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Qualifying for ANCHOR DOWN
ultra
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How to Enter ADU (3 Methods)
There are three ways to enter the Anchor Down Ultra.
ADU entry moves fast. Registration can close in seconds. If you qualify for Preferred Entry, be online at 7:00 PM EST on January 2nd. That’s your best shot.
Your best and most reliabe path.
Opens January 2 at 7:00 PM EST.
First-come, first-served.
Qualifying standards apply (see full Preferred Entry details below).
Opens January 3 at 7:00 PM EST, only if spots remain after Preferred Entry.
Also first-come, first-served.
Minimum race history required (see full Standard Entry details below).
3) Application to Race Management
Applications accepted January 4 through January 10. A discretionary system (up to 25 slots).
Designed for edge cases like ADU veterans who miss registration, or prepared athletes who don’t cleanly fit into the other entry structures. (See full Application to Race Management details below.)
Important Dates & Times
| Item | Date / Time |
|---|---|
| Preferred Entry Registration Opens | January 2 — 7:00 PM EST |
| Standard Entry Registration Opens | January 3 — 7:00 PM EST (if available) |
| Application to Race Management | January 4 – January 10 (applications received before/after this window will not be considered) |
Annual Field Limit of ~235 Athletes
(1) Preferred Entry
Preferred Entry offers qualifying athletes a full day head start on registration:
Opens January 2 at 7:00 PM EST.
First-come, first-served. If the event fills (~235 athletes), Standard Entry will not open.
You must provide proof of your qualification during registration.
6-Hour Race Requirements
Meet one of the following:
(a) Recent ADU Finisher
Any finish at the most recent ADU (finisher’s medal earned).
(b) ADU Veteran Status
Two official ADU finishes (any year/distance) (finisher’s medal earned).
(c) Recent Ultra Completion
An in-person 31+ mile ultra within the last 12 months.
*Last 12 months translates to January 1st – December 31st of the year before the ADU in which you hope to run. Virtual races DO NOT count. Entire race course must be covered from start to finish within the rules specified by that race’s management. Please be prepared to name this race, date and results link when you register for ADU.
(d) Express Qualification Event
A qualifying performance at a designated Express Qualification Event within the last 12 months.
*Be prepared to name the race, the laps and the distance you ran when registering for the ADU.
12-Hour Race Requirements
Meet one of the following:
(a) Recent ADU Finisher
Any finish at the most recent ADU (finisher’s medal earned).
(b) ADU Veteran Status
Two official ADU finishes (any year/distance) (finisher’s medal earned).
(c) Recent Ultra Completion
An in-person 50+ mile ultra within the last 12 months.
*Last 12 months translates to January 1st – December 31st of the year before the ADU in which you hope to run. Virtual races DO NOT count. Entire race course must be covered from start to finish within the rules specified by that race’s management. Please be prepared to name this race, date and results link when you register for ADU.
(d) Express Qualification Event
A qualifying performance at a designated Express Qualification Event within the last 12 months.
*Be prepared to name the race, the laps and the distance you ran when registering for the ADU.
24-Hour Race Requirements
Meet one of the following:
(a) Recent ADU Finisher
12-Hour or 24-Hour finish at the most recent ADU (finisher’s medal earned).
*6-Hour finish does NOT qualify for next year’s 24-Hour.
(b) ADU Veteran Status
Two official ADU finishes (any year/distance) (finisher’s medal earned).
(c) Recent Ultra Completion
An in-person 50+ mile ultra within the last 12 months.
*Last 12 months translates to January 1st – December 31st of the year before the ADU in which you hope to run. Virtual races DO NOT count. Entire race course must be covered from start to finish within the rules specified by that race’s management. Please be prepared to name this race, date and results link when you register for ADU.
(d) Express Qualification Event
A qualifying performance at a designated Express Qualification Event within the last 12 months.
*Be prepared to name the race, the laps and the distance you ran when registering for the ADU.
(2) Standard Entry
Opens January 3 at 7:00 PM EST.
First-come, first-served. Will only open if the Preferred Entry has not filled all ~235 spots.
You must provide proof of your qualification during registration.
6-Hour Race Requirements
You must have completed:
13.1+ miles within the past 24 months, or
26.2+ miles within the past 36 months
(Please be prepared to name this race, the date and a link to the results when you register for ADU.)
12-Hour Race Requirements
You must have completed:
26.2+ miles within the past 24 months, or
31+ miles within the past 36 months
(Please be prepared to name this race, the date and a link to the results when you register for ADU.)
24-Hour Race Requirements
You must have completed:
31+ miles within the past 24 months, or
50+ miles within the past 36 months
(Please be prepared to name this race, the date and a link to the results when you register for ADU.)
(3) Application to Race Management
Applications accepted January 4 – January 10th.
This method exists for athletes with legitimate circumstances or strong ADU history who:
- Miss registration due to the race selling out
- Are capable and prepared but don’t cleanly fit into Preferred/Standard structures
- Are returning from significant injury/illness
- Have unique endurance backgrounds
HOW TO APPLY VIA METHOD 3
- Complete the ADU Application to Race Management form in full.
- Scan your completed application.
- Email the scanned application to: info@anchordownultra.com
Timeframe/Deadline: Your application must be received January 4 through January 10 in the year of the ADU you wish to compete in. Submissions received outside this window cannot be considered.
You will be notified via email if your application has been accepted or rejected for that year’s ADU. If your application is accepted, the Race Director will contact you with next steps for entry and registration.
Good luck. Anchor Down. Run Long.