Marathon races had been popular for a long time. However, ultramarathon races had been around far longer, dating back to when the early ancestors of modern humans had to run for long distances to find food.
In modern times, ultramarathon racing is a recognized sport by the international sporting associations and has its own regulatory board.
Ultrarunning is any long-distance running sport that goes beyond the distance category of a typical marathon of 42.2 kilometers or 26.2 miles. The most popular distances in the ultra-running sport are the 50 miles, 100 miles, and 200 miles distance. Ultrarunning, aka Ultramarathons, can take from a few hours to several days to complete.
Ultrarunning is a sport that has steadily grown in popularity. More and more runners, new and seasoned, choose to run the extra miles to experience something more challenging and rewarding.
These ultramarathons culture has created and keeps on creating strong communities where the elites and beginners alike can freely share their insights about this fantastic sport.
Keep on reading to learn more about this fascinating sport.
Suppose you are one of those people interested in learning about ultrarunning. Below is a list of information that might help you know more about the sport:
- Ultrarunning events to join.
- What to expect.
- What to bring.
- Why join.
WHAT TYPE OF ULTRARUNNING EVENT TO JOIN IN?
Ultra Running has two types of running events; these are the distance race and the timed race. The most common distance race among the two requires the runner to cover a specified distance.
The next type is the timed race. In these events, the runner must cover certain distances within an allotted time. Depending on the type of race and the distance, these events usually take a few hours. It might take a couple of days for the longer distances, e.g., 200 miles.
Distance Race
The most common distances are 50 kilometers (31 miles), 100 kilometers (62.1 miles), and 160.9 kilometers (100 miles). Under this category, runners only take quick stops to eat, take naps as they continue with the race the whole day, and even overnight just to finish their race.
Participating in distance ultramarathons has its own sets of challenges, compared to standard running events like marathons. Sleep deprivation is the most common issue runners face, as they usually continue running overnight until the next day or the next succeeding night.
With fatigue and exhaustion building up, trying to keep awake during short breaks during this time is extremely challenging, even more so for first-time participants. At night some running participants suffer from hallucinations. This is normally caused by sleep deprivation.
| 2014 Average Finishing Times | ||
| Event Distance | Male | Female |
| 50K(taken from 447 races) | 6:34:17 | 7:11:32 |
| 50 Mile(taken from 218 races) | 11:09:46 | 11:48:56 |
| 100K(taken from 86 races) | 16:50:36 | 17:36:22 |
| 100 Mile(taken from 124 races) | 28:08:04 | 28:34:01 |
Timed Race
Contrary to what most people think, timed ultra-running races are a bit easier. They are more beginner-friendly than distance ultra-running, especially for short-duration categories. The 24 hours run is one of the most common stretches for this event, but it can also go until 48 hours or more.
Loop Course – Timed Ultramarathon
Ultramarathon events are great events to socialize, have fun, and test your mental grit and endurance. Hence the loop-course ultramarathon.
In the track, the participants have to run in circles for a fixed amount of time. The concept is similar to formula car racing, where you win by completing the most amount of loops in the given time.
Races like these offer beginners and experienced runners the opportunity to train for their next upcoming races.
Distance-Timed Ultramarathon
Even though this type of race still falls under the umbrella of timed ultramarathons, there is the addition of requiring a distance to complete. The race organizers determined the distance and time limits for these events. The Runners are required to complete the distance in the given time. Standard distances on these types of events are at the range of 100 miles and above.
Runners are only required to finish a certain distance per day, depending on the event structure and the designated amount of time. Failure to reach the target distance or the day’s destination point before the cutoff time will deem the runner disqualified from joining the next stage.
The event will continue in the next succeeding days/stage until they cross the finish line. The duration of these kinds of races will be from a couple of days to almost a whole week, depending on the distance.
Ultrarunning races like this primary focus on runners who just want to push or prove themselves while enjoying nature. Most participants do not aim to finish first but instead focus on enduring and completing the race.
WHAT TO EXPECT?
Unlike regular marathons, where races are commonly held on roads. Ultramarathon running courses can vary depending on the venue and region where the event will take place. There is no standard route type as it can be a track, a trail, or a road. The route can even change as the runners go from one territory to another.
Weather and Terrain
Aside from the lengthy distance, one big challenge faced by ultra-runners is the environment itself. Expect extreme weather conditions as some trails can be harsh, adding a more significant toll to your body.
Desert venues can be very hot during the day, but they can drastically drop the temperature during the night. Being aware of the climate and weather conditions is definitely a must.
Runners can also experience varying terrains. Some events start from a desert region and end up in a mountainous rocky area. There will be uphill and downhill routes in any event, so expect that you will not always be running.
You can always walk and even pause for a quick nap during the whole event. It is entirely normal to see even elite runners be walking.
The Formats
Just like the terrain and the climate, ultramarathon formats also vary. Shorter ultramarathon races can be a straightforward start to finish type of race, similar to any regular race.
