The Ultra event is a unique event with unique Ultra-specific obstacles and challenges; the Ultra will no longer be an extension of the Beast event (like the 2017 and prior Ultra Beast).
The Ultra will be geared for true endurance-focused Spartans, with a minimum distance of 30 mi/ 50km. Upon completion of this 30 mile test of will, successful finishers will receive a newly designed Ultra belt buckle, as well as special Ultra-branded finisher shirt and wedge medal, in the new color of the Ultra - purple.
The Spartan Ultra does count toward a Spartan Trifecta (which is comprised of one Sprint, one Super and one Beast). The Ultra wedge medal can be used to complete an Endurance Delta (Hurricane Heat, Hurricane Heat 12 Hour, Ultra). Finishing one lap of an Ultra does not entitle a racer to a Spartan Beast medal.
For the first time, all Ultra events globally will be qualifiers for Elite and Age Group categories into the Ultra World Championship. Ultra racers will need to achieve demanding course cut-off times and there is no roll-down or maximum number of qualifiers.
To be eligible for entry into the Ultra World Championship, Elite and Age Group competitors must complete one Ultra within the following cut-off times, regardless of course location, length, terrain type or environmental conditions:
- ELITE: a finish time of less than 10 hours
- AGE GROUP: a finish time of less than 13 hours
- OPEN: no finish time cut off, but may only register for Open category
(cutoffs will still apply to individual race finishes, but will have no effect on Ultra World Championship qualification for Open heats)
Failing to complete an Ultra within these cut off times does not prevent a competitor from registering for another Ultra and making another attempt at qualification. Once a competitor IS qualified, any subsequent Ultra finishes will not affect their qualification status. Once a Spartan finishes an Ultra event in a qualifying time frame, they will receive an email notifying them of their qualification.