ITRA-ranked athletes
Preferential entry scaled to your ITRA ranking and past performance. The stronger your record, the greater the benefit. Apply with your profile to find out your tier.
For the front of the field
ELITE RUNNERS & ITRA
Preferential entry · ITRA-ranked field · former champions run free
If you race at the sharp end, we want you on the ridgeline.
Elite athletes are warmly invited to apply for preferential entry to The 9 Dragons Ultra. We recognise exceptional performance and strong ITRA rankings with a tiered benefits system — the better your record, the better your entry.
All previous winners of any 9 Dragons event receive free entry. Once a dragon, always a dragon.
How it works
APPLYING FOR ELITE ENTRY
Three steps to a discounted — or free — place on the start line.
-
01
Check your ITRA profile
We assess applications on your International Trail Running Association ranking and race record. Make sure your ITRA profile is up to date before you apply.
-
02
Email the race director
Send your ITRA profile to race director Steve Carr at steve@racebase.asia to receive your tiered discount.
-
03
Profile not telling the whole story?
If you believe your ITRA profile doesn't reflect your ability, let us know — send proof of your results and we'll take a look.
Who qualifies
TWO WAYS IN
Former 9 Dragons champions
Won any 9 Dragons event in any edition? Your place is on us. Get in touch and we'll sort your free entry.
Elite discounts apply to the 50/50, 50 Miles and 50 km races in 2027 only.
By ITRA score
ITRA DISCOUNT TIERS
Your discount is set by your ITRA Performance Index. Local-based and global-based runners are assessed on separate thresholds.
Male
Local-based runner
| ITRA score | Discount |
|---|---|
| 725+ | Free |
| 700+ | 50% |
| 675+ | 25% |
Global-based runner
| ITRA score | Discount |
|---|---|
| 810+ | Free |
| 780+ | 50% |
| 750+ | 25% |
Female
Local-based runner
| ITRA score | Discount |
|---|---|
| 660+ | Free |
| 640+ | 50% |
| 620+ | 25% |
Global-based runner
| ITRA score | Discount |
|---|---|
| 750+ | Free |
| 730+ | 50% |
| 710+ | 25% |
Send your ITRA profile to the race director to confirm your tier. Discounts apply to the 50/50, 50 Miles and 50 km races in 2027 only.
Race at the front
APPLY FOR ELITE ENTRY
Send your ITRA profile to the race director and we'll come back with your tier. The dragons are waiting.