Ultramarathon
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An ultramarathon is any running event longer than the marathon length of 42.195 km (26 miles, 385 yards).
There are generally two types of ultramarathon events--runs for a specified distance and runs for a specified time (with the winner covering the most distance in that time).
The most common distances run are 50 and 100 miles or 50 and 100 kilometres, though several other distances (e.g., double marathons or 1000 miles) are also occasionally contested. Many of these races (especially in the United States) are run on dirt roads or mountain paths, though some are run on paved roads as well. They usually have aid stations every five to fifteen km apart where runners can replenish food and drink supplies, or take a short break.
Timed events range from six or 12 hours to one, two, three and six days (known as "multi-days"). Timed events are generally run on a track or a short road course (often one mile or less).
Well known ultramarathons
- Angeles Crest 100 Mile Endurance Run
- Badwater Ultramarathon
- Comrades Marathon
- Leadville Trail 100
- London to Brighton
- Marathon des Sables
- Mohican 100 Trail Run
- Spartathlon
- Swiss Alpine Marathon
- Two Oceans Marathon
- Vermont 100 Mile Endurance Run
- Western States Endurance Run