View source for Ultramarathon

{{Short description|Footrace longer than the marathon}}{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2023}}{{Pp-extended|small=yes}}{{Multiple issues|{{Excessive detail|date=January 2025}}
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{{Infobox sport
| name       = Ultramarathon
| image      = Sahara Race 2011.jpg
| alt        = 
| imagesize  = 220px
| caption    = Ultramarathoners compete at the Sahara Race 2011 ([[4 Deserts]])
| union      = [[World Athletics]], [[International Association of Ultrarunners]], and the Global Organization of Multi-Day Ultramarathoners
| nickname   = 
| firstlabel = 
| region     = 
| registered = 
| clubs      = 
| contact    = 
| team       = 
| mgender    = 
| equipment  = 
| venue      = 
| olympic    = 
| world      = 1987–present
| paralympic = 
| obsolete   = 
}}

An '''ultramarathon''' is a [[footrace]] longer than the traditional [[marathon]] distance of {{convert|42.195|km|miyd}}. The sport of running ultramarathons is called '''ultra running''' or '''ultra distance running'''.

Various distances, surfaces, and formats are raced competitively, from the shortest common ultramarathon of {{convert|31|mi|km}} and up to {{convert|3100|mi|km}} miles.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=The 27th Annual Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race - 3100 Mile Race |url=https://3100.srichinmoyraces.org/ |access-date=2023-10-22 |website=3100.srichinmoyraces.org}}</ref> Around {{convert|100|mi|km}} is typically the longest course distance raced in under 24 hours, but there are also longer [[multiday race]]s commonly held as 48 hours, {{convert|200|mi|km}}, or more, sometimes raced in stages with breaks for sleep.

The oldest and largest ultramarathons are on road, including the [[Comrades Marathon]] (more than 10,000 finishers annually) and [[Two Oceans Marathon]] (more than 6,000 finishers annually).<ref>{{Cite web |title=DUV Ultra Marathon Statistics |url=https://statistik.d-u-v.org/geteventlist.php?year=all&dist=all&country=all&Submit.x=11&Submit.y=6&label=&surface=all&sort=2&from=&to= |access-date=2023-10-04 |website=statistik.d-u-v.org}}</ref> The world's longest certified [[footrace]] is the [[Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race]]. Many ultras have historical significance, including the [[Spartathlon]], based on the 246 km run of Greek messenger [[Pheidippides]] from Athens to Sparta during the [[Battle of Marathon]] in a day and a half to seek aid against the Persians.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Spartathlon |date=2015-08-28 |title=Ιστορικά Στοιχεία |url=https://www.spartathlon.gr/historical-info-el/ |access-date=2023-10-23 |website=Spartathlon Ultra Race |language=el}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-09-19 |title=Spartathlon Part 1 (1982) - The Birth {{!}} Ultrarunning History |url=https://ultrarunninghistory.com/spartathlon-1/ |access-date=2023-10-23 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Holmes |first=Katie |date=2022-09-30 |title=Eleanor Adams and the first Spartathlon |url=https://runyoung50.co.uk/the-first-spartathlon/ |access-date=2023-10-23 |website=RunYoung50 |language=en-GB}}</ref>

[[File:Comrades Marathon 2023 Starting Line.jpg|thumb|Runners waiting for the start of the 2023 Comrades Marathon]]

Ultra running World Championships are held by the [[International Association of Ultrarunners]] (IAU) for 50 km, 100 km and 24 hours. The Global Organization of Multi-Day Ultramarathoners (GOMU) holds World Championships for 48 hours and six days.<ref>{{Cite web |title=GOMU - Global Organization of Multi-Day Ultramarathoners - World Championships |url=https://www.gomu.org/world-championships |access-date=2023-10-28 |website=www.gomu.org |language=en-US}}</ref> World records are ratified and recognized by [[World Athletics]] (50 km and 100 km), the IAU (50 km up to six days), and by GOMU (48 hours up to 5000 km).<ref>{{Cite web |title=World Athletics |url=https://worldathletics.org/records/by-category/world-records |access-date=2023-10-22 |website=worldathletics.org}}</ref><ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=Bedkowski |first=Jacek |title=Rankings & Records |url=https://iau-ultramarathon.org/rankings/ |access-date=2023-10-22 |website=IAU - International Association of Ultrarunners |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=GOMU - Global Organization of Multi-Day Ultramarathoners - Results & Records |url=https://www.gomu.org/results-records |access-date=2023-10-23 |website=www.gomu.org |language=en-US}}</ref>

