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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 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.

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All Ultramarathons
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  • 7NOV

    Lake Chabot

    Running ‧ Castro Valley
    31.1 mi • 26.2 mi • 13.1 mi • 5.0 mi
    $55 – $75
  • 25OCT

    Spartan Trail - Dallas

    Running ‧ Glen Rose
    31.1 mi • 8.1 mi • 6.2 mi
    $54.99 – $139.99
  • 8NOV

    Spartan Trail Virginia

    Running ‧ Arrington
    31.1 mi • 13.0 mi • 6.2 mi
  • 24OCT

    Vista Verde Skyline Run

    Running ‧ La Honda
    31.1 mi • 26.2 mi • 13.1 mi • 6.2 mi
  • 8NOV

    Ultra X Mexico

    Ultramarathon ‧ Chihuahua
    155.3 mi
  • 14NOV

    Valley of Fire Backcountry

    Running ‧ Las Vegas
    31.1 mi • 26.2 mi • 13.1 mi • 6.2 mi • 3.1 mi
  • 31OCT

    The Triple Lakes Trail Race

    Running ‧ Greensboro
    40.0 mi • 26.2 mi • 24.9 mi • 13.1 mi
  • 19DEC

    INSANE 24 Hour

    Ultramarathon ‧ Bartow
    100.0 mi
  • 31OCT

    Triple Lakes Trail Half Marathon, 40k, and 40 Miler

    Running ‧ Greensboro
    40.0 mi • 24.9 mi • 13.1 mi
  • 14NOV

    Shakori 40 Running Festival

    Ultramarathon ‧ Pittsboro
    40.0 mi • 24.9 mi
  • 7NOV

    Oceans 50 Relay Race

    Ultramarathon ‧ Palm Coast
    50.0 mi
  • 7DEC

    Spooner's Cove

    Ultramarathon ‧ San Luis Obispo County
    31.1 mi • 23.0 mi • 15.5 mi • 8.1 mi • 5.0 mi
    $30 – $70
  • 24OCT

    ORRC Autumn Leaves Run

    Ultramarathon ‧ Wilsonville
    50.0 mi • 31.1 mi
  • 14NOV

    Stone Mill 50M Run

    Ultramarathon ‧ Montgomery Village
    50.0 mi
  • 23OCT

    Tuna Relay

    Ultramarathon ‧ Garner
    200.0 mi • 70.0 mi
    $800 – $1,550
  • 31OCT

    Hixon Trail Runs

    Running ‧ La Crosse
    31.1 mi • 15.5 mi • 6.2 mi • 3.1 mi
  • 21NOV

    JFK 50 Mile

    Ultramarathon ‧ Hagerstown
    50.0 mi
  • 1NOV

    Fire on the Mountain

    Ultramarathon ‧ Flintstone
    31.1 mi
  • 24OCT

    The Lake Hodges Trail Fest

    Running ‧ San Diego
    31.1 mi • 9.3 mi • 3.1 mi • 1.0 mi

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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.

Ultramarathons by Location

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