When running an ultra marathon, you can be on mile 1 with 99 miles to go. As you can imagine, the ultra running world is LIMITLESS.

Any distance longer than the traditional marathon of 26.2 miles is considered an ultra marathon with the 50k distance being the bare minimum. Beyond the 50k is 50 miles, 100k, 100 miles, and even longer! There are also multi-staged and timed events, not to mention all the other distances that fall somewhere in between them all.

Here’s a list of the 7 main races…

• 50k
• 50 mile
• 100k
• 100 mile
• timed events (6hr, 12hr, 24hr, 48hr, etc.)
• multi-staged events
• everything else in between

So, pick your poison, push yourself to the starting line, and relentlessly move forward to that finish. Read on and learn about each ultra marathon to better help guide you to your next challenge.

50k

The 50k ultra marathon, 31 miles, is a great way to enter safely into the ultra world as a marathon runner. You still feel at home with the fast pace nature but you also get a real taste of what pushing the envelope both physically and mentally feels like.

In addition, fueling can be somewhat similar to a marathon as you will most likely still apply the traditional gel and sport drink approach.

Another great point is that there is a relatively large amount of 50ks so it’s likely you’ll catch one close to home.

Tired of the same old marathon? Well, take a plunge into the introduction race of the ultra world and take a shot at a 50k ultra marathon.

50 Mile

The 50 mile ultra marathon to most ultra runners is the off-the-record real minimum ultra marathon distance. Almost two full marathons combined, the 50 mile distance is both demanding and time consuming. It will push your athletic abilities to an entirely new level and adjust your mental caliber to a point of breaking down barriers providing a new perspective on what you’re truly capable of.

Most of the 50 mile events will be found on trails, although, there are some available for that road runner in you. My first ultra marathon was 50 miles in length spread out along steep hilly roads. During the 50 mile ultra marathon you will find yourself running at a slower pace and working the aid stations a bit more.

Unlike the 50k distance, expect to forcefully change your entire running dynamic to adapt to the adversities presented on race day…welcome to ultra running. Try to be resourceful and whether it’s on two feet, two hands, or on all fours, if you keep moving forward then the finish line is yours.

100k

The 100k ultra marathon, or 62 miles, is an option when attempting to break away from the 50 mile distance. Surprisingly the 100k ultra marathon is the least popular among the rest. The majority of ultra runners tend to run 50k, 50 mile, and 100 mile distances. There’s just not many 100ks offered by race directors in general.

At any rate, the 100k ultra marathon provides you a sneak peak of what it would be like to enter a 100 mile ultra marathon as it pushes you closer to the late hours of the day. Remember this—the end of a 100k ultra is where the heart of the 100 mile ultra begins.

100 Mile

The 100 mile ultra marathon is where dreams come true. It’s an impossible feat for some, a lifetime accomplishment for others, and just another notch on the belt for the mental giants.

I’ve ran a hand full of 100 mile ultra marathons and they never get any easier. The distance is unfathomable, the sleep deprivation is unbearable, and the pounding on the legs is devastating. Next, throw in the stomach issues and mental exhaustion and you set yourself up for one tough bout of human endurance.

But here’s the good news: finishing a 100 mile ultra marathon is unbelievable. To run a distance that you once thought of as impossible is absolutely mind blowing.

Cross the finish line of a marathon and change your life, cross the finish line of a 100 mile ultra marathon and rewire your brain. Every 100 mile ultra marathon I’ve ran brought something new out of me that I never knew I had. Completing something you once rationalized as unrealistic changes your state of mind, and takes you to a higher level of consciousness.

Timed

6 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, you name it. The timed ultra marathon is very popular in the ultra world where even 48 hour and 72 hour events exist.

One of my most favorite ultra marathons I’ve ran was 24 hours. It was motivating to crank out as many miles as possible within a days time. Plus, when running a timed ultra marathon your supplies and fuel are always somewhat within reach; however, this can be a gift and a curse.

Sure, you have supplies to your immediate disposal but become too comfortable and you may find a chair grabbing your attention more than the trail. Running in a small circle for the entire day can be both physically and mentally draining.

Either way, the loops in a timed ultra marathon range in size normally between 1-3 miles in length although some races have longer loops. So, enjoy a day of chasing the clock and see how many laps you can run before the clock ticks down to zero.

Multi-staged

Each multi-staged ultra marathon is extraordinarily diverse and uniquely built compared to one another. This type of race takes multiple days to complete typically lasting 6 or more days in a row. They are overly demanding as you can’t just pack up and go home after a days’ worth of running.

Most multi-staged events are found in unique destinations like deserts, high in the mountain tops, and even across the country. Not a bad way to tour the U.S. then by running across it. Now that’s the real definition of “cross country”.

If preparing for a multi-staged ultra marathon be sure to have extra time aside for both the race and the recovery. Practice those back to back long runs, increase your training volume, and prepare for the endurance excursion of a lifetime.

Everything In Between

In addition to everything we discussed thus far, let’s not forget about the ultra marathons that consist of 135 miles, 200 miles, and every other odd distance in between the most popular distances. There are some uncommon distances with no rhyme or reason but few enough that we can catoragize them all together.

Ultra marathons are unique in their course layout, elevation, climate, temperatures, and distances. So find your distance, step up to the challenge, and put in those ultra marathon miles.

Conclusion

There you have it. The 7 types of ultra marathon races.

Each new race will be so much different from the last and it may bring out something within yourself that you’ve never knew you had in you before. It won’t be easy, no not at all, but it will be worth it. So, when race day comes and it’s time to leave the starting line, run as far as humanly possible, then … run some more!

REMEMBER…Cross the finish line of a marathon and change your life, cross the finish line of a 100 mile ultra marathon and rewire your brain.

And if you haven’t already, grab a copy of ‘The Ultramarathon Guide: A Simple Approach To Running Your First Ultramarathon’ below and get started TODAY! It comes with a simple to follow ultramarathon training program and tips on training, racing, hydration, aidstations, hills, packing, mental strength, and much MUCH more.

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