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Ultramarathons
Ultramarathons, or ultras, are any running races beyond the standard marathon distance of 26.2 miles (or 42.2k). The most common ultra distances are 50k, 100k, 50 miles, or 100 miles, but each event is unique in terms of distance and terrain. The International Association of Athletics Federation recognises world records at ultramarathon events that have a distance of 100km. There are even 24hr ultramarathons, where the distance is unlimited, or multiday ultras, where the distance can extend beyond 1000km. There are a couple of city-based ultramarathons, but most ultras make the most of the UK's stunning scenery and countryside. A lot of these events go off-road and require trail-running over difficult terrain with steep climbs or along rugged coastlines. The Race to the Stones is one of the UK's best and most popular ultra marathons, taking in 100km of the historic Ridgeway. Or there is the famous Dragon's Back Race, which takes place over 5 days, taking runners from North to South Wales and requiring ascents adding up to twice the elevation of Mount Everest.
Wednesday, Aug 24, 2022
World Series of Running - Australia
Gravesend, Kent
ultramarathon, marathon, half marathon, 10k
Thursday, Aug 25, 2022
World Series of Running - South Africa
Gravesend, Kent
ultramarathon, marathon, 10k
Friday, Aug 26, 2022
World Series of Running - Brazil
Gravesend, Kent
ultramarathon, marathon, half marathon, 10k
Saturday, Aug 27, 2022
World Series of Running - Ireland
Gravesend, Kent
ultramarathon, marathon, half marathon, 10k
Saturday, Aug 27, 2022
The Summer Green Man Ultra
Bower Ashton, Bristol City
ultramarathon
Sunday, Aug 28, 2022
World Series of Running - India
Gravesend, Kent
ultramarathon, marathon, half marathon, 10k
Sunday, Aug 28, 2022
Saturn - Time Turner & Half Marathon Training Run
Old Elvet, County Durham
ultramarathon, marathon, half marathon, 10k, 5k
Monday, Aug 29, 2022
World Series of Running - Pride
Gravesend, Kent
ultramarathon, marathon, half marathon, 10k
Monday, Aug 29, 2022
The Sun is on the Run
Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire
5k, 10k, half marathon, marathon, ultramarathon
Tuesday, Aug 30, 2022
World Series of Running - Wales
Gravesend, Kent
ultramarathon, marathon, half marathon, 10k
Wednesday, Aug 31, 2022
World Series of Running - Belgium
Gravesend, Kent
ultramarathon, marathon, half marathon, 10k
Thursday, Sep 1, 2022
World Series of Running - Canada
Gravesend, Kent
ultramarathon, marathon, half marathon, 10k
Friday, Sep 2, 2022
World Series of Running - Germany
Gravesend, Kent
ultramarathon, marathon, half marathon, 10k
Saturday, Sep 3, 2022
Express to Hornsea
Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire
10k, 5k, half marathon, marathon, ultramarathon
Saturday, Sep 3, 2022
World Series of Running - England
Gravesend, Kent
ultramarathon, marathon, half marathon, 10k
Saturday, Sep 3, 2022
Snowdon Ultra 50 & 100 Mile
Betws-y-Coed, Conwy Principal Area
ultramarathon
Saturday, Sep 3, 2022
The RIDUM 2022
Ystrad Mynach, Caerphilly County Borough
ultramarathon
Saturday, Sep 10, 2022
North Downs Way Ultra Run - September
Chilworth, Surrey
ultramarathon
Sunday, Sep 11, 2022
FEAR (Forget Everything And Run)
Brandon, Suffolk
5k, 10k, half marathon, marathon, ultramarathon
Friday, Sep 16, 2022
Peak District Challenge
Hathersage, Derbyshire
ultramarathon, 10k
(2 reviews)
Sunday, Sep 18, 2022
R.I.O.T Run
Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire
5k, 10k, half marathon, marathon, ultramarathon
Saturday, Sep 24, 2022
Causeway Coast Marathon
Portballintrae, Causeway Coast and Glens
ultramarathon, marathon, half marathon, 10k
(7 reviews)
Saturday, Sep 24, 2022
Snowdonia Trail Running Challenge – The Autumn Crossing – September
Rhyd-Ddu, Gwynedd
ultramarathon, marathon, half marathon
About ultramarathons in the UK
Ultramarathons, or ultra runs, are endurance running races or treks beyond the standard marathon distance of 26.2 miles (42.2k). The most common distances for ultra running are 50k, 100k, 50 miles, or 100 miles (aka centurion races). Ultras take place on roads or trails across the UK, and some last for 24 hours or multiple days. Some multi-day stage races are even self-sufficient, where runners must carry all of there equipment and provisions with them for the duration of the race.
What are the best UK ultra marathons?
The best attended ultramarathons in the UK are the Dixons Carphone Race to the Stones along the famous Ridgeway, with 2,500 participants, and the historic Thames Path Challenge, with 3,000 participants. The Ridgeway 40 is one of the best value ultramarathons in the UK. For the best scenic ultras, the Scottish Highlands and Snowdonia are popular areas for mountainous ultras, or for coastal routes, try out the Jurassic Coast and The Endurance Life Coastal Trail Series. The longest ultra race in the UK is the Monarch's Way Ultra, which covers 615-miles (990k) in the course of 14 days. There are many ultra marathon events across the UK to choose from, depending on your preferences. Check out our list of UK ultra marathons to find the best event for you.
How long should I train for an ultramarathon?
It is important to devote a significant amount of time and effort to training if you are wanting to complete an ultramarathon. Everybody has different levels of fitness and the race distances vary, so it is difficult to be precise with training plans. Most first-time ultrarunners will already have lots of running experience, so 6-10 weeks of specific training should get you ready for a 50k ultra. During your training, it is also important to get used to in-race nutrition and running on trails.
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