What is an Ultra Marathon?

If you think running a marathon is impressive, wait until you hear about ultra marathons! These gruelling endurance events push runners beyond the traditional 26.2 miles, testing physical stamina, mental resilience, and sheer determination. But what exactly is an ultra marathon, and what sets it apart from other races?

Whether you’re a seasoned runner looking for your next challenge or just curious about the world of ultra running, here’s all you need to know.

The Definition of an Ultra Marathon

An ultra marathon, often referred to simply as an “ultra,” is any race that exceeds the standard marathon distance of 26.2 miles (42.195 km). Some ultra marathons are just slightly longer, like 50 km races, while others stretch into extreme distances of 100 miles or more. Unlike traditional road marathons, ultras are often run on trails, through mountains, deserts, or even over multiple days.

Popular Ultra Marathon Distances

Ultra marathons vary widely in distance, but some common formats include:

50 km (31 miles) – The shortest standard ultra distance, often seen as a stepping stone for marathoners wanting to push further.
50 miles (80 km) – A significant jump in distance, requiring careful training and pacing.
100 km (62 miles) – A serious test of endurance, often held on rugged terrain.
100 miles (160 km) – The gold standard of ultra running, these races can take over 24 hours to complete.
Multi-day races – Some ultras stretch over several days, requiring competitors to manage sleep, nutrition, and physical exhaustion.

The Jamie Laing Ultra Marathon

TV personality and Made in Chelsea star Jamie Laing took on the challenge of an ultra marathon for Comic Relief, proving that endurance events aren’t just for elite athletes. His ultra marathon journey, which gained attention through social media and media coverage, showcased the physical and mental challenges that come with long-distance running.

Despite not being a professional runner, Jamie pushed himself beyond his limits, demonstrating that determination and training can get anyone across the finish line. His experience highlighted the importance of preparation, mindset, and resilience – core elements of ultra running. He raised more than £2 million for the charity along the way.

Road vs Trail Ultra Marathons

While road ultras do exist, the majority of ultra marathons take place on trails. Trail races introduce additional challenges like elevation gain, uneven terrain, and unpredictable weather. Some of the world’s most famous ultras, like the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) and the Western States 100, involve climbing thousands of metres through mountains, making them as much about hiking as running.

The Mental Challenge of Running an Ultra Marathon

Ultra running is not just a physical endurance; it’s a monumental mental battle. Runners must conquer fatigue, pain, and self-doubt over long hours on the trail. Many ultra runners speak of ‘the pain cave’ – a point in the race where everything hurts, but they persevere. Developing mental toughness is as crucial as physical training in this sport.

The Role of Nutrition and Hydration

Ultra running requires a completely different approach to fuelling than shorter races. Runners can’t just rely on energy gels and sports drinks – they often eat real food like sandwiches, fruit, nuts, and even pizza during marathon races! Aid stations in ultras are legendary for offering everything from soup to sweets, and hydration is carefully managed to avoid dehydration or overhydration.

The Importance of Pacing

In a marathon, pacing is important – in an ultra, it’s everything. To conserve energy, many ultra runners adopt a run-walk strategy, especially on steep climbs. The goal is to keep moving forward without burning out too early. Even elite ultra runners don’t run the entire distance; power hiking uphill is a key skill.

The Best Ultra Marathons in the World

Some of the most famous and challenging ultra marathons include:

Western States 100 (USA) – One of the oldest and most prestigious 100-mile races.
Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (France/Italy/Switzerland) – A breathtaking but brutal race around Mont Blanc.
Badwater 135 (USA) – Known as “the world’s toughest footrace,” held in Death Valley.
Comrades Marathon (South Africa) – A historic 90 km race with a huge global following.
Spartathlon (Greece) – A 246 km race retracing the steps of Pheidippides.
Self-Transcendence (New York) – A 3100 mile or 4989 kms is the longest marathon in the world. The longest ultra marathon takes 52 days!

How to Train for an Ultra Marathon

Training for an ultra is different from marathon training. Key components include:

Long runs – Back-to-back long runs on consecutive days to build endurance.
Hill training – Essential for trail races with significant elevation gain.
Strength training – Helps prevent injuries and improves overall resilience.
Mental training – Learning to push through discomfort and fatigue.
Race simulations – Practising nutrition, pacing, and gear management in training.

Getting a running coach for an ultramarathon is advisable, but you can start by looking at Ultra Marathon Training Plans.

What is the World Record for an Ultra Marathon?

At the time of writing this, the best times are:

100 km 6:05:35 Aleksandr Sorokin ( LTU )

100 miles 10:51:39 Aleksandr Sorokin ( LTU )

6 hours 98.496 km Aleksandr Sorokin ( LTU )

12 hours 177.410 km Aleksandr Sorokin ( LTU )

Essential Gear for an Ultra Marathon

Ultra runners carry more gear than traditional marathoners. Essentials include:

Ultra trail running shoes – Designed for grip and comfort on uneven terrain.
Hydration packs or bottles – To carry water and electrolytes.
Nutrition supplies – Energy gels, snacks, and electrolyte tablets.
Clothing layers – Weather can change rapidly, so lightweight layers are key.
Headlamp – For races that run through the night.
GPS watch – To track distance, pace, and navigation.

Why Do People Run Ultra Marathons?

Ultra running attracts people for many reasons: the love of adventure, the challenge of pushing beyond limits, the camaraderie among runners, and the sheer joy of being in nature for hours (or days). Whether you’re in it for the thrill of the race, the personal challenge, or the chance to connect with like-minded individuals, ultra running offers something for everyone. Many say it’s as much a spiritual journey as a physical one.

Is an Ultra Marathon for You?

If you love endurance challenges, exploring nature, and pushing your limits, an ultra marathon might be the perfect next step for you. It’s tough, but the sense of achievement at the finish line, knowing you’ve conquered a distance that few have attempted, is like nothing else. It’s a feeling that will stay with you long after the race is over.

So, are you ready to go beyond the marathon? Lace up your shoes, hit the racing trails, and see just how far you can go!

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