There is also overlap with the sports of [[trail running]] and [[mountain running]]. Some {{Convert|100|mi|km|adj=on}} races are among the oldest and most prestigious events, especially in North America.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-02-09 |title=First Finishers of Western States 100 Trail on Foot |url=https://ultrarunninghistory.com/western-states-100-true-first-finishers/ |access-date=2023-10-23 |language=en-US}}</ref> The oldest and also the largest trail race is the SainteLyon {{Convert|78|km|mi|adj=on}} in France (more than 5,000 finishers annually).<ref>{{Cite web |title=DUV Ultra Marathon Statistics |url=https://statistik.d-u-v.org/eventdetail.php?event=92977 |access-date=2024-02-08 |website=statistik.d-u-v.org}}</ref> Many ultramarathon organizers are members of the [[International Trail Running Association]] (ITRA), an organization that evaluates the difficulty of specific ultramarathon routes according to a number of criteria, such as the distance, the cumulative elevation gain, and the number of loops and stages.{{Citation needed|date=January 2025}}

==Overview==
There are two main types of ultramarathon events: those that cover a specified distance or route, and those that last for a predetermined period (with the winner covering the most distance in that time). The most common distances are {{convert|50|km|mi|2}}, 50 miles (80.47 km), {{convert|100|km|mi|2}}, {{convert|100|mi|km|2}}, and continue up to the longest certified race distance of 3100 miles.<ref name=":4" /> Timed events range from 6, 12, and 24 hours to 3, 6, and 10 days (known as [[Multiday race]]s). Timed events are generally run on a track or a short road course, often one mile (1.6&nbsp;km) or less.<ref name="IAAF Ultra Running">{{cite web |title=Ultra Running |url=http://www.iaaf.org/disciplines/ultra-running/ultra-running |access-date=23 November 2016 |website=Iaaf.org}}</ref>

The format of ultramarathons and the courses vary, ranging from single loops (some as short as a {{convert|400|m|adj=on}} track),<ref name=":0">If the loop is less than {{convert|1|km}}<nowiki>, run direction changes every 2–4 (sometimes 6) hours [Citation Needed~~~~Mark Halsey]</nowiki></ref> to point-to-point road or trail races, to cross-country [[rogaining|rogaines]]. Many ultramarathons have significant obstacles, such as inclement weather, elevation change, or rugged terrain. Usually, there are [[aid station]]s, whether every lap of a track, small road or trail loop courses, or extending up to perhaps {{convert|20|to|35|km}}, where runners can replenish food and drink or take a short break.

There are some self-supported ultramarathon stage races in which each competitor has to carry all their supplies including food to survive the length of the race, typically a week long. The [[Marathon des Sables]] 6-day stage race in Morocco and the Grand to Grand Ultra in the U.S. are examples.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The race story {{!}} MARATHON DES SABLES - Site officiel |url=https://www.marathondessables.com/en/marathon-des-sables/race-story |access-date=2023-10-23 |website=www.marathondessables.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=About the race |url=https://g2gultra.com/g2g-registration/about-the-race |website=Grand to Grand Ultra}}</ref>

The [[International Association of Ultrarunners]] (IAU) organises the World Championships for various ultramarathon distances, including {{convert|50|km}}, {{convert|100|km}}, 24 hours, and ultra [[trail running]], which are also recognized by [[World Athletics]]. Many countries around the world have their own ultrarunning organizations, often the national athletics federation of the country, or are sanctioned by such national athletics organizations.

50-kilometer and 100-kilometer races are recognized as World Records by [[World Athletics]], the world governing body of track and field.<ref name="IAAF 100 km Records">{{cite web|url=http://www.iaaf.org/records/toplists/road-running/100-kilometres/outdoor/men/senior |title=– 100 Kilometres Records |publisher=Iaaf.org |access-date=5 October 2013}}</ref> The [[International Association of Ultrarunners]] recognizes IAU World Records for 50-kilometers, 100-kilometers, 6 hours, 12 hours, 100 miles, 24 hours, 48 hours, and 6 days.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bedkowski |first=Jacek |title=Rankings & Records |url=https://iau-ultramarathon.org/rankings/ |access-date=2023-10-22 |website=IAU - International Association of Ultrarunners |language=en}}</ref>

There are ultramarathon [[racewalking]] events that are usually 50&nbsp;km, although [[100 kilometres race walk|100 km]] and [[Centurion (racewalking)|100-mile]] (160&nbsp;km) "Centurion" races are also organized. Furthermore, the non-competitive [[International Marching League]] event [[International Four Days Marches Nijmegen|Nijmegen Four Days March]] has a regulation distance of 4 × 50&nbsp;km over four days for those aged 19 to 49.<ref name=":1">{{cite web |url=http://www.4daagse.nl/en/register/distance-rewards.html |title=Vierdaagse – Distance & Rewards |website=4daagse.nl |access-date=23 November 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107120104/http://www.4daagse.nl/en/register/distance-rewards.html |archive-date=7 November 2016 }}</ref>

In 2021, concerns were raised about planning and medical care available for ultramarathons in China, after [[Gansu ultramarathon disaster|21 racers died from hypothermia]] while competing in an ultramarathon in the [[Yellow River Stone Forest]]. The government later announced a ban on "extreme" competitions.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kanthor |first=Rebecca |date=9 June 2021 |title=Systemic problems in ultramarathon racing in China |work=[[The World (radio program)|The World]] |url=https://theworld.org/media/2021-06-09/systemic-problems-ultramarathon-racing-china |access-date=12 December 2023}}</ref>