But for some, especially for longer distances, it can be a point-to-point setup where the runners will only aim to reach a particular destination at each stage. Common destination points are already assigned campsites where the runners can rest and recuperate for the rest of the day or the evening.
This will also be the starting point for the next day’s event. Another format is the loop course ultramarathon race which was covered earlier when we talked about timed ultramarathon races.
The Environment
For lengthy ultramarathon races, expect to appreciate nature and the surrounding environment. Cases are, you will camp out in the wilderness where you can experience watching the night sky under the comfort of your tent.
When joining this higher level of race, it is best to have a crew handle your supplies and equipment logistics as you go about the race.
WHAT TO BRING?
Ultrarunning is not just running and finishing. It is also about surviving the conditions that nature will offer you during the race. The environment will be as natural as it can be that even the event organizers won’t predict what changes in the climate or the weather will occur.
This is an ultra-running event. It will take longer distances and longer time to finish compared to a regular marathon, so being prepared is a must.
No matter how small it is, a simple gear can be a deciding factor in your survival and performance throughout these events. Below are some other essentials that almost all runners prepare days or even months before their events:
Shoes
It is a no-brainer; footwear is the most basic required gear during these kinds of competition. Never attempt to even step past the starting line barefoot; this is even if you maybe have already tried it your past regular races. I assure you, you might not even go past halfway without your feet suffering from any injury or pain.
Choose shoes that are appropriate to the terrain and weather conditions. Not all shoes are made the same, so it is better to invest in good shoes to ensure comfort and durability.
Bringing along another pair of shoes is also recommended, especially during races above 100 kilometers. Though it might seem to be excess baggage at first, there may be instances where you need to change your footwear in the middle of the race.
One example would be during the change in terrain, where changing footwear may be an innovative and efficient choice.
Headlamp with Extra Batteries
Due to the nature of ultra races where runners will be running a whole 24 hrs or more, what more do you need other than a headlamp. Headlamps are easy to wear and carry when running during the night.
A small gear that will enable you to run under a zero visibility trail, not having it is comparable to a runner already giving up on the race itself. At one point during a night run, this little gear can save you from injuries or potential accidents.
When choosing a headlamp, always make sure that it has enough lumens to light up a few meters of distance from where you are. Having a wide range of visibility will enable you to be still aware of the terrain and your surroundings.
An all-weather headlamp is highly recommended. Remember, this gadget needs to function even when soaked with rain.
Bringing extra batteries for your gadgets, especially for your headlamp, is always a wise choice. You will never go wrong with having extra batteries.
Running Vest
A running vest or a hydration vest is must-have gear for all distance runners, even for those who join marathons. Its lightweight design and functionality for runnings are irreplaceable as you can put your hydration bottles and bladders.
Trail foods, small gadgets, and other gears in it without pretty much affecting how you move during your run. Having a good investment in this gear will take you a long way.
It’s recommended to use your vest, same as your footwear, during your training. Fill the pockets whenever you have the chance during practice to get used to it. During race day, it will not cause any discomfort or distraction.
Like any other gear, always remember never to wear a new one on the day of the race. Make sure you have it worn in and that you are comfortable in wearing them.
Hydration Gears
Be it a water bottle or a bladder, make sure that it is adequate enough to carry a capacity of at least 1.5 liters of water or any preferred hydration. This is an essential running gear that, in some events, the organizers will disqualify runners who cannot provide the minimum volume requirement of hydration gear.
Always make sure to maximize the carrying capacity of your container and consume the hydration you put in. Never hesitate to drink when you are thirsty; that’s what hydration gears are for. Do not worry about not bringing enough water, as you can always refill these gears at every station.
Enough Food
One of the common questions for beginners regarding joining ultramarathons is how runners have their meals during the race unless it is a point-to-point stage-based ultramarathon where there will be a chance to have a good meal every after a stage.
For other types of ultra marathons, the runners will not have a warm and proper meal until they reach the finish line. With that, trail foods are essential, and they should have a staple supply for the rest of the race.
Having nuts, chocolates, energy bars, and trail mixes along with you will make you go a long way without starving until you reach the next station. Just carry enough of this food with you, but be frugal on when to consume them.
Do not worry about getting starved too much as it is most likely that there will be food available at every station where you can have a quick light meal or snack. In some cases, you can also get some trail mix supplies at these stations.
Mobile Phone
Unlike in the past when most ultramarathon runners carried a map with them in any case that they got lost, nowadays that piece of paper has been replaced with mobile phones. Having a mobile phone will not only provide your location when you get astray from the race trail, but you can also call for help when you get into an accident.
As a pre-race preparation, ensure that you have your phone fully charged and have it set in battery saver mode or have it turned off possible. Having a low battery level during the first stretch of the race is as good as not bringing one at all. Knowing your mobile phone’s battery health is also a good thing. Test it during your training to see if you need to replace the battery pack.
