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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.

Nearby Ultramarathons

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All Ultramarathons
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  • 25JUL

    The San Francisco Marathon

    Running ‧ San Francisco
    52.4 mi • 26.2 mi • 13.1 mi • 3.1 mi
    $49 – $409
    (5)
  • 9OCT

    Lake Tahoe Marathon

    Running ‧ South Lake Tahoe
    72.0 mi • 52.4 mi • 26.2 mi • 16.4 mi • 13.1 mi • 6.2 mi • 3.1 mi
    $54 – $155
  • 20JUN

    San Lorenzo River

    Running ‧ Santa Cruz
    31.1 mi • 26.2 mi • 18.6 mi • 13.1 mi • 6.2 mi
    $45 – $75
  • 28JUN

    Spartan Trail - Fayetteville

    Running ‧ Spring Lake
    31.1 mi • 13.1 mi • 6.2 mi
    $20 – $139.99
  • 1AUG

    Crystal Springs

    Running ‧ Woodside
    31.1 mi • 26.2 mi • 21.7 mi • 13.1 mi • 5.0 mi
    $45 – $75
  • 5SEP

    Cirque du Griffith Park 6/12/24 Runs

    Ultramarathon ‧ Los Angeles
    100.0 mi
    $110 – $250
  • 7JUN

    Spartan Trail Monterey

    Running ‧ Salinas
    31.1 mi • 13.1 mi • 6.2 mi
  • 14JUN

    Cinderella Trail Run

    Running ‧ Oakland
    31.1 mi • 26.2 mi • 18.6 mi • 13.1 mi • 5.0 mi
    $45 – $75
  • 9AUG

    Marlette Lake Tahoe 50K & 10 Miles Trail Run

    Running ‧ Carson City
    31.1 mi • 10.0 mi
    $75 – $110
    (1)
  • 25OCT

    Spartan Trail - Dallas

    Running ‧ Glen Rose
    31.1 mi • 8.1 mi • 6.2 mi
    $54.99 – $139.99
  • 12JUL

    Big Chief 50K

    Ultramarathon ‧ Truckee
    31.1 mi
    $110 – $120
  • 8AUG

    Coastal 50K & Marathon

    Running ‧ Stinson Beach
    31.1 mi • 26.2 mi
    $80 – $90
  • 19SEP

    Golden Gate (Summer)

    Running ‧ Mill Valley
    31.1 mi • 26.2 mi • 18.6 mi • 13.1 mi • 5.0 mi
    $40 – $70
    (2)
  • 23AUG

    Diablo Trail Run

    Running ‧ Clayton
    31.1 mi • 26.2 mi • 13.1 mi • 10.0 mi • 4.0 mi
    $15 – $70
  • 7NOV

    Lake Chabot

    Running ‧ Castro Valley
    31.1 mi • 26.2 mi • 13.1 mi • 5.0 mi
    $40 – $70
  • 24OCT

    Vista Verde Skyline Run

    Running ‧ La Honda
    31.1 mi • 26.2 mi • 13.1 mi • 6.2 mi
    $50 – $80
  • 8NOV

    Spartan Trail Virginia

    Running ‧ Arrington
    31.1 mi • 13.0 mi • 6.2 mi
  • 14AUG

    Kodiak Ultra Marathons

    Ultramarathon ‧ Big Bear Lake
    100.0 mi • 50.0 mi • 31.1 mi
  • 10OCT

    Pilot Mountain to Hanging Rock Ultra

    Ultramarathon ‧ Danbury
    50.0 mi • 31.1 mi
  • 31JUL

    Ragnar Trail Appalachians – WV

    Ultramarathon ‧ Bruceton Mills
    125.0 mi
  • 8AUG

    Eastern States 100

    Ultramarathon ‧ Waterville
    100.0 mi
  • 10OCT

    Bizz Johnson Trail Races

    Running ‧ Susanville
    31.1 mi • 26.2 mi • 13.1 mi • 6.2 mi
    $30 – $85
  • 25JUL

    Redwood (Summer)

    Running ‧ Oakland
    31.1 mi • 26.2 mi • 18.6 mi • 13.1 mi • 5.0 mi
    $45 – $75
  • 29AUG

    Tamalpa Headlands 50K

    Ultramarathon ‧ Muir Beach
    31.1 mi
Showing 1 - 24 of 213 events
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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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