In August 2023, a partnership between [[Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc]] (UTMB) and [[Ironman Triathlon]] was announced and the new formation of the UTMB World Series, an ultra-distance circuit that culminates with UTMB held in August. Concerns have been raised{{vague|date=April 2025}} about rising entry fees, homogenization of racing experiences, and bulldozing of smaller events.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chase |first=Adam |date=2021-05-07 |title=UTMB is Teaming up with IRONMAN. Will It Be the Ultra-Starbuckization? |url=https://www.outsideonline.com/running/training/trail/utmb-is-teaming-up-with-ironman-will-it-be-the-ultra-starbuckization/ |access-date=2023-10-28 |website=Outside Online |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-26 |title=What Really Went Down in Whistler with the WAM Races |url=http://garyrobbinsrun.com/blog/2023/10/what-really-went-down-in-whistler |access-date=2023-10-28 |website=Gary Robbins |language=en-US}}</ref>

==IAU World Record and World Best performances==
Until 2014, the IAU maintained lists of the world best performances on different surfaces (road, track, and indoor). Starting in 2015, the distinction between the surfaces was removed and the records were combined into a single category.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.iau-ultramarathon.org/images/file/Rationale_for_combined_WABP.pdf|title=IAU: Rationale for Combining IAU World Best Performances into one List.}}</ref> Some governing bodies continue to keep separate ultramarathon track and road records for their jurisdictions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://usatf.org/resources/statistics/records|title=USA Track & Field &#124; Records|website=usatf.org}}</ref>

Starting in January 2022, the IAU began to recognize and ratify performances as IAU World Records. World Athletics also began to ratify the [[50K run|50k distance]] as a World Record for both mixed and women, respectively, along with 100k. The events considered IAU World Records are: 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours along with 50 and 100 miles. Records in the 6 day event are called World Best Performances by the IAU.<ref>{{cite web |title=IAU World Records Guidelines |url=https://iau-ultramarathon.org/IAU%20WORLD%20RECORDS%20GUIDELINES%20(NOV%202021)%20Entry%20into%20force%20(1%20ENE%202022)%20(V.2).pdf |website=International Association of Ultrarunners |access-date=1 March 2022}}</ref>

Performances exceeding the current IAU records but which have not yet been ratified include the following:

* Stine Rex ran 435.564 km at the 2024 GOMU 48 hour world championships. The GOMU lists it as a "All Time World Best" performance.<ref>{{cite web |title=Records And World Bests attained at a GOMU World Championship |url=https://www.gomu.org/results-records/records-achieved-at-gomu-world-championships |website=GOMU}}</ref>
* Stine Rex ran 913.6 km at a 6-day race in Denmark during August and September 2024.<ref>{{cite web |website=IRunFar |title=This week in running, September 9 2024 |date=9 September 2024 |url=https://www.irunfar.com/this-week-in-running-september-9-2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |website=IAU|title=Statement on the 6d event performance|url=https://iau-ultramarathon.org/iau-statement-on-the-6d-event-performance.html}}</ref>
* Ivan Zaborsky ran 1047.554 km in six days in [[Vallon Pont d'Arc]], France, finishing on 4 May 2025.<ref>[https://www.irunfar.com/megan-eckert-ivan-zaborsky-six-day-running-world-records-2025 iRunFar: Megan Eckert and Ivan Zaborsky Set Women’s and Men’s 6-Day Running World Records]</ref>
* Megan Eckert ran 970.685 km in six days at the same race in Vallon Pont d'Arc.<ref>[https://www.irunfar.com/megan-eckert-ivan-zaborsky-six-day-running-world-records-2025 iRunFar: Megan Eckert and Ivan Zaborsky Set Women’s and Men’s 6-Day Running World Records]</ref>
* Matthieu Bonne ran 485.099 km in 48 hours in [[Pabianice]], Poland, finishing on 1 June 2025.<ref>[https://www.irunfar.com/matthieu-bonne-patrycja-bereznowska-48-hour-world-records-2025 iRunFar: Matthieu Bonne and Patrycja Bereznowska Set New Men’s and Women’s 48-Hour World Records.]</ref>
* [[Patrycja Bereznowska]] ran 436.371 km in 48 hours at the same race in Pabianice.<ref>[https://www.irunfar.com/matthieu-bonne-patrycja-bereznowska-48-hour-world-records-2025 iRunFar: Matthieu Bonne and Patrycja Bereznowska Set New Men’s and Women’s 48-Hour World Records.]</ref>

The IAU World Records and World Best Performances as of April 2025 are as follows.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |last=Bedkowski |first=Jacek |title=IAU Records |url=https://iau-ultramarathon.org/iau-records.html |access-date=2025-04-29 |website=IAU - International Association of Ultrarunners |language=en}}</ref>

