An ultramarathon is a foot race greater than the standard marathon distance of 26.2 miles. Typical distances for ultramarathon races are 50K, 50 miles, 100K, 150K, and 100 miles. Ultramarathons may also be defined by time limits, generally of 24, 30, 36, or 48 hours, whereby participants go as far as they can in the time alloted.
An ultramarathon is an extreme endurance sport and requires a high-level of physical conditioning. Despite this, runners from their teens to their 70s are found in most major events.
Background and History
The earliest organized ultramarathon in North America was held in 1926 as part of the Central American games. The oldest trail ultramarathon is the Western States Endurance Race, a tough 100 miler over rough terrain, first held in 1974. Today, more than 70,000 ultrarunners compete worldwide.
References
Fast Facts
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Fact:
A foot race greater than 26.2 miles
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The longest certified ultramarathon is the 1,300 mile Ultimate Ultra in New York
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Men and women generally compete together, and the fastest women often finish in the top 20
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Ultramarathons are either fixed distance or fixed time
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The International Amateur Athletic Federation gave official recognition to the 100K event
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The 135 miles Badwater Ultramarathon in California's Death Valley is considered one of the hardest ultras in the U.S.
