How Long Is An Ultramarathon?

Last week, the nation cheered on Radio 1 presenter and podcaster Jamie Laing as he completed a whopping five ultramarathons in five days. He ran from London to Salford, racking up a total of 150 miles and raising over £2 million for Comic Relief – describing it as simultaneously ‘the hardest’ and ‘the most beautiful’ thing he’s ever done. While seeing Laing’s swollen knees and battered feet would be enough to swear some people off running for life, no doubt his endeavour will have influenced others to take on a similar physical challenge themselves. If you’re in the latter party, hat’s off to you; here’s everything you need to know about doing an ultramarathon. 

What Is An Ultramarathon?

An ultramarathon is any race longer than 26.2 miles (or 42.195 km), the length of a marathon. The most common lengths are 31 miles (50 km), 50 miles (80 km), 62 miles (100km) or 100 miles (160km). Some races are designed to be tackled in one continuous stint, while others are spread across numerous days.

Events take place all over the globe, and some are notoriously challenging, such as the Marathon des Sables, a seven-day, 160-mile race through the Moroccan desert. The world’s longest is the Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race, which involves doing 5,649 laps of a city block in Queens, New York City, and takes around 40 – 50 days to complete. 

What Are The Benefits?

For lots of us, the idea of running a marathon is terrifying enough, so what draws people to the idea of an ultra? These kinds of epic challenges are all about pushing human limits, and seeing how far your body and mind can go – they’re the ultimate test of resilience. While marathon runners are often aiming for a particular time, usually people undertaking an ultramarathon are less concerned about mile splits and simply focused on getting to the finish line. 

Routes often take place across scenic landscapes too, from rolling hills to wild beaches and quaint valleys. And there’s often a great sense of camaraderie: the slower pace means participants tend to chat and make friends along the way.

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Are They Safe?

Although any physical challenge comes with some risks, most people can safely take part in ultramarathons – provided they are fit and well, and have done adequate training. Some heart experts are wary about the cardiovascular effects, although a recent study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology concluded ultramarathons don’t cause any worrying heart issues in the short-term. Nonetheless, if you do have any heart conditions it’s best to check a doctor before taking part in any kind of running challenge.

UK Ultramarathons To Enter

South Downs Way 50

This epic 50-mile race involves running from Falmer to Eastbourne through the South Downs National Park. With muddy, rocky ground and an ascent of 1,750m, it’s certainly tough, but you’ll be rewarded with picturesque views of the English countryside throughout. 

When? The next one is on 12 April 2025, registration for 2026 will open later in April

More information: centurionrunning.com

Ultra x Scotland

Explore the beauty of the Scottish Highlands on this beautiful yet tough challenge, which follows a geological fault line formed over 400 million years ago, the Great Glen. There are two distances to choose from: either 50 km or 110 km, the latter of which takes place across two days, camping overnight in the middle.

When? 3 – 4 May 2025

More information: ultra-x.co

Race to the Stones

Traverse Britain’s oldest path, the Ridgeway, in this route through the Chiltern Hills and North Wessex Downs, finishing at the mythical UNESCO World Heritage Site, Avebury Stone Circle. One of the UK’s most popular ultramarathons, it attracts around 3,000 participants every year, with both 50 km and 100 km routes to choose from.

When? 12 – 13 July 2025

More information: thresholdtrailseries.com