===Men===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!Event
!Record
!Athlete
!Date
!Place
|-
|50&nbsp;km
|2:38:43
|{{flagathlete|[[CJ Albertson]]|USA}}
|8 October 2022
|{{flagicon|USA}} [[San Francisco]], US
|-
|50 miles
|4:48:21
|{{flagathlete|[[Charles R. Lawrence]]|USA}}
|11 November 2023
|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Vienna, Illinois|Vienna, IL]], US
|-
|100&nbsp;km
|6:05:35
|{{flagathlete|[[Aleksandr Sorokin]]|LTU}}
|14 May 2023
|{{flagicon|LTU}} [[Vilnius]], Lithuania
|-
|100 miles
|10:51:39
|{{flagathlete|[[Aleksandr Sorokin]]|LTU}}
|7 January 2022
|{{flagicon|ISR}} [[Tel Aviv]], Israel
|-
|6 hours
|98.496&nbsp;km
|{{flagathlete|[[Aleksandr Sorokin]]|LTU}}
|23 April 2022
|{{flagicon|UK}} [[Bedford]], UK
|-
|[[12-hour run|12 hours]]
|177.410&nbsp;km
|{{flagathlete|[[Aleksandr Sorokin]]|LTU}}
|7 January 2022
|{{flagicon|ISR}} [[Tel Aviv]], Israel
|-
|[[24-hour run|24 hours]]
|319.614&nbsp;km
|{{flagathlete|[[Aleksandr Sorokin]]|LTU}}
|17 September 2022
|{{flagicon|ITA}} [[Verona]], Italy
|-
|48 hours
|473.495&nbsp;km
|{{flagathlete|[[Yiannis Kouros]]|GRE}}
|3–5 May 1996
|{{flagicon|FRA}} [[Surgères]], France
|-
|6 days
|1045.519&nbsp;km
|{{flagathlete|[[Matthieu Bonne]]|BEL}}
|5–11 September 2024
|{{flagicon|HUN}} [[Balatonfüred]], Hungary
|}
{{Notelist}}

===Women===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!Event
!Record
!Athlete
!Date
!Place
|-
|50&nbsp;km
|2:59:54
|{{flagathlete|[[Desiree Linden]]|USA}}
|13 April 2021
|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Dorena, Oregon]], United States
|-
|50 miles
|5:31:57
|{{flagathlete|[[Courtney Olsen]]|USA}}
|10 November 2024
|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Vienna, Illinois|Vienna, IL]], US
|-
|100&nbsp;km
|6:33:11
|{{flagathlete|[[Tomoe Abe]]|JPN}}
|25 June 2000
|{{flagicon|JPN}} [[Lake Saroma Ultramarathon|Yubetsu-Saroma-Tokoro]], Japan
|-
|100 miles
|12:42:40
|{{flagathlete|[[Camille Herron]]|USA}}
|11 November 2017
|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Vienna, Illinois|Vienna, IL]], US
|-
|6 hours
|85.492&nbsp;km
|{{flagathlete|[[Nele Alder-Baerens]]|GER}}
|11 March 2017
|{{flagicon|GER}} [[Münster]], Germany
|-
|[[12-hour run|12 hours]]
|153.600&nbsp;km
|{{flagathlete|[[Satu Lipiäinen]]|FIN}}
|20 May 2023
|{{flagicon|FIN}} [[Kokkola]], Finland
|-
|[[24-hour run|24 hours]]
|270.363&nbsp;km
|{{flagathlete|[[Miho Nakata]]|JPN}}
|2 December 2023
|{{flagicon|TAI}} [[Taipei]], Taiwan
|-
|48 hours
|435.336&nbsp;km
|{{flagathlete|[[Camille Herron]]|USA}}
|24–26 March 2023
|{{flagicon|AUS}} [[Bruce, Australian Capital Territory|Bruce]], Australia
|-
|6 days
|901.768&nbsp;km
|{{flagathlete|[[Camille Herron]]|USA}}
|6–12 March 2024
|{{flagicon|USA}} [[California, USA]]
|}

Until 2021, the IAU also kept records for 1000&nbsp;km and 1000&nbsp;miles. The final records were:<ref>[https://iau-ultramarathon.org/IAU%20Records%20Committee%202021%20-2025%20(1000K%20-%201000M)%20Final.pdf IAU: Final WBP and WABP Records: 1000K, 1000M]</ref>

===Men===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!Event
!Record
!Athlete
!Date
!Place
|-
|1000&nbsp;km
|5d 16:17:00
||{{flagathlete|[[Yiannis Kouros]]|GRE}}
|26 November–2 December 1984
|{{flagicon|AUS}} [[Colac, Victoria|Colac]], Australia
|-
|1000 miles
|10d 10:30:36
||{{flagathlete|[[Yiannis Kouros]]|GRE}}
|20–30 May 1988
|{{flagicon|USA}} New York City, US
|}

