Trail JackalThe allure of the ultra marathon, a footrace exceeding the traditional 26.2-mile marathon distance, continues to captivate runners seeking new challenges. These events, often traversing stunning landscapes, offer a profound sense of accomplishment and adventure 1. For those standing at the starting line of their first ultra marathon, the journey can seem both exhilarating and … Read more
The allure of the ultra marathon, a race that stretches beyond the standard 26.2 miles, is captivating. For beginners, however, the thought of tackling such a monumental distance often conjures images of grueling, endless training miles. The perception that success in ultra running hinges on consistently logging incredibly high weekly mileage can be a significant … Read more
Key Points It seems likely that your struggles with 10K races stem from training, pacing, or recovery issues, but the exact reasons can vary. Research suggests common challenges include insufficient endurance, starting too fast, and not fueling properly. The evidence leans toward improving with structured training plans and better race-day strategies. Possible Reasons for Struggles … Read more
Key Points Research suggests Faith Kipyegon could run a sub-4 minute mile with optimal pacing and drafting. The study, published in Royal Society Open Science, estimates a potential time of 3:59.37. This is a theoretical prediction, relying on specific race conditions, and has not been achieved yet. Background Faith Kipyegon, a Kenyan middle- and long-distance … Read more
Key Points Off-road running, or trail running, involves running on unpaved surfaces like trails and natural terrains, offering a different experience from road running. Research suggests it reduces joint stress, burns more calories, and improves muscle strength due to varied terrain. It seems likely that beginners should run with a buddy, wear appropriate gear like … Read more
Key Points The top ultramarathon runners include both current stars and all-time greats, with some variation based on distance and terrain. Research suggests Kilian Jornet, Jim Walmsley, Courtney Dauwalter, Camille Herron, and Aleksandr Sorokin are among the most prominent, known for world records and major race wins. It seems likely that achievements in events like … Read more
Key Points A marathon race is a long-distance foot race, typically 26.2 miles (42.195 kilometers) long, inspired by ancient Greek legend. It seems likely that the modern marathon originated from the 1896 Olympic Games in Athens, commemorating a messenger’s run. Research suggests the distance was standardized in 1921 based on the 1908 London Olympics course, … Read more
Key Points Ultra distance running, or ultra running, involves races longer than a marathon (26.2 miles), typically starting at 50 km, with common distances like 100 km, 50 miles, and 100 miles. It seems likely that ultra running originated from ancient runs like Pheidippides’ 246 km journey, with modern events like the Comrades Marathon (started … Read more
Running a 50-mile ultramarathon is an exciting challenge, and choosing the right race can make all the difference. If you’re new to the ultra scene, you’ll want a race with manageable terrain, great support, and generous cutoffs. Here are some of the best 50-mile races that are beginner-friendly. Top 50-Mile Races for Beginners 1. Lake … Read more
Key Points The fastest 50-mile run time is likely 4 hours, 48 minutes, and 21 seconds, set by Charlie Lawrence in 2023. Research suggests this record, set at the Tunnel Hill 50 Mile, was ratified by the International Association of Ultrarunners (IAU) in January 2024. There’s some controversy, as another source claimed a faster time … Read more