, the race has been and continues to be held outdoors at the Asticou Training Centrein Gatineau, Quebec. Runners from Canada and all over the world participate. It is the longest-running 24 hour race and oldest timed ultrarace worldwide. Runners from Canada and all over the world participate.

History

The race first took place in 1981. Since its debut, it has hosted the National 24 Hour Championship on several occasions. Since 2009, it has also included a 6-hour, a 12-hour and a 6-hour relay race. Over the years, additional distance races have been added as well: 50 km, 50 mi, 100 km, 100 mi, and 200 km.

Records

During the first race in May 1981, Al Howie set the Canadian and North American record, with a final distance of 239.987 km. The following year, he surpassed his record by attaining a distance of 241.726 km. The men's current course record is 242.919 km by Peter Holubar in 1990. The women's course record of 214.487 km was set by Jamie Donaldson in 2009. During this race, she also broke the US 200km record for women.. In 2013, Jon Olsen ran 100 miles in 11:59.28, setting a new American 100-mile track record and a new North American record. The race is listed as one of the Worlds Toughest Endurance Challenges.