The Farthest
What would it be like to run a race where the goal is to run away from a location, rather than to a finish line?
What would it be like to run a race where the runners decide their own course?
Who will go the farthest?
The Persistence Racing Run Club presents:
The Farthest
How it Works
All runners will start at the same location, at the same time, somewhere within London, Ontario, Canada (this is not a virtual race).
From the common start point, each runner will have 8 hours (4 hours for those doing the half-farthest, and 2 hours for those doing the quarter-farthest) to get as far away from the starting point as possible. The course each runner chooses is entirely up to them.
The runner who gets the farthest away from the start line “as the crow flies” is the winner. It is possible that a runner may run the longest distance, but not be the farthest away from the starting point “as the crow flies.” Yes, this is a test of endurance, but it's also a test of intelligence and strategy.
The Rules
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Don’t be dumb. Safety comes first. If sidewalks are available, use them. Obey all traffic signals. Runners found to be in violation of any safety rules/laws etc., will be eliminated from the race.
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Each runner will start at a common starting location, at the same time, within London, Ontario. This is not a virtual race. The race will start at 7:00 a.m. on June 20th.
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You will choose your own route.
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You MAY not run on major highways, this would be in violation of the law. It would also violate rule #1.
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Runners will receive the exact starting location two weeks prior to the event. This will give them time to plan their route. Please note that the race location on this race website is simply a placeholder. The race will not start at the listed location.
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The winner is the runner who can get the farthest from the starting point “as the crow flies” within the event limit.
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Runners do not have to use the entire event time. For example, a runner could stop six hours into the 8 hour event if they feel they have reached their farthest possible point.
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There will be a mandatory pre-race meeting on race morning.
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Runners will need to enable live tracking via Google Maps. More instructions will be given prior to the race. This will require you to carry a phone with you during the event.
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Runners must text their current location to the race director every 2 hours. Text number will be provided prior to the race.
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You will be provided with a race bib which you must wear during the race.
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Runners may have support crews. Pacers are allowed.
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Support crews may provide aid when a runner is not moving.
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Runners must always travel under their own power. For example, you may not have your crew drive you to a bathroom, restaurant, etc. You may sit in a vehicle to rest, enjoy air conditioning, change clothes, etc., but if the vehicle moves with you in it, you are out of the race.
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Runners are responsible for their own hydration and food needs. The race is in June, it will likely be hot. Plan accordingly to ensure proper clothing, hydration, and nutrition. Don't forget rule number 1.
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Each runner must have an emergency and end of run pick up person. This person’s contact information must be submitted to the race director prior to the race. The race organizers will provide no transportation.
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At the conclusion of your run, or at the time limit, runners must submit their last known intersection. Distance to this location “as the crow flies” will be calculated by the race director using onthegomap or another suitable online tracking system.
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Runners may be asked to provide data to support their distance covered.
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Runners must inform the race director when they have been picked up by their pick up person. Failure to do so will result in a DNF result and disqualification from the event.
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Did we mention, don’t be dumb?
Entry Process
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You may apply for entry into The Farthest. Race organizers may also invite select participants to apply. Any runners who have run 15 loops or more at the Persistence Backyard Ultra will automatically be accepted.
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Register below for The Farthest Application. This is free.
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As part of the application registration you will be prompted to explain why you would like to run The Farthest. Creative answers are encouraged.
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If your application is successful, you will be given an access code to complete your entry and pay your entrance fee through Race Roster.
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The minimum age for this event is 18. No exceptions.
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The Farthest will be capped at 30 total runners.
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Each runner must also submit a gift to the race director on race morning. You will receive further gift instructions prior to the race (value of the gift will be approximately $5). The runner who is judged to have provided the best gift, will receive a free race entry to a Persistence Racing event of their choice in 2026.
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A portion of proceeds will be donated to the Children's Health Foundation. Thank you for helping children and their families in our community.
Please note that this event requires some independence and the ability to follow instructions. If for example, you email us to ask how to register, it means you likely are not independent enough for the event (hint: scroll up and read how to register)
Swag
Runners will receive a souvenir The Farthest drinking glass in order to be able to rehydrate after the event with a beverage of their choice. In order to celebrate the fact that runners have bet on themselves being able to complete the event (we like your confidence!), they will also be given a souvenir The Farthest poker chip. Swag items will be provided with your race bib prior to the event.
The overall winner of each sub-event will receive a custom award to mark their awesomeness. We will get this to you at some point...most likely (really) long (like months) after the event. It's hard to hand out awards when runners are scattered everywhere!
Refund Policy
There are no refunds for this event, however, If you withdraw from the event by May 20th, you will receive a 100% race credit (minus taxes, fees, and donation) for a future Persistence Racing event.
If you withdraw after May 20th you will receive a 50% credit.
Other
There will be no gender classifications for this event. There is simply an overall winner for each sub-event.
The Farthest is brought to you by the Persistence Racing Run Club.
Event Records
The Farthest (8 hours) Taylor Plumb: 80 km (2025)
The Half-Farthest (4 hours) Ben Congram: 45 km (2025)
The Quarter-Farthest (2 hours) Wayne Nickoli: 16.61 km (2023)