Discover everything you need to know about ultramarathon running in this comprehensive guide. From race formats and distances to history, iconic events, and official rules, this section covers the essential knowledge for every aspiring or seasoned ultrarunner.
🧭 Introduction: The Rise of New Ultramarathons In the world of ultrarunning, there’s a quiet revolution underway. Every year, new races emerge—some in far-flung jungles, others in sleepy mountain towns or sun-scorched deserts. They begin as whispers, perhaps a trail runner’s dream scribbled in a notebook, or a wild idea passed over coffee by a … Read more
Last updated on May 4, 2025
Part 1: Introduction & Training Like a Loop Warrior ⛰️ What Is a Backyard Ultra, Really? At first glance, it seems almost simple:Run a 4.167-mile (6.706 km) loop every hour, on the hour.Finish within 60 minutes? Great. You’re allowed to start the next lap.Don’t make it? You’re out.Keep going until there’s only one runner left … Read more
🎽 How to Qualify, Train, and Conquer America’s Most Legendary 100-Miler 🏁 Part 1: Introduction – Your Dream Starts Here There’s a moment every aspiring ultrarunner experiences—when the whisper of a dream becomes a vision. Maybe it’s after reading about Gordy Ainsleigh’s legendary 1974 run, or watching the final lap under the lights at Placer … Read more
🥇 The Return of Jim Walmsley & the Men’s Elite Field in 2025 “Western States is the one race that breaks you, rebuilds you, and makes you legendary.”— Ultra fan sign at Robie Point After conquering UTMB and spending years mastering the Alps, Jim Walmsley returns to his old battleground: the dust, heat, and heartbreak … Read more
🏃♂️ Welcome to the Last Stand of Endurance Imagine a race without a finish line.Imagine standing at a dusty trailhead under the soft morning mist of Texas Hill Country, your heart pounding not from fear, but from pure anticipation. Around you, a colorful crowd of runners — some seasoned ultra veterans, others brave first-timers — … Read more
🏆 How to Conquer the Backyard Ultra: Key Tips for Last-Person-Standing Success 🥇 PART 1: Laying the Foundation for Backyard Ultra Success Introduction: What It Really Takes to Win a Backyard Ultra The Backyard Ultra is not just a race — it’s a battle of patience, strategy, and mental resilience. 🧠 Every hour, you run … Read more
🔥 Introduction The Kaçkar Mountains are not just a racecourse — they are a challenge, a wild experience, and a test of your physical, mental, and emotional limits. 🌄 Known for their rugged beauty, unpredictable weather, and steep ascents, Kackar by UTMB® is one of the most breathtaking and demanding races on the UTMB World … Read more
Ultramarathons are the ultimate test of human endurance, pushing runners beyond their limits in some of the most breathtaking and challenging environments on Earth. For those who have dreamed of conquering these grueling races, 2025 promises to be a year of unforgettable experiences. From the towering peaks of the Alps to the searing deserts of … Read more
Last updated on April 28, 2025
Introduction: Why Rules Matter in Ultramarathons When most people imagine an ultramarathon,they picture epic distances, wild trails, and incredible human endurance. ️♂️ But behind every incredible finish line photo, there’s a complex set of ultramarathon rules and standards that make the race possible. Ultrarunning isn’t just about running far.It’s about running fair, safe, and … Read more
Last updated on April 28, 2025
️ Introduction: What Makes an Ultramarathon Iconic? Every ultramarathon pushes limits.But only a few races become legends. An iconic ultramarathon race isn’t just long.It’s unforgettable — blending history, culture, scenery, and personal transformation into an experience that stays with you forever. These races aren’t just tests of endurance.They are pilgrimages for runners seeking something deeper … Read more