Why anyone can run an ultramarathon

Most people know me as an ultramarathon enthusiast. You could say I’m “ultra-into” it (more on that soon). I love heading out for a minimum of 8 hours along the hilliest routes I can find, with nothing more than the birds and a few other runners for company.

My ultrarunning journey though started very normally. A little too normally. I went out for a 5k run. One of those runs where you feel great, the sun is shining, and the world feels full of possibilities. So, I promptly signed up for a 50k ultramarathon.

That was in late 2019 and we all know the story of the following years. Missed training, delayed races, but eventually I toed the start line, and my newfound love was born.

I’ve since coached multiple runners through their first (second and third) ultramarathons. Through both my and their experiences, I’ve come to think that ultramarathons might be the most accessible race distance of them all. Indeed, I once delivered a 30 minute presentation (with slides) on why “Ultra marathons were easier than Half marathons”. Granted it was to a room of non-runners, but I’m sure I convinced them. This is why.

Ultras are a completely different type of challenge. Not least, unlike a road race, people talk to each other during an ultra. You look out for each other, sharing sweets and stories with perfect strangers. The competition is the distance not the clock or the place, meaning just finishing is the aim. Imagine entering a 10k knowing you would be perfectly delighted with last place? The pressure for pace-racing is off; it’s you versus the landscape.

That landscape brings with it different skills. A need to problem solve, to deal with the ups and downs of emotions, repeating “this too shall pass”. A mindset to endure whatever the weather and course throws at you. And a commitment to staying away from sitting down.

I know, reading that headline, you’ll be having some doubts that you – yes you – really can run an ultra. Let’s see if we can help overcome them.

Common concerns 

• “I’m too slow” – the only pace pressure is making cut offs. Choose the right race and you can still meet those cut offs walking and stopping to have a picnic halfway through. Plus, no-one who finishes a 50k gets asked what their time is. In fact, in a weird twist, the longer you take the more impressive you sound. Embrace slow. Slow and steady wins the ultramarathon race.

• “It’s too far” – every new distance is too far before you start training. While I wholeheartedly believe anyone can run an ultramarathon, it’s not going to happen tomorrow. Take 5-6 months slowly building up your distance, just as you do for a half marathon but over a slightly longer time period. Come race day, you’ll be so well prepped for long runs, it’s just a celebration of all you have done. And a massive picnic.

• "It’s only for serious/fast/experienced runners" – while there are some excellent ultra runners who of course fit into that category, most ultra runners are normal runners who fancy a day out. Those super serious/speedy/advanced runners you see at half marathons? They’re not racing ultramarathons – they’re doing interval work, pace work over flat terrain. They’re not on the side of a hill expending energy shoving a picnic down their face.

• “Am I allowed to walk?” – allowed? It’s pretty much mandatory. Walk the hills – both up and down. Walk the bits in between the hills. Walk past aid stations, walk through gates and over styles. Walk while eating your picnic. Yes, you most definitely can – and should – walk.

• “I don’t know how to fuel” – you will see a theme emerging. Ultras are basically an eating competition, with a bit of running thrown in. Described as a walking picnic, fuelling for an ultramarathon is different to a road marathon. While some people are happy on Tailwind and gels, most of us take the full advantage of real food. I’m currently going through a phase of banana and peanut butter sandwiches and hot cross buns, along with the usual crisps, sweets, jam sandwiches etc. Basically if you enjoyed kids’ birthday party teas, then this is the sport for you.

• “I can’t” – you can. You absolutely can. You’ll need to find some time in your week for a very long run, but other than that training looks a lot like training for other long distance events. A lot of easy running, a few hills, a bit of speed work, and then a long run. It doesn’t need to be overcomplicated – it’s just time on your feet. And did I mention the picnic?

I’m not saying running an ultramarathon is easy – it’s not. But neither is trying to break 90 minutes in a half marathon. It’s hard, but for reasons which are perhaps more easily overcome. Worries about the distance can be countered with a smart plan, with lots of time so you can adapt and adjust around life. Concerns about fuelling can be reduced by seeking advice/suggestions and testing different options. Feelings that you can’t do it, well, perhaps that’s even more of a reason to prove to yourself that you can.