===Women===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!Event
!Record
!Athlete
!Date
!Place
|-
|1000&nbsp;km
|7d 16:08:37
|{{flagathlete|[[Surasa Mairer|Paula Mairer]]|AUT}}
|29 September-6 October 2002
|{{flagicon|USA}} New York City, US
|-
|1000 miles
|12d 14:38:40
|{{flagathlete|[[Sandy Barwick|Sandra Barwick]]|NZL}}
|16–28 October 1991
|{{flagicon|USA}} New York City, US
|}

==IAU World Championships==
There are four IAU World Championships: the [[IAU 100&nbsp;km World Championships]], [[IAU 50&nbsp;km World Championships]], [[IAU 24 Hour World Championship]], and the [[IAU Trail World Championships]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.iau-ultramarathon.org/index.asp?menucode=189&tmp=tmp2&taal=en&menu_id=IAU_Championships&submenux=General%20information&foto=foto0 |title=IAU Championships |website=Iau-ultramarathon.org |access-date=23 November 2016 |archive-date=27 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170227003849/http://iau-ultramarathon.org/index.asp?menucode=189&tmp=tmp2&taal=en&menu_id=IAU_Championships&submenux=General%20information&foto=foto0 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Ultramarathons by regions==
Ultramarathons are run around the world with more than 600,000 people completing them every year.<ref>{{cite web |title=More People Are Running Ultras Than Ever Before |url=https://www.runnersworld.com/news/a30430651/more-people-are-running-ultras-study/ |website=Runner's World |language=en-us |date=24 January 2020}}</ref>

===Africa===
* South Africa hosts a number of notable ultra marathon events.
** On road: the world's oldest and largest ultramarathon, the {{convert|87|km}} [[Comrades Marathon]]. Approximately 12,000 runners complete the Comrades each year, out of approximately 17,000 who start, with 23,961 competing in 2000.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 June 2014 |title=Comrades Marathon History |url=http://raceday.comrades.com/home-about/history-of-comrades |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140604101237/http://raceday.comrades.com/home-about/history-of-comrades |archive-date=4 June 2014}}</ref>
** The {{convert|56|km|adj=on}} [[Two Oceans Marathon]] in [[Cape Town]] in the southern autumn attracts approximately 11,000 runners.
* The [[Grand Raid de la Réunion]] is held annually on [[Réunion]] in October, crossing the island over {{convert|163|km}} with an altitude gain of {{convert|9643|m}}. This race attracts 2,350 competitors, with 1,000 runners from overseas.
* The [[Marathon des Sables]] is a 6-day stage race which covers {{convert|250|km}} through the [[Sahara desert]] in Morocco.
* The Spanish [[Canary Islands]] off the African coast are the location of some prestigious ultramarathons, including the 46-mile [[Transvulcania]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Hicks|first=Meghan|date=12 May 2019|title=2019 Transvulcania Ultramarathon Results|url=https://www.irunfar.com/2019-transvulcania-ultramarathon-results|access-date=4 January 2023|website=iRunFar|language=en}}</ref>

===Asia===
Ultrarunning has become popular in Asia, and countries such as Japan, [[Taiwan]], and [[South Korea]] have hosted IAU World Championships.

