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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.
Saturday, Mar 26, 2022
Valencia Trail Race
Santa Clarita, California
10k, ultramarathon, half marathon
Saturday, Apr 16, 2022
SPASM Lake Chabot
Castro Valley, California
ultramarathon, half marathon, marathon
Saturday, Jun 11, 2022
Cinderella Trail Run
Oakland, California
ultramarathon, marathon, half marathon
Sunday, Mar 13, 2022
San Luis Obispo Spartan Trail 50k, Half Marathon and 10k
Santa Margarita, California
half marathon, 10k, ultramarathon
(1 reviews)
Saturday, Feb 19, 2022
Fourmidable 50k, 35k, Half Marathon & 13k
Auburn, California
ultramarathon, half marathon
Saturday, Apr 9, 2022
Save Mount Diablo Trails Challenge
Walnut Creek, California
5k, 10k, ultramarathon, half marathon
Saturday, May 14, 2022
Sly Park Lake Trail Run
Pollock Pines, California
5k, 10k, half marathon, marathon, ultramarathon
Sunday, Jun 5, 2022
Monterey Spartan Trail 50k, Half Marathon & 10k
Salinas, California
10k, half marathon, ultramarathon
Saturday, Aug 20, 2022
Sly Park Lake Trail Run (Summer)
Pollock Pines, California
5k, 10k, half marathon, marathon, ultramarathon
Saturday, Feb 5, 2022
Golden Gate Trail Run (Winter)
Marin County, California
ultramarathon, marathon, half marathon
(22 reviews)
Friday, Feb 18, 2022
Jackpot Ultra Running Festival
Henderson, Nevada
ultramarathon
Saturday, Feb 19, 2022
Redtail Ridge 5k, 10k, Half, 30k, & 50k
Castro Valley, California
ultramarathon, half marathon, 10k, 5k
Saturday, Apr 2, 2022
Redwood Trail Run (Spring)
Oakland, California
ultramarathon, marathon, half marathon
Sunday, May 1, 2022
Horseshoe Lake Trail Runs
La Honda, California
ultramarathon, half marathon
Saturday, May 14, 2022
Grizzly Peak Trail Run
Berkeley, California
10k, half marathon, ultramarathon, 5k
Sunday, May 22, 2022
Devil's Slide Run
Pacifica, California
ultramarathon, half marathon
Saturday, Jun 18, 2022
San Lorenzo River Trail Run
Santa Cruz, California
half marathon, 10k, ultramarathon
Saturday, Jul 9, 2022
Golden Gate Summer Trail
Mill Valley, California
ultramarathon, marathon, half marathon
(2 reviews)
Saturday, Jul 30, 2022
Crystal Springs Trail Run (Summer)
Woodside, California
half marathon, ultramarathon, marathon
Saturday, Sep 3, 2022
Bizz Johnson Trail Races
Susanville, California
half marathon, ultramarathon, marathon, 10k
Sunday, Sep 18, 2022
Diablo Trail Run
Clayton, California
ultramarathon, 10 miles, half marathon, marathon
Saturday, Nov 5, 2022
Lake Chabot Trail Runs
Castro Valley, California
ultramarathon, half marathon, marathon
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.
