A cutoff time is the maximum time allowed to complete a race, or to reach a specific checkpoint, before organizers close the course. Runners who don't meet it may be pulled off the route, moved to the sidewalk, or denied an official finish.
You may be asked to stop, moved off the course, or told to continue on the sidewalk without official support or a timed finish. Policies vary by event, so it's worth checking in advance.
Roads closed for the event need to reopen to traffic, and aid stations and volunteers can't stay out indefinitely. Cutoffs keep the event logistically manageable.
Yes, many races enforce intermediate cutoffs at specific kilometre marks. This is especially common in half marathons, marathons, and ultra distances.
Check the official event website or runner guide, where it's usually stated as a number of hours from the gun start. Don't assume it matches a different race you've run before.
Yes, just pick an event with a cutoff time comfortably longer than your expected finish. Many races are designed to be inclusive of walkers and run-walkers.