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Ultra Marathons in the USA
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 USA's stunning scenery and landscapes. A lot of these events go off-road and require trail-running over difficult terrain with steep climbs or along rugged coastlines. There are over 1,500 ultramarathon events in the USA. One of the most famous and most difficult events is the Badwater Ultramarathon, which is 135 miles long through the searing heat and arduous terrain of Death Valley.
Saturday, Aug 6, 2022
Redwood Trail Run (Summer)
Oakland, California
ultramarathon, marathon, half marathon
Saturday, Aug 13, 2022
Marlette Lake Tahoe 50k & 10 Miles Trail Run
Douglas County, Nevada
ultramarathon, 10 miles
(1 reviews)
Saturday, Sep 3, 2022
Bizz Johnson Trail Races
Susanville, California
half marathon, ultramarathon, marathon, 10k
Saturday, Sep 17, 2022
China Peak Running Festival
Lakeshore, California
ultramarathon, 10k
Sunday, Sep 18, 2022
Diablo Trail Run
Clayton, California
ultramarathon, 10 miles, half marathon, marathon
Sunday, Oct 2, 2022
Back on the Ranch Trail Run and Campout
Solvang, California
ultramarathon, 5k
Saturday, Nov 5, 2022
Lake Chabot Trail Runs
Castro Valley, California
ultramarathon, half marathon, marathon
Saturday, Jul 9, 2022
Last Call Fifties
Park County, Colorado
ultramarathon
Saturday, Jul 9, 2022
Rancho Hills Trail Run
Morgan Hill, California
5k, 10k, half marathon, ultramarathon, marathon
Saturday, Jul 9, 2022
Audi Power of Four Trail Run
Aspen, Colorado
ultramarathon, 10k
Saturday, Jul 9, 2022
Salt Point Trail Run & Camping
Jenner, California
ultramarathon
Saturday, Jul 16, 2022
The Peak 50k, Marathon & Half Marathon
San Diego County, California
ultramarathon, marathon, half marathon
Sunday, Jul 17, 2022
Big Chief 50k
Truckee, California
ultramarathon
Saturday, Jul 23, 2022
San Francisco Marathon
San Francisco, California
marathon, ultramarathon, 5k, half marathon
(5 reviews)
Saturday, Jul 23, 2022
Kirkwood's Thunder Mountain Trail Challenge
Markleeville, California
half marathon, 10k, 5k, marathon, ultramarathon
Saturday, Aug 6, 2022
Angeles Crest 100
Los Angeles County, California
ultramarathon
Saturday, Aug 6, 2022
Rodeo Valley Trail Run
Mill Valley, California
ultramarathon, 5k
Saturday, Aug 6, 2022
Kirkwood’s Ultras
Markleeville, California
ultramarathon, 5k, half marathon, 10k
Saturday, Aug 13, 2022
Extraterrestrial Full Moon Midnight
Alamo, Nevada
ultramarathon, half marathon, 10k, 5k, marathon
Friday, Aug 19, 2022
Kodiak Ultra Marathons
Big Bear Lake, California
ultramarathon, half marathon, 10k
About ultramarathons in the USA
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 US, 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 USA ultra marathons?
There are over 1,500 ultra marathon events in the USA. The best ultra marathons make the most of the USA's spectacular scenery, including coasts, deserts, mountains, and national parks. The Golden Gate Trail Run is one of the best rated ultra marathon events on our list. The Badwater 135 is seen as one of the world's toughest and hardest ultra marathons, going through Death Valley.
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.