Each year a few races attract a large number of elite runners. In this analysis, we have examined the races in which those who received votes for Runner of the Year competed. Giving the runners of the year 40 points, the runners-up 39 points, and so on, we have devised a system for determining which races had the most competitive fields. (Note that this analysis does not include foreign runners who are not eligible for runner of the year.)
Men
| Order | Race | Points | Number of Runners |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Western States 100 Mile | 319 | 12 |
| 2 | The North Face-San Francisco 50 Mile | 200 | 7 |
| 3 | Lake Sonoma 50 Mile | 166 | 7 |
| 4 | Run Rabbit Run 100 Mile | 115 | 4 |
| 5 | Bandera 100K | 94 | 4 |
| 6 | Broken Arrow Sky Race 54K | 82 | 3 |
| 7 | Desert Solstice Invitational | 78 | 3 |
| 8 | Way Too Cool 50K | 75 | 4 |
| 9 | Georgia Death Race, 68 Miles | 68 | 2 |
| 10 | Tamalpa Headlands 50K | 63 | 3 |
Women
| Order | Race | Points | Number of Runners |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Western States 100 Mile | 336 | 11 |
| 2 | Lake Sonoma 50 Mile | 108 | 5 |
| 3 | Run Rabbit Run 100 Mile | 104 | 4 |
| 4 | Gorge Waterfalls 100K | 72 | 4 |
| 5 | The North Face-San Francisco 50 Mile | 68 | 3 |
| 6 | Black Canyons 100K | 62 | 3 |
| 7 | Vermont 100 Mile | 61 | 2 |
| 8 | White River 50 Mile | 61 | 3 |
| 9 | Keys 100 Mile | 46 | 2 |
| 10 | Georgia Death Race, 68 Miles | 45 | 2 |