* In Israel, two major ultramarathon races are ''Mount to Valley'' relay race, over 215&nbsp;km, from the hills of the [[Upper Galilee]] to the [[Jezreel Valley]]; and the ''Valley Circle'' race in the Jezreel valley, containing several distances, including 160&nbsp;km and 200&nbsp;km.
* India's first ultra-marathon, the Bangalore Ultra, was held in 2007.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/12/14/stories/2007121456852200.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071217020035/http://www.hindu.com/2007/12/14/stories/2007121456852200.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=17 December 2007 |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |title=Big response for the Bangalore Marathon |date=14 December 2007 |access-date=28 April 2013}}</ref> Since 2010, the Indian Himalayas have hosted ''[[La Ultra]] – The High'', a 333&nbsp;km course crossing [[Khardung La]], touted to be the world's highest motorable mountain pass.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://forbesindia.com/article/recliner/why-la-ultra-the-high-is-the-cruelest-marathon/34723/1 |work=Forbes India |title=Why La Ultra The High is the Cruelest Marathon |date=18 February 2013}}</ref>
*Japan had its first 100&nbsp;km event in 1987 as [[Lake Saroma Ultramarathon]] and hosted the [[International Association of Ultrarunners|IAU]] 100&nbsp;km World Championship in 1994 ([[Lake Saroma Ultramarathon|Lake Saroma]]), 1998 ([[River Shimanto Ultramarathon|River Shimanto]]) and 2005 ([[Lake Saroma Ultramarathon|Lake Saroma]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iau-ultramarathon.org/images/file/IAU%20100km%20World%20Cup%20Results%201987%20to%202008.pdf |title=IAU World Cup 100 Kilometres |website=Iau-ultramarathon.org |access-date=23 November 2016}}</ref> Japan hosts more than 50 ultramarathon events throughout the year,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://marathons.ahotu.com/calendar/ultramarathon/japan |title=2016 – 2017 Japan Ultramarathon Calendar |website=Marathons.ahotu.com |access-date=23 November 2016}}</ref> including the [[Trans Japan Alps Race]] (TJAR)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tjar.jp/2012/about/index.html|language=ja|title=TJAR (Trans Japan Alps Race)|website=tjar.jp}}</ref> ({{convert|415|km|mile}} with more than {{convert|26000|m|mile}} cumulative altitude gain crossing Japan Alps, crossing Japan's mainland from Japan Sea to Pacific Ocean in 7 days),<ref>NHK team, 激走! 日本アルプス大縦断 密着、トランスジャパンアルプスレース富山~静岡415km, 26 April 2013, {{ISBN|978-4087815276}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dreamnews.jp/press/0000072853/ |title=日本一過酷な山岳レース「トランスジャパンアルプスレース（TJAR）」に密着したノンフィクション書籍『激走！ 日本アルプス大縦断』（NHKスペシャル取材班・著）が、集英社より4月26日（金）に発売！ &#124; 株式会社 集英社 &#124; プレスリリース配信代行サービス『ドリームニュース』 |website=Dreamnews.jp |access-date=23 November 2016}}</ref> [[Hasetsune cup]] ({{convert|71.5|km|mile}} in steep foggy mountains)<ref>RUNTRAIL editors, RUN+TRAIL vol.2 トレイルランレースをはじめよう ハセツネ/UTMF完走法 (SAN-EI MOOK),22 Aug 2012, {{ISBN|978-4779615627}}</ref> and the [[Ultra-Trail Mt. Fuji]] ({{convert|161|km|mile}} loop around World Heritage [[Mount Fuji]] with a cumulative altitude gain of about {{convert|9000|m|mile}}).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irunfar.com/2013/04/2013-ultra-trail-mount-fuji-preview.html |title=2013 Ultra-Trail Mount Fuji Preview |website=Irunfar.com |date=24 April 2013 |access-date=23 November 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://info.japantimes.co.jp/works/ultra-trail-mount-fuji.html |title=Ultra-Trail Mt. Fuji (UTMF) &#124; The Japan Times Online |website=Info.japantimes.co.jp |access-date=23 November 2016}}</ref>
* The Gobi March in northwest China was China's first ultramarathon, first staged in 2003. The Gobi March is part of the 4 Deserts Race Series.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.4deserts.com/gobimarch |publisher=4 Deserts Official Website |title=The Gobi March}}</ref>
* [[Hong Kong Four Trails Ultra Challenge]] is a 298 km-long uninterrupted race, the first ultramarathon-class race in Hong Kong.

===Oceania, Australia, and New Zealand===
Australia and New Zealand are hosts to some 100 organized ultramarathons each year. Additionally, a handful of runners have run the entire length of New Zealand, a distance of around {{convert|2200|km}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.endurancesport.co.nz/feature.cfm?id=104 |title=Endurance Sport |publisher=Endurance Sport |access-date=23 November 2016 |archive-date=10 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170710074552/https://endurancesport.co.nz/feature.cfm?id=104 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In Australia, the [[Westfield Ultra Marathon]] was an annual race between [[Sydney]] and [[Melbourne]] contested between 1983 and 1991. Greek runner [[Yiannis Kouros]] won the event five times during that period. Australia is also the home of one of the oldest [[6 Day Race|six-day race]]s in the world, the [[Cliff Young Australian 6-day race]], held in [[Colac, Victoria]]. The race is held on a 400-meter circuit at the Memorial Square in the centre of Colac and has seen many close races since its inception in 1984. The 20th Cliff Young Australian six-day race was held between 20 and 26 November 2005. During that event, Kouros beat his existing world record six-day track mark and set a new mark of {{convert|1036.851|km}}. The [[Coast to Kosciuszko]] inaugurated in 2004, is a {{convert|246|km|mi|adj=on}} marathon from the coast to the top of [[Mount Kosciuszko]], Australia's highest mountain.{{Citation needed|date=January 2025}}

Australia has seen a steep growth in ultrarunning events and participants in recent years. Many new races have come into inception, covering a range of ultramarathon distances from 50&nbsp;km right through to multi-day events. The cornerstone of Australian Ultra events is such races as Ultra-Trail Australia 100, The Great North Walk Ultras, Surf Coast Century, Bogong to Hotham, Alpine Challenge, GC50 Run Festival, and the Cradle Mountain Run.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.rapidascent.com.au/salomontrailrunning/WhatIsTrailRunning|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150321112809/http://www.rapidascent.com.au/salomontrailrunning/WhatIsTrailRunning|url-status=dead|archive-date=21 March 2015|title=Salomon Trail Running Series – What Is Trail Running? (Salomon trail running series)|date=21 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=1 July 2024 |title=Ultra Marathons in Australia |url=https://run2.au/events/category/ultra/ |access-date=1 July 2024 |website=run2.au}}</ref> The [[Australian Ultra Runners Association]] (AURA) has a comprehensive list and links of events and their respective results.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://aura.asn.au/events.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012145302/http://aura.asn.au/events.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=12 October 2007|title=AURA – Australian Ultra Runners Association|date=12 October 2007}}</ref>

