VOLTA HOUR
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United Kingdom

Proposed

London

The proposed founding event of the VOLTA HOUR league. A compact floodlit circuit, sixty minutes on the clock, and every runner crossing the same finish line in front of a live crowd.

Venue
To be announced(Proposed)
Date
To be announced
Capacity
400 athletes
Entry
Not yet on sale
Join the London waitlistHow the sport works

This event is proposed. The venue and date are not confirmed and entries are not on sale. Nothing on this page should be treated as a commitment by the venue.

The concept

  • A closed one kilometre circuit, floodlit and fully enclosed, with the crowd standing close enough to read the effort on an athlete's face.
  • Two heats of two hundred. Every runner gets the same hour, their own lap count and the same finish line.
  • Live lap counting on a screen the whole arena can see, so the leaderboard moves in front of the people watching it.
  • A DJ, a bar and a race village that stays open after the final horn.

One closed kilometre.
Sixty minutes.

Artist's impression. Venue proposed and not confirmed.

Schedule

Indicative running order. Times are not confirmed.

  1. 19:00Doors and race villageClub banners go up around the circuit. Bar opens.
  2. 20:00Heat oneMass start. Sixty minutes on the clock.
  3. 20:55Five-minute warningLights rise, music builds, the countdown begins.
  4. 21:00The bell and the Final LapThe leader crosses. Everybody finishes beneath the arch.
  5. 21:30Heat twoThe second two hundred race the same hour.
  6. 22:45Results and afterpartyDistances ratified on the big screen. Music takes over.

Race village

  • Bag drop and changing
  • Hydration on the circuit and in the village
  • Live leaderboard screens around the circuit
  • Bar and food vendors
  • Finish-line photography under the arch
  • Patch collection for finishers
  • Spectator standing areas on the circuit edge

Athlete guide

  • Arrive at least sixty minutes before your heat.
  • Bib collection is in the race village. Photo ID required.
  • Timing is by chip at the finish line, which is the only counting point on the circuit.
  • Everyone starts together. There is no cut-off and no qualifying time, and walking is permitted.
  • Past the hour, the leader's next crossing rings the Final Lap bell. Complete the lap you are on and cross the finish line to be a finisher.

Spectators

  • Spectator entry is free.
  • The circuit is compact, so runners pass every viewing point every few minutes, and the finish is in one place where everybody can see it.
  • The bar and race village are open to everyone.

Travel

  • The venue, the nearest station and the transport links will be published once the venue is confirmed.
  • Hotel packages will be published at the same time.
  • Runners travelling from outside the UK should not book on the strength of a proposed event.

Safety

  • Qualified medical cover on site for the full duration of both heats.
  • Marshals at every corner and at the finish line.
  • Runners may withdraw at any point without penalty and must inform the nearest marshal.
  • The event will be delayed, shortened or postponed if conditions make racing unsafe.

Accessibility

  • The circuit and race village are step-free.
  • Accessible toilets and a designated accessible viewing area.
  • Athletes with specific requirements should contact the organiser before entry closes.
Join the London waitlist