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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, 8 Apr 2023
Silver Moon Race Reedley
Reedley, California
ultramarathon
(1 reviews)
Saturday, 15 Apr 2023
Valencia Trail Race
Santa Clarita, California
10k, ultramarathon, half marathon
Saturday, 15 Apr 2023
Oriflamme 50k
Julian, California
ultramarathon
(1 reviews)
Saturday, 22 Apr 2023
John Wayne Grit Series Newport Coast 50k, 25k & 5k
Laguna Beach, California
5k, ultramarathon
Saturday, 29 Apr 2023
Sierra Azul Trail Challenge
San Jose, California
ultramarathon, marathon, half marathon, 5k
Saturday, 13 May 2023
Thelma and Louise 50k, Marathon, Half Marathon, & 15k
Moab, Utah
ultramarathon, marathon, half marathon
Saturday, 13 May 2023
Sly Park Lake Trail Run
Pollock Pines, California
5k, 10k, half marathon, marathon, ultramarathon
Saturday, 13 May 2023
The Pacific Crest Trail 50 Miles
San Diego, California
ultramarathon
Saturday, 20 May 2023
Valkyrie Trail Race
Colorado Springs, Colorado
half marathon, marathon, ultramarathon
Friday, 9 Jun 2023
Ragnar Trail Colorado
Snowmass Village, Colorado
ultramarathon
Friday, 9 Jun 2023
Yellowstone Half Marathon and 5k
West Yellowstone, Montana
5k, half marathon, ultramarathon
Saturday, 10 Jun 2023
Mt. Umunhum Ultras
San Jose, California
ultramarathon, marathon, half marathon, 10k, 5k
Saturday, 17 Jun 2023
Running with the Devil
Las Vegas, Nevada
ultramarathon, marathon, half marathon, 10k, 5k
Saturday, 8 Jul 2023
Rancho Hills Trail Run
Morgan Hill, California
5k, 10k, half marathon, ultramarathon, marathon
Saturday, 8 Jul 2023
Silver Rush 50 Run
Lake County, Colorado
ultramarathon
(1 reviews)
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.