In New Zealand, the [[Kepler Challenge]] is held on a {{convert|60|km}} trail through [[Fiordland National Park]]. It has been running since 1988 and is one of the country's most popular races. The [[Tarawera Ultramarathon]] is currently one of the most competitive ultras in New Zealand and part of the Ultra-Trail World Tour.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.taraweraultra.co.nz/community/partners/|title=Partners - Tarawera Ultramarathon &#124; Rotorua, New Zealand|website=taraweraultra.co.nz}}</ref>

===Europe===
The [[European Ultramarathon Cup]] is an annual cup event covering some of the biggest ultramarathon races in Europe.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.laufreport.de/nachrichten/press/index3.htm|title=LaufReport Presse Info|website=laufreport.de}}</ref> The [[CajaMar Tenerife Bluetrail]] is the highest race in Spain and second highest in Europe.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.abc.es/deportes/abci-tenerife-bluetrail-carrera-mas-alta-espana-201610060829_noticia.html|title=Tenerife Bluetrail, la carrera más alta de España|date=6 October 2016|website=abc}}</ref> Besides trail ultramarathons, Europe features large road ultramarathons such as [[Spartathlon]] and the Millau 100K, which have gathered thousands of runners for the past 50 years.

The [[Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc|UTMB]], through France, Italy, and Switzerland has been considered the world's most competitive trail ultra.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Powell|first=Bryon|date=21 August 2017|title=2017 UTMB Men's Preview|url=https://www.irunfar.com/2017-utmb-mens-preview|access-date=4 January 2023|website=iRunFar|language=en}}</ref> The other races in the UTMB festival, including the CCC, TDS, and OCC, are also significant events in the ultrarunning calendar.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Agnew |first=Mark |date=20 August 2019 |title=UTMB 2019 schedule: when do the TDS, CCC and OCC start? |work=[[South China Morning Post]] |url=https://www.scmp.com/sport/outdoor/trail-running/article/3023588/utmb-2020-schedule-when-do-tds-ccc-and-occ-start |access-date=12 December 2023}}</ref>

===North America===
The oldest existing ultramarathon in North America is the [[JFK 50 Mile]],<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |date=2024-02-17 |title=Classic Ultramarathon Beginnings |url=https://ultrarunninghistory.com/ultramarathon-beginnings/ |access-date=2024-02-28 |language=en-US}}</ref> which began in 1963 as a push by President [[John F. Kennedy]] to bring the country back to physical fitness.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mason |first=Andy |date=2016-02-07 |title=History |url=https://www.jfk50mile.org/history/ |access-date=2024-02-28 |website=JFK 50 Mile |language=en-US}}</ref>

There are several 100-mile ultramarathons held annually in North America. The [[Western States Endurance Run]] is the oldest 100-mile trail run in North America. The race began in 1977, founded by Wendell Robie, of Auburn California.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Crockett |first1=Davy |title=Western States 100 - 1977 |url=https://ultrarunninghistory.com/western-states-100-1977/ |website=Ultrarunning History |date=22 January 2021 |access-date=23 January 2022}}</ref><ref name=":8" />

The first mountain trail ultramarathon held in the United States was the 1911 Mount Baker Race (50K), in [[Bellingham, Washington]]. Runners raced by car or train to the trailheads, ran up to the summit of [[Mount Baker]], and then back down to the city.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Crockett |first1=Davy |title=The Mount Baker Ultramarathon (1911-1913) |url=https://ultrarunninghistory.com/mount-baker/ |website=Ultrarunning History |date=6 September 2019 |access-date=23 January 2022}}</ref>

An early ultramarathon was held in Mexico in 1926, and at the time was part of the [[Central American Games]]. Tomas Zafiro and Leoncio San Miguel, both [[Tarahumara]] Indians, ran 100&nbsp;km from [[Pachuca]] to Mexico City in 9 hours and 37 minutes. At the time, the Mexican government petitioned to include a 100&nbsp;km race in the [[1928 Summer Olympics]] in Amsterdam.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://remezcla.com/features/sports/tarahumara-born-to-run-mexico/|title=Still, They Endure: The Paradox of Mexico's Legendary Tarahumara Runners|last=Vilchis|first=Raul|date=10 March 2015|website=Remezcla|language=en-US|access-date=10 June 2019}}</ref>

In 1928, sports agent [[C. C. Pyle]] organized the first of two editions of the 3,455-mile-long [[Bunion Derby]]. The first went along [[U.S. Route 66]] from Los Angeles to Chicago before heading toward New York; the 1929 Derby reversed the route. Neither the race nor the accompanying [[vaudeville]] show was a financial success.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Crockett |first1=Davy |title=The 1928 Bunion Derby |url=https://ultrarunninghistory.com/johnny-salo-bunion-derby-2/ |website=Ultrarunning History |date=12 August 2019 |access-date=23 January 2022}}</ref>

