Alberta Series Rules

1. If you run one of the series races you are automatically entered at no extra cost.

2. There are 6 age group categories and three special awards.

Men and women 34 and under
Men and women 35 to 49
Men and women 50 and up
2005 Awards

The Alberta Triple - a runner must successfully complete (according to that races rules) three series races at 100k or greater each, totalling 385km, within one racing season. This is an Alberta version of the Ultra grand slam. Are you tough enough?!!

Worst Day Award (nominated by race directors) - To the ultramarathoner who should have just stayed in bed and missed the race, but didn’t. 2003 winner - Kenneth Abernathy, Edmonton - 3 DNF, and one DNS.

The Forrest Gump Award- For runners who have completed all the races under the respective time limits. 2003 winner - Steve Johnson, Sherwood Park

The "Wow" Award (nominated by race directors) - For a performance in a series race that elicits a wow from the other runners. 2003 Winner - Phil Fraser, Lethbridge, for breaking a fourth record in as many tries.

3. Points are calculated two ways. First is by the distance the runner completes. 1 point per kilometre completed with the minimum distance of the race being 50 km. If you are entered and complete a 50 km race you get 50 points, if you enter and complete a 100 km race you get 100 points, etc. Then the secondary points are based on place. First place would get 100 points and then each runner after would get a percentage of that based on the number of finishers in the race. Men and women each have separate point tabulations. The most points you could get is double the distance you have completed. Example is a 50 km would be 100 points or 125 km would be 250 points.

Example of tabulations

1st place in a field of 32 finishers
- 32 x (100/32) =100 points
2nd place
- (32-1) x (100/32) =97 points

If there are 95 finishers 1st place
- 95 x (100/95) = 100 points
2nd place
- (95-1) x (100/95) = 99 points

For races with more than 100 finishers, each one left will get one point for finishing. At the end of all the races all the points will be tabulated. You must run at least 2 of 6 races to qualify for age group awards.

In the event of a tie between runners, the total points for the tied positions will be added up and divided equally between the runners listed as finishing in the same place.

4. Awards will be handed out after the final race of the series in Lethbridge.

5. Decisions of the Alberta Ultra Series will be final.

The goal of the series is to encourage participation in ultramarathons in Alberta and to reward excellence as well as perserverence. As this is the first year of the series there will probably be changes throughout the season to try to improve it. As you can see we have no official sponsors as of yet. If you are interested please contact any of the six races involved.

The 2003 series results are below and notice who is at the top. Four winners from other provinces! Alberta races must be doing something right.

If you notice any errors (spelling, city, age group) please email ilofthouse AT shaw DOT ca as we try to get it right.