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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 | 286 | 10 |
| 2 | The North Face – SF | 233 | 8 |
| 3 | Run Rabbit Run | 162 | 6 |
| 4 | Speedgoat | 129 | 4 |
| 5 | Black Canyon | 104 | 4 |
| 6 | Chuckanut | 95 | 3 |
| 7 | Lake Sonoma | 73 | 3 |
| 8 | The Bear | 69 | 2 |
| 9 | Flagstaff Grand Canyon | 67 | 2 |
| 10 | Sean O’Brien | 57 | 3 |
Women
| Order | Race | Points | Number of Runners |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Western States | 406 | 15 |
| 2 | Lake Sonoma | 198 | 8 |
| 3 | The North Face – SF | 127 | 6 |
| 4 | Black Canyon | 103 | 3 |
| 5 | Bandera | 97 | 4 |
| 6 | Riverbank | 85 | 3 |
| 7 | Chuckanut | 74 | 2 |
| 8 | Desert Solstice | 70 | 3 |
| 9 | Leadville | 68 | 2 |
| 10 | Quad Rock | 67 | 3 |