And more ultra marathon questions answered.
An ultra marathon is typically any race distance longer than a regular 26.2 mile marathon.
Often, unlike half and full marathons, a lot of ultra marathons include trail and off-road sections (because clearly the added distance wasn’t a big enough challenge for runners…).
The ultra marathon is a test of endurance like no other. And there’s lots of events to choose from, whether you want to get your feet wet with a 50km run or tackle a 100 mile trail run in intense heat and extreme environments, there’s something for everyone.
If you’re ready to tackle your longest (and most intense run yet), continue reading for advice and essential information.
The remainder of this blog post is an FAQ on the most common questions about the ultra marathon.
What you will learn:
-
How many miles is an ultra marathon and are they suited for beginners
-
The difference between an ultra marathon and and a marathon
-
What to eat during an ultra marathon for success
How many miles is an ultra marathon?
Unlike a half marathon and a full marathon where there is a set distance (either 13.1 or 26.2 miles), an ultra marathon varies and can be anywhere from 50km to 100 miles or longer.
The Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc, for example, is an 174km race on some of the trickiest terrain, making it one of the most competitive trail ultra marathon events worldwide.
Can a beginner run an ultra marathon?
Before trying to run an ultra marathon, it is recommended that you run at least a half marathon and ideally, a full marathon.
Oftentimes, ultra marathon distances include trail sections, adding elevation, uneven ground, and other challenges to the increased race distance.
Trying to run an ultra marathon too soon, i.e., with too little training or experience, will likely lead to injury, even if you do manage to finish the race. So if you’re yet to run a half or full marathon, consider completing these first.
How many hours does it take to run an ultra marathon?
This is highly dependent on the length of the ultra marathon (e.g., whether it’s 50km or 100km), as well as the terrain, elevation, climate, and course profile.
To give you a good example, Jim Walmsley is the course record holder of both UTMB (174km) and the Western States Endurance Run (161km).
Walmsley finished in 19:37 and 14:09 respectively.
The distance between the two races is not massive, but the finishing times vary greatly.
Is 50k considered an ultra marathon?
Yes, 50k (or approx 31 miles) is considered an ultra marathon. Typically, any race distance that is longer than a full-length marathon (26.2 miles or 42.2 km) is an ultra marathon.
There’s no fixed distance, but common ultra marathon distances include:
-
50km
-
100km
-
50 miles
-
100 miles
Some events also use a timed system - you run as far as you can in a set duration, such as 6 or 12 hours.
Do you sleep during an ultra marathon?
For multi-day events and races lasting longer than 100 miles, it is common for runners to sleep or take short naps during the race.
Shorter races, like 50km or 50 mile races usually do not need sleep.
In 100km or 100 mile races, if you’re towards the back of the pack you may not afford the luxury of a short nap or sleep, either. Otherwise, you risk not making the cut-off time and getting a DNF.
It’s race and time-dependent.
What to eat during an ultra marathon
Ultra marathon nutrition plays an absolutely vital role in how you feel, perform, and whether or not you even finish the race.
If you’re not eating enough, you will likely hit a wall (run out of energy), feel lethargic, and struggle to continue.
To fuel properly and give yourself the best chance at success, eat a minimum of 60-90g of carbohydrates/hour.
What you eat is up to you, but stick to foods that are quick to digest and easy on the stomach - here are a few ideas:
You can, of course, eat real food as well. But a lot of runners like using sports nutrition products because they’re convenient, quick-to-digest, and easy on the stomach.
Additionally, try to drink 300-600ml/hour of water (and more in the heat). Add electrolytes to prevent cramping and to ensure proper hydration. SLT07 rapidly replenishes electrolytes lost in sweat, allowing you to perform at your best.
For more advice on what to eat, read our ultra running nutrition guide.
Can you walk an ultra marathon?
Yes! You can walk an ultra marathon. In fact, a lot of participants walk some sections, whether a steep hill to save stamina and manage fatigue or adopting a run/walk strategy for the entire race distance.
If you want, you can walk the entire ultra marathon distance.
But be wary, because some events have a cut off time. So check beforehand to avoid disappointment and a possible DNF.
