What Is 2024 Southport 24 Hour Race

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2024 Southport 24 Hour Race is a non-stop endurance event held from August 16–18, 2024, in Southport, England, where teams of runners and cyclists complete as many laps as possible over 24 hours on a 1.6-kilometer course.

Key Facts

Event dates: August 16–18, 2024
Location: Southport, Merseyside, England
Course length: 1.6 km per lap
Participants: Over 1,200 runners and cyclists
Organized by: Southport Running Festival Committee

Overview

The 2024 Southport 24 Hour Race is one of the UK's most demanding endurance challenges, drawing elite athletes and amateur competitors alike to test their limits over a full day of continuous racing. Held annually in Southport, this year's event marks its 12th edition and features both individual and team categories in running and cycling disciplines.

Competitors race non-stop from 12:00 PM on Friday, August 16, through 12:00 PM on Sunday, August 18, 2024, aiming to complete the highest number of laps around a precisely measured 1.6-kilometer loop. The race promotes endurance, teamwork, and community spirit, with over 1,200 participants expected from 18 countries.

Start time: The race begins at 12:00 PM on August 16, 2024, with a rolling start format allowing teams to stagger entries based on category.
Finish time: The final lap must be completed by 12:00 PM on August 18, 2024, with timing systems recording each participant’s total distance.
Course design: The 1.6-kilometer loop is a flat, tarmac path near Southport Promenade, ideal for repeated laps and spectator access.
Categories: Events include solo runners, relay teams of 4–6, and 24-hour cycling, each with separate scoring and awards.
Record holders: In 2023, elite runner James Maloney completed 286 laps (457.6 km), setting the current course record.

How It Works

Participants register weeks in advance, choosing between individual, team relay, or cycling divisions, with strict rules to ensure safety and fairness throughout the 24-hour period.

Registration: Entries close on July 30, 2024, with fees ranging from £45 for individuals to £220 for full relay teams of six.
Timing system: Each runner wears a RFID timing chip that logs every completed lap, with real-time leaderboards updated online.
Relay rules: Teams must complete a minimum of 100 laps to qualify for rankings, with members rotating freely during the event.
Safety protocols: Medical tents staffed by 12 paramedics and hydration stations are placed every 400 meters along the course.
Night racing: The course is fully lit with LED floodlights, and reflective gear is mandatory from 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Support zones: Designated team areas allow for gear changes, food drops, and brief rest, though no sleeping is permitted during active relay legs.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares the 2024 Southport 24 Hour Race with similar endurance events across Europe:

Event	Duration	Location	Distance per Lap	Max Recorded Laps (2023)
Southport 24 Hour Race	24 hours	Southport, UK	1.6 km	286
Swiss 24 Hour Run	24 hours	Basel, Switzerland	2.0 km	312
Self-Transcendence 24 Hour	24 hours	Londonderry, UK	1.8 km	298
Barcelona 24H	24 hours	Barcelona, Spain	1.5 km	304
24 Hour Berlin	24 hours	Berlin, Germany	2.1 km	318

While Southport’s course is shorter per lap than most international equivalents, its flat terrain and urban accessibility make it ideal for consistent pacing. The event ranks fifth in the UK for total participation in 24-hour races, behind Londonderry and London-based events. Its unique blend of community involvement and elite competition sets it apart from more commercialized races.

Why It Matters

The 2024 Southport 24 Hour Race is more than a test of physical endurance—it’s a platform for raising awareness and funds for local charities, including mental health initiatives and youth sports programs. The event fosters international camaraderie and promotes long-distance fitness culture across age groups.

Charity impact: In 2023, participants raised over £87,000 for Southport-based mental health organizations through sponsorships.
Youth engagement: The festival includes a junior 1-hour race for ages 10–16, introducing young athletes to endurance sports.
Community involvement: Over 300 local volunteers support operations, from aid stations to course marshaling.
Media coverage: BBC Northwest and RunReport UK provide live updates, increasing visibility for grassroots endurance events.
Environmental focus: The 2024 race uses zero single-use plastics, with reusable cups and compostable packaging.
Global rankings: Results contribute to the IAU 24-Hour World Rankings, attracting international elite runners.

With growing interest in ultra-endurance sports, the Southport 24 Hour Race continues to expand its reach while maintaining a strong local identity and commitment to inclusivity and sustainability.