A marathon isn't the finish line for many runners—it's the doorway to ultramarathons.

If you're considering going beyond 26.2, here's what you need to know.

What Is an Ultramarathon?

The Definition

Ultramarathon: Any race longer than a marathon (26.2 miles / 42.2 km).

Common distances:

• 50K (31 miles) - Entry-level ultra
• 50 miles
• 100K (62 miles)
• 100 miles
• Multi-day events

The Landscape

Types of ultras:

• Road ultras: On pavement, often flat, measurable pace
• Trail ultras: On trails, variable terrain, may include significant elevation
• Mountain ultras: Extreme elevation, technical terrain
• Timed events: Run as far as you can in 6, 12, 24+ hours

The Culture

Ultra running is different:

• Community is incredibly supportive
• Competition is against yourself and the distance
• Walking is expected and strategic
• Finishing is the primary goal for most

Is Ultra Running For You?

Good Candidates

You might enjoy ultras if:

• You find marathons mentally constraining
• You enjoy being outside for long periods
• You like trail running
• You value adventure over speed
• You're comfortable with discomfort
• You enjoy eating while exercising

Maybe Not Your Thing If:

Consider carefully if:

• You're injury-prone (volume increases risk)
• You prefer speed over distance
• You dislike uncertainty and problem-solving mid-race
• You can't tolerate eating during running

Prerequisites

Before attempting an ultra:

• Multiple marathon completions (preferably)
• Comfortable running 20+ miles
• Experience with long training runs (3+ hours)
• Ability to fuel during running
• Mental readiness for very long efforts

Training Differences

Time on Feet > Mileage

Marathon training: Focus on mileage, specific paces.

Ultra training: Focus on duration, adapting to long efforts.

Practical difference:

• A 3-hour long run matters more than a 20-mile long run
• Running slowly for longer builds ultra fitness

Back-to-Back Long Runs

Classic ultra training technique:

• Saturday: Long run (2-4 hours)
• Sunday: Long run on tired legs (2-3 hours)

Purpose: Simulates the fatigue of ultra distances, teaches running on depleted legs.

Walking Training

Seriously—practice walking:

• Power hiking for hills
• Walk breaks during long runs
• Knowing your walking pace

Why: You WILL walk in an ultra. Make it efficient.

Elevation Training

For trail ultras:

• Train on hills
• Specific climbing workouts
• Descending practice (harder on body than climbing)

Nutrition Training

Practice:

• Eating solid food while running
• Testing what your stomach tolerates
• Learning your caloric needs (200-300+ cal/hour for most)

Mental Training

Ultra-specific mental skills:

• Patience (ultras are long)
• Problem-solving (things go wrong)
• Managing lows (they're inevitable)
• Self-sufficiency

Sample 50K Training Approach

Volume

Weekly mileage: 50-70 miles peak (varies by runner).

Key workouts:

• One very long run (3-5 hours)
• Back-to-back long runs every 2-3 weeks
• One quality session (tempo, hills, etc.)
• Easy running to fill volume

Timeline

Minimum: 12-16 weeks of ultra-specific training.

Ideal: 6+ months of building endurance.

Prerequisite: Solid marathon-level base.

Sample Week (Peak Training)

Race Day Differences

Pacing

Marathon: Consistent pace, racing the clock.

Ultra: Variable pace based on terrain, managing effort for survival.

The approach: Start slower than you think. Walk when appropriate. Finish strong.

Aid Stations

Marathon: Water, sports drink, maybe gels.

Ultra: Full buffets—sandwiches, fruit, potatoes, soup, candy, soda.

Your job: Know what works for you. Arrive hungry, eat, leave.

Gear

May need:

• Hydration pack or handheld bottles
• Change of shoes/socks
• Headlamp (if running into dark)
• Layers for weather changes
• Required gear (varies by race)

Drop Bags

Many ultras allow:

• Bags at certain aid stations
• Extra food, gear, clothes
• Customized support

Crew and Pacers

Longer ultras often allow:

• Crew: Friends/family at aid stations to help you
• Pacers: Runners who join you for later portions

Common Ultra Mistakes

1. Starting Too Fast

Even more critical than marathon.

The problem: Burning energy in the first quarter.

The fix: First 10 miles should feel almost too easy.

2. Under-fueling

The problem: Not eating enough, not early enough.

The result: Bonking hard after 4-6 hours.

The fix: Eat before you're hungry. 200-300 cal/hour minimum.

3. Over-packing

The problem: Carrying too much gear.

The result: Energy wasted, discomfort.

The fix: Know what you need, no more.

4. Not Training Hiking

The problem: Assuming you'll run everything.

The reality: You'll walk a lot.

The fix: Practice power hiking. Know your hiking pace.

5. Ignoring the Mental Game

The problem: Expecting it to be purely physical.

The reality: Ultra is 50%+ mental.

The fix: Train for lows. Have strategies for dark moments.

The Mental Game

Expect Lows

They will happen:

• You'll want to quit at some point
• Your body will hurt
• Your mind will doubt

This is normal. Successful ultra runners manage these moments, not avoid them.

Strategies

Mantras:

• Short phrases to repeat
• "Forward is a pace"
• "One step at a time"

Segmentation:

• Next aid station
• Next mile marker
• Next landmark

Acceptance:

• "This is hard and that's okay"
• "I'm supposed to feel this way"

Relentless Forward Progress

The ultra mantra: Just keep moving forward.

Walking counts. Shuffling counts. Forward is forward.

Is a 50K Really That Much Harder Than a Marathon?

The Surprising Answer

Many runners find 50K easier than expected.

Why:

• Walking is allowed (less pressure)
• Pace is slower (more manageable)
• Aid stations are generous
• The vibe is more relaxed

The extra 5 miles: More time on feet, but mentally easier for some.

The Challenge Increases With Distance

50K: Marathon+ but manageable. 50 miles: Significantly harder—sleep deprivation potential. 100K/100 miles: Entirely different beast—major undertaking.

Ultramarathons are more accessible than they seem. If you enjoy long runs and want to explore beyond the marathon, a 50K is a natural next step. Train for time on feet, practice your nutrition, embrace walking, and prepare mentally. The ultra community will welcome you.

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