Sport Guides / Ultramarathon
Ultramarathon
A note from our founder
Our founder, Phil, hasn't crossed a ultramarathon finish line yet. We don't publish full guides until we've lived it — so for now, here is some basic info to get you started, with more coming.
Getting Started with Ultramarathons
An ultramarathon is any running race longer than the standard marathon distance of 26.2 miles. The most common distances are 50K, 50 miles, 100K, and 100 miles, alongside timed events where you cover as much distance as you can within a fixed window such as 6, 12, or 24 hours.
Most ultras are run on trails, with aid stations stocked with food and water, posted cutoff times, and — at longer distances — the option to race with crew and pacers. For most entrants, finishing is the goal, and walking the climbs is a normal part of the strategy.
Coming Up
More Ultra Races
New River Gorge Trail Festival
5K · Half Marathon · Ultra · Other · From $50 · New River Gorge National Park
Trail Rail Run
Ultra · Other · From $45 · St Regis Park
Bears Ears Ultra
Ultra · Other · Abajo Mountains
Sparks Biggest Little Ultra
From $150 · 300 Howarad Dr
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What counts as an ultramarathon?
- An ultramarathon is any running race longer than the marathon distance of 26.2 miles. The shortest common ultra distance is the 50K, about 31 miles.
- What are the common ultra distances?
- The standard ultramarathon distances are 50K, 50 miles, 100K, and 100 miles. Timed events are also common, where runners cover as much distance as they can within a set period such as 6, 12, or 24 hours.
- What are aid stations, cutoffs, and pacers?
- Aid stations are checkpoints along the course stocked with water, food, and supplies. Cutoff times are deadlines to reach certain points or to finish. At longer distances, many races allow pacers (runners who accompany you) and crew (a support team who meet you at aid stations).