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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.
Sunday, Sep 25, 2022
Ultra Trails Lake Tahoe 100 mile, 50 mile, 50k, 25k and VK
Truckee, California
ultramarathon, 5k
Saturday, Oct 8, 2022
Ruth Anderson Memorial Endurance Run
San Francisco, California
ultramarathon
Sunday, Oct 16, 2022
Spooner's Cove Trail Run
San Luis Obispo County, California
ultramarathon
Monday, Oct 17, 2022
South Hills Single Track Trail Run (September)
San Jose, California
5k, 10k, half marathon, marathon, ultramarathon
Saturday, Nov 5, 2022
Almaden Hills Trail Run (November)
San Jose, California
5k, 10k, half marathon, marathon, ultramarathon
Saturday, Nov 19, 2022
Peninsula Trail Running Festival
Redwood City, California
ultramarathon, marathon, half marathon
Saturday, Nov 19, 2022
Sly Park Lake Trail Run (November)
Pollock Pines, California
5k, 10k, half marathon, marathon, ultramarathon
Saturday, Dec 3, 2022
No Name 5030
Agoura Hills, California
5k, ultramarathon
Saturday, Dec 3, 2022
Calero Trail Run (Winter)
San Jose, California
5k, 10k, half marathon, marathon, ultramarathon
Saturday, Dec 3, 2022
Anza Borrego Cuyamaca 50 Mile
Julian, California
ultramarathon
Saturday, Jul 9, 2022
Audi Power of Four Trail Run
Aspen, Colorado
ultramarathon, 10k
Friday, Jun 10, 2022
Lost Coast Trail
Leggett, California
ultramarathon
Saturday, Sep 3, 2022
Cirque du Griffith Park Runs
Los Angeles, California
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
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.