In the 1980s, Gary "Lazarus Lake" Cantrell and Karl "Raw Dog" Henn conceived the [[Barkley Marathons]], an annual trail race held in March or April in [[Frozen Head State Park]], Tennessee. The course is approximately 20 miles long with approximately 11,000 feet of vertical climb, and runners have 60 hours to complete five laps. The run is notorious not only for its difficulty but also for its secretive nature; entrants must undergo a selection process and entry dates and requirements are not announced, meaning entrants rely on word-of-mouth for details on how to enter. The first Barkley Marathons took place in 1986, and as of 2025, the full, five-loop race has been completed a total of 26 times by 20 runners.<ref>{{cite news |first=Shawn |last=Butler |title=Barkley Marathons Finish Stats |date=March 26, 2018 |accessdate=October 9, 2018 |website=Posilicious |url=https://cactustoclouds.com/2018/10/09/barkley-marathons-finishers/ |archive-date=May 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200511190225/https://cactustoclouds.com/2018/10/09/barkley-marathons-finishers/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Since 1997, runners have been competing in the [[Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race]], which is billed as the longest official footrace in the world. They run 100 laps a day for up to 50 days around a single block in Queens, NY, for a total distance of {{convert|3100|mi|km}}.<ref name="scr">{{cite web|url=http://3100.srichinmoyraces.org/about |title= srichinmoyraces.org / About the 3100 Mile Race |access-date=16 January 2013}}</ref> The current record holder is [[Ashprihanal Pekka Aalto]], at 40 days 09:06:21 for a daily average of {{convert|76.776|mi|km}} in 2015.

Several 10-day races are also regularly available in the US at venues that hold 6-day races: Across the Years (in Arizona), Sri Chinmoy (in New York) and 6 Days in the Dome (Wisconsin).<ref>{{cite book |last=Gruebele |first=M |date=2024 |title=Masters of Ultrarunning: The 10-Day Race |url=https://www.amazon.com/Masters-Ultrarunning-10-Day-Race-Ultraracing/dp/B0D9W1TW8T |location=Champaign-Urbana, Illinois |publisher=HB Publishing |page=182 |isbn=979-8333227737}}</ref>

In April 2006, the American Ultrarunning Hall of Fame was established by the American Ultrarunning Association (AUA). Candidates for the Hall of Fame are chosen from the 'modern era' of American ultras, beginning with the [[New York Road Runners]] Club 30 Mile race held in 1958. The Inaugural inductees were [[Ted Corbitt]], a former US Olympian, winner of the aforementioned race in 3:04:13, and co-founder of the [[Road Runners Club of America]], and Sandra Kiddy, who began her ultra career at age 42 with a world record at 50 kilometers, 3:36:56, and who went on to set a number of American and world ultra records.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Crockett |first1=Davy |title=The American Ultrarunning Hall of Fame |url=https://ultrarunninghistory.com/hall-of-fame/ |website=Ultrarunning History |date=19 August 2020 |access-date=23 January 2022}}</ref>

The [[Yukon Arctic Ultra]] is uniques among ultras for its cold conditions, requiring racers to start from [[Whitehorse]] to [[Dawson City]], [[Yukon]], a distance of 430 miles (692&nbsp;km) in February, with temperatures in the race having fallen as low as -57 degrees celsius.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Yukon: Discover the world's coldest ultra |url=https://montane.com/blogs/blog/the-yukon-discover-the-world-s-coldest-ultra-run |website=Montane |access-date=19 February 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Ann |first1=Virginie |title=Yukon Arctic Ultra, which calls itself the world's 'coldest and toughest,' kicks off in Whitehorse |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/yukon-arctic-ultra-start-1.6737430 |website=CBC |publisher=CBC/Radio-Canada. |access-date=19 February 2023}}</ref>

==See also==
{{portal|Sport of athletics}}
* [[Fastpacking]]
* [[Fat Ass]]
* [[Fell running]]
* [[List of ultramarathons]]
* [[Skyrunning]]
* [[Trail running]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* [http://www.i-tra.org/ Official International Trail Running Association website]
* [http://www.runultra.co.uk/ RunUltra.co.uk] Global ultramarathon calendar with reviews
* [http://ultrarunninghistory.com/ The history of ultrarunning]
* [https://www.iaaf.org/disciplines/ultra-running/ultra-running Ultra running] at [[International Association of Athletics Federations|IAAF]] web site
* [http://www.ultramarathonrunning.com/ ULTRAmarathonRunning.com] Global ultramarathon calendar
* [https://ultrasignup.com UltraSignup], global race list and signup site

{{Running}}
{{Athletics events}}
{{Racing}}
{{Extreme Sports}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Ultramarathons|*]]
[[Category:Endurance games]]
[[Category:Long-distance running]]
[[Category:Road running distances]]
[[Category:Ultrarunning]]