Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before you sign up, show up, and run. If you don't find your answer here, reach out.
The Basics
What is the Outlast race?
Outlast is an endurance running challenge held on trails nationwide. Participants complete one approximately 5K loop every hour, with 6-hour, 12-hour, and 24-hour events available.
You don’t have to be the fastest person on the trail. You do have to finish each loop before the next one begins.
Is Outlast for beginners?
Yes, if you're mentally tough. The 6-hour event welcomes all fitness levels: beginners who've run one 5K before, CrossFit athletes, Hyrox competitors, Ironman finishers, and elite runners all compete at the same events.
The key is pacing. If you can comfortably run or walk a 5K in under 55 minutes, you have enough time to rest and reset before the next round starts.
Note: Outlast Ultra (12-hour and 24-hour) is not beginner friendly. Those distances are for experienced runners and endurance athletes.
How does the Outlast running challenge work?
Every participant starts the first loop together. Once you finish, the remaining time in that hour is yours to recover, refuel, change gear, or question your decisions.
The next loop begins at the top of the next hour. Complete it on time and you keep going. Miss the cutoff and your day is done.
What is the difference between the 6-, 12-, and 24-hour races?
The format stays the same. The number of loops changes.
- Outlast 6-Hour: One 5K every hour for 6 hours
- Outlast Ultra 12-Hour: One 5K every hour for 12 hours
- Outlast Ultra 24-Hour: One 5K every hour for 24 hours
How far will I run?
Because every course is slightly different, total mileage varies. If each loop measures a full 5K, the approximate totals are:
- 6 hours: 30K or 18.6 miles
- 12 hours: 60K or 37.3 miles
- 24 hours: 120K or 74.6 miles
That is a lot of trail. Plan accordingly.
What happens if I don’t finish a lap within the hour?
You’re out of the challenge.
Each new loop begins at the top of the hour. Only participants who finished the previous loop before the cutoff may continue. Once you miss a cutoff, you cannot sit out a loop and rejoin later.
What happens if I finish a loop early?
The time left in the hour is yours. Use it to drink, eat, cool down, and get ready to line up again.
Are these trail races or road races?
Every Outlast event runs on trail terrain - dirt, rocks, roots, and elevation change. You may occasionally cross a short section of pavement or gravel, but Outlast is a trail race through and through.
Do I have to run all six laps?
No. Complete as many as you can. Finish four or five loops and you’ll still earn an Outlast patch.
Only participants who complete all six loops earn the Outlast finisher medal, an official finishing time, and leaderboard eligibility. Once you stop or miss a cutoff, you cannot rejoin later.
Can I walk during an Outlast race?
Yes. You can run, walk, or mix the two—as long as you finish each loop before the next hour begins.
Keep the terrain in mind. Rocks, roots, and elevation changes can slow your pace, so leave yourself enough time to finish and reset before the next start.
Is every loop exactly 5K?
Not necessarily. Trail layouts vary, so an exact 5K isn’t guaranteed. We keep each loop as close to 5K as possible.
Your total distance will depend on the course and how many loops you complete.
Timing, Results & Awards
How is the race timed?
Each loop is timed individually. For participants who complete the full challenge, all loop times are added together to create a cumulative finishing time.
That combined time determines local race placement and national leaderboard rankings.
How do I win an Outlast race?
To be eligible for the win at a 6-hour Outlast event, you must complete all six loops. The male and female finishers with the fastest combined times win their divisions.
Local winners are also added to the national leaderboard for a shot at the $1,000 national prize and Outlast title. Current prize eligibility and leaderboard rules apply.
Is there a national Outlast leaderboard?
Yes. Full finishers can be ranked by their cumulative times, making it possible to compare performances across Outlast events nationwide.
What do I earn for completing the 6-hour Outlast race?
Complete all six loops and you earn the 6-inch Outlast finisher medal, an official finishing time, and eligibility for the local and national leaderboards.
Complete four or five loops and you still earn an Outlast patch.
What do Outlast Ultra finishers receive?
Participants who finish the 12-hour Outlast Ultra earn a 12-inch medal and a 12-hour finisher shirt.
Participants who finish the 24-hour challenge earn a 24-inch medal and a 24-hour finisher shirt.
Race Day
Are there aid stations?
Yes. Water, basic hydration, and snacks will be available at the basecamp and loop-start area.
Aid-station offerings may vary by event, so bring any specific fuel, electrolytes, or supplies you know you will need.
Is Outlast a cupless event?
Yes. Bring your own handheld bottle, reusable cup or hydration system.
Disposable cups will not be provided at the aid station.
Can I set up a tent or basecamp?
Absolutely. Tent setup is allowed and encouraged. Bring your own shelter, chairs, cooler, and whatever you need to rest and recover between laps. A lot of runners bring friend groups and turn the basecamp into a full crew setup.
What should I bring to an Outlast race?
At minimum, plan to bring:
- Trail running shoes
- A bottle, reusable cup, or hydration pack
- Weather-appropriate layers
- Food and electrolytes you have used during training
- Extra socks and clothing
- Sunscreen and basic personal supplies
- A chair or tent for basecamp
- A headlamp if your event includes low-light hours
Check your specific event information and the weather forecast before packing.
Registration Details
Where are Outlast races held?
Outlast trail running events are held in locations across the United States. Courses and terrain vary by city, giving every event its own character.
Visit the Events page to find an upcoming Outlast trail race near you.
How do I register?
Choose an upcoming race on the Events page and follow its direct registration link. Each listing includes the event date, location, challenge length, and available sign-up information.
How much does an Outlast race cost?
Registration prices can vary by event, location, and format. Visit the individual race listing for current pricing and registration deadlines.
Is there an age minimum?
There is no strict age minimum for the 6-hour event. Younger participants are welcome as long as a parent or guardian signs the waiver on their behalf and takes responsibility for their participation. We've had athletes as young as 12 compete at Outlast events.
Use your best judgment. Trail running for 6 hours is a demanding day. Outlast Ultra requires even more endurance since these are 12-24 hr days. Those aren’t suited for kids.
Can I sign up with friends?
Please do. Outlast is an individual challenge, but it is better with your people.
What is the refund or transfer policy?
Refund, deferral, and registration-transfer rules are listed on the Policies and Refunds page. Review those terms before registering, as policies may vary based on timing and event circumstances.
What if I still have a question about my event?
Send the Outlast team a message through the Contact page. Include the event name or location so your question can reach the right race director faster.
