Running, a perennial favorite exercise, has a new sensation: “ultrarunning.” This involves racing in ultramarathons, representing the pinnacle challenge for elite runners. But what’s the essence of running an ultramarathon? Continue reading to delve into this extreme variant of the marathon.
Ultra running is experiencing a global surge, encompassing diverse races, spanning mountain trails to paved roads. Typically commencing at 50K, ultramarathons surpass the standard marathon (42K/26 miles). Common distances include 50K, 100K, 50 miles (80 kilometers), and 100 miles (160 kilometers). Ultra races may adopt a time-based format, ranging from 6, 12, or 24 hours, to multi-day events.
How Long Is an Ultramarathon?
Venture into the diverse world of ultramarathons, where races extend beyond the confines of a standard marathon.
- Any running event surpassing the traditional 42.195 kilometers (26.2 miles) is deemed an ultramarathon;
- Typically commencing at 50 kilometers, these races progressively escalate in distance;
- The standard ultramarathon distances include 50 kilometers, 100 kilometers, and the formidable 100 miles (161 kilometers);
- While marathons adhere to a fixed distance of 26.2 miles, ultramarathons showcase a wide spectrum, ranging from their typical lengths to distances far exceeding 100 miles.
Join us as we unravel the extraordinary lengths and challenges that define ultramarathon running.
Diverse Ultra Marathon Races and Their Unique Distances
Dive into the world of ultra marathon races, where distances push the boundaries of endurance.
- The renowned Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc, initially labeled as a 100-miler, surprises with a challenging 171-kilometer route, earning its status as a fiercely competitive trail ultramarathon on the global stage;
- Venture to the dynamic terrain of the Hong Kong 100 ultra trail race, covering a demanding 103 kilometers;
- Meanwhile, the Marathon des Sables adopts a distinctive format, spanning 250 kilometers over 7 days of intense racing. Runners tackle varying distances daily, some surpassing traditional ultramarathon lengths, before enjoying well-earned rest periods;
- Witness the evolution of the sport with endeavors like the Hong Kong Four Trails Ultra Challenge, an unassisted 298-kilometer odyssey through challenging trails. This non-stop challenge attracts enthusiasts seeking to push their limits, with participants navigating the course independently.
Completion times for these grueling courses typically range between 48 and 70 hours, reflecting the immense physical and mental endurance required to conquer these ultra marathon challenges.
The Concept of FKT in Ultra Running
Unlocking the acronym “FKT,” or “Fastest Known Time,” reveals a pursuit for records in specific courses within the realm of ultra running. Beyond organized competitions, runners often engage in ultramarathons for sheer enjoyment, aiming to establish personal bests or clinch a coveted Fastest Known Time. This quest spans a spectrum, from the relatively brisk 44-kilometer Hong Kong Trail, completed in a matter of hours, to the monumental 4,172-kilometer Pacific Crest Trail, where an FKT achievement spans nearly two months—both recognized as world records.
The repository for FKT records and timings is meticulously curated at fastestknowntime.com.
For a route to attain FKT status, it must possess a magnetic allure, enticing others to undertake the challenge. Contrasting this are local routes that, while tracked on platforms like Strava, lack the universal appeal intrinsic to officially recognized FKT courses.
The Diversity of Ultramarathon Trails
The realm of ultramarathon running transcends boundaries, as these extraordinary races can unfold across an array of terrains, offering an almost infinite spectrum of running experiences.
Ultramarathons manifest on diverse landscapes, encompassing roads, flat surfaces, tracks, pavement, mountainous routes, snowy expanses, and beyond. A prime illustration is the Spartathlon, a 246-kilometer ultramarathon renowned for its road course. Following the historic path traversed by Pheidippides in Ancient Greece, from Athens to Sparta before the Battle of Marathon, the Spartathlon holds historical significance as the origin of the marathon itself.
Venturing into the majestic Alps, the Ultra Marathon du Mont Blanc emerges as a premier mountain ultramarathon, captivating attention with a cumulative elevation gain of 10,040 meters. Exploring the extended length of marathons becomes even more compelling when considering the top ten major marathons in the US, a must-run list that showcases the diverse challenges and unique experiences these iconic races offer to avid runners.
- Track ultras shift the focus from distance to duration, prompting participants to test their endurance by circling the same track repeatedly;
- A notable instance is Zach Bitter’s record-setting 100-mile run, achieved on a 443-meter track with an impressive 363 laps.
The vast differences in distances and terrains among ultramarathon races give rise to distinct subcategories, effectively transforming each race into a unique sporting endeavor. Comparing luminaries like Kilian Jornet, celebrated for his prowess in ultra-mountain running, with Yiannis Kouros, revered as one of the greatest ultra-road runners, underscores the diversity within the ultramarathon community—each athlete excelling in their specialized domain and contributing to the multifaceted nature of this challenging sport.
Comparing Marathons and Ultramarathons
The distinction between a marathon and an ultramarathon lies not in inherent difficulty but in the sheer length of the race. While ultramarathons are known for their challenging nature, suggesting that a marathon is significantly easier may be misleading.
Achieving a specific and demanding time goal in a marathon requires precise pacing, adherence to split times, and a relentless focus on maintaining a consistent pace while pushing the body to its limits. The difficulty is inherent in the pursuit of excellence within a defined distance.
Terrain plays a pivotal role in the perceived difficulty of the race. An ultra-mountain marathon, with its rugged and varied landscape, presents a far greater challenge and demands extensive training and experience compared to a marathon on a smooth, paved road.
Contrary to popular belief, ultramarathons are not necessarily the inevitable progression for runners seeking a more formidable challenge. The misconception arises from the assumption that longer distances equate to increased difficulty. In reality, the difficulty lies in different aspects—finding optimal speed in shorter races can be as challenging as covering vast distances in the same time frame.
The narrative around ultrarunning often pressures accomplished runners to escalate to longer distances, exemplified by Ruth Croft, a top-tier athlete known for dominating approximately 50-kilometer races. Despite inquiries about pursuing a 100-miler, Croft resisted external pressure, understanding that the metrics of speed and distance are not always directly comparable. Choosing the challenge that resonates with individual strengths and preferences remains a subjective and nuanced aspect of both marathon and ultramarathon running.
Conclusion
In essence, reducing the concept of “ultramarathons” to a mere “longer than a marathon” fails to capture the expansive spectrum of competitions within this category. These races unfold across diverse terrains, defy various weather conditions, and extend over what seems like an infinite distance.
While ultramarathons pose a formidable challenge beyond the reach of novice runners, those with prior marathon experience and a foundation of skill and training in the sport may find themselves equipped to tackle these endurance tests. Nevertheless, undertaking an ultramarathon demands heightened preparation and dedication compared to its shorter counterpart.