One good tip when carrying a gadget is to put these gadgets inside a water-tight zip lock. A simple zip lock can save your devices from soaking from your sweat or in case of a downpour during the race.
First Aid Kit
These are usually the most commonly disregarded essentials during an ultramarathon race. The reason is that most runners always expect that there will always be an emergency team or first-aiders on standby. They never expect that accidents and injuries happen in the middle of the race and that the first aid teams are positioned at the different aid stations and not at the trails.
To avoid any setbacks, always bring with you a first aid kit, even if it’s just a couple of pieces. Some examples of this are antiseptics, loperamide tablets, bandages, and a few strips of gauze. A bottle of vaseline is also a lifesaver for most runners.
Other Essentials
Whistle – One old-school gear that should never be forgotten is a whistle. While some organizers will provide this during the race, make sure to have your own. It can be a communication device if you get lost or when you get into an accident and that your mobile phone cannot be of use.
Rain Jacket/ Windbreaker – A light, compressible rain jacket or windbreaker can help protect you from the elements. It will help you keep your body heat when it rains or during windy night runs, enabling you to save energy. Aside from wet and cold, insect bites will be prevented in the upper part of your body.
Gaiters / Shoe Cover – Preventing sand or small pebbles from entering your shoes will ensure a comfortable and less distracting run. It will also decrease the possibility of scratches and blisters in your foot which are usually caused by foreign objects that have entered your shoes or socks.
Sports Watch – Even though mobile phones can already function as a time-keeping device, keeping a watch with you is something that most elite runners will still agree on.
As most sports watches have evolved into a multi-function health monitoring device that can monitor your heart rate and body temperature, it can now give you information on your overall body condition.
With such features, you can be confident that you can still monitor your body during the race and know if you already need help at some points.
Essential Information – For solo runners with no crew, all these essentials might seem a little excessive or can be bulky to carry during the whole span of the race. However, it is still better to be well equipped than to be sorry.
Besides, there might be cases wherein the event organizers will be offering services wherein you can do a “drop bag” at different stations. The staff will be taking care of the stuff you will be leaving behind.
Depending on your reservation or agreement with the event staff, you can have some of the stuff you don’t wish to carry be collected by them and later be claimed at the finish line. You can also have them bring your property to certain stations where you plan to do the quick gear change and the like.
If possible, create and keep updating the list throughout your whole race preparation. Then convert it as a checklist a few days before the race event. With all prepared and ready, you have to prepare yourself for the upcoming race.
WHY JOIN?
For a Healthier Heart
It is suitable for fitness and health. The number one reason why people go into running is mainly to be healthy and active. Even though ultrarunning is a bit of the extreme side, generally, it is not bad for you.
As long as you get the “go signal” from your doctor, continuing with this sport will significantly provide a positive effect on your heart, lungs, and overall cholesterol level.
Though there are ultramarathon categories that will also require you to endure harsh training and preparation, there are still those ultramarathon races that do not necessarily require you to train as intensely as the former.
Getting pressured during a race is the last thing you want, especially if you joined due to peer pressure or for the health benefits and not competition.
To Be One with Nature
Training for ultramarathons can help you be one with nature. During exercise or during the actual race, ultramarathons will definitely take you away from the noisy urban jungle to a quiet and peaceful wilderness with refreshing views not of buildings but of mountains and trees.
Ultramarathons are usually held in wide-open nature parks or in the countryside. Race routes are simple paths set over the raw land.
Join a Tight-Knit Community
Ultra runners are actually a tight-knit community where people are welcoming and supportive. Belonging to a growing community, you will be likely to meet friends and running buddies whom you can run with during ultramarathon races.
Being a running event not primarily focused on speed, ultramarathon racing is more fun. You can join a group or have running buddies who will give you the assurance and support you will need in completing the race.
Aside from that, the presence of having people around you during these kinds of challenging races will lessen the chances of you thinking of giving up.
To Know and Expand Your Limits
You get to challenge and push yourself physically and mentally. When you join ultramarathons, you will realize that you slowly get to conquer your doubts and fears.
Even during training and preparation, you will unconsciously develop a mindset that you can go further and that your body is also trying to prove that it still can do better.
There is nothing more rewarding for a person than the feeling of accomplishment of succeeding due to hard work and persistence.
AFTERWORDS
With multiple ultrarunning events happening around the world
Presently, the growth of this sport is shown with the tons of events happening, not only in the US or in Europe but worldwide. Many events are being organized; some are even for beginners who want to try and experience the sport. Searching for an upcoming event will lead you to many results even if you limit it within your country.
Ultrarunning is a sport that people should not be intimidated by. With enough training, dedication, and preparation, the one mile you could reach on day one can become a hundred miles even before you join your first race.
Ultrarunning is a sport that you join to complete, so do not feel pressured to keep up with other runners. You are not going against other runners but against yourself.
