Difference between revisions of "Ultramarathon"

From Multidaywiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
 
(110 intermediate revisions by 3 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
−
An '''ultramarathon''' is any running event longer than the traditional [[Marathon]] length of 42.195 kilometers (26.21875 [[mile]]s, 46,145 yards).
+
An '''ultramarathon''' is any running event longer than the traditional [[Marathon]] length of 42.195 kilometers (26.21875 miles, 46,145 yards).
  
−
There are generally two types of ultramarathon runs:  events that cover a specified distance, and events that take place during a specified time frame (with the winner covering the most distance in that time).  The most common distances run are 50 and 100 miles, or 50 and 100 kilometers, though several other distances, e.g., double marathons, 24 hour runs, or [[multiday races]] of 1000 miles or even longer are also contested.  The format of these events and the courses covered are quite variable, ranging from single or multiple loops (some as short as a 400 meter track), to point-to-point road or trail races.  Many ultrarunning events, especially [[Trail running|trail challenges]], are characterized by severe course obstacles, such as inclement weather, elevation change, or rugged terrain.  Many of these races are run on [[dirt road]]s or [[Trail|mountain paths]], though some are run on paved roads as well.  Usually, there are [[aid station]]s every five to fifteen km apart, where runners can replenish food and drink supplies or take a short break.  
+
There are generally two types of ultramarathon runs:  events that cover a specified distance, and events that take place during a specified time frame (with the winner covering the most distance in that time).
  
−
Timed events range from six, twelve or 24 hours, to two, three and six days (known as 'multi-day' events). Timed events are generally run on a track or a short road course, often one mile or less.
+
The format of these events and the courses vary, ranging from single or multiple loops (some as short as a 400-meter track), to point-to-point road or trail races, to cross-country rogaines. Many ultramarathons, especially trail challenges, have severe course obstacles, such as inclement weather, elevation change, or rugged terrain. [[Trail Races|Trail races]] are run on dirt roads or mountain paths, though some are run on little or no paved surfaces. Usually, there are [[Aid Stations|aid stations]] every 5 to 15 km apart, where runners can replenish food and drink supplies or take a short break.
  
−
The [[International Association of Ultra Runners]] (IAU) organises the World Championships for various ultramarathon distances, including 50K, 100K, 24 hours and 48 hours.  These events are sanctioned by the [[International Association of Athletics Federations]] (IAAF), the world governing body of track and field.  Many countries around the world have their own ultrarunning organization, often the national athletics federation of that country, or are sanctioned by such national athletics organizations.  World records for distances, times and ages are tracked by the IAU.
+
==Common distances==
 +
 
 +
*[[50 mile races|50 miles]]
 +
*[[50 kilometer races|50 km]]
 +
*[[100 kilometer races|100 kilometers]]
 +
*[[100 mile races|100 miles]]
 +
*[[24 hour races|24 hour events]]
 +
*[[48 Hour Races|48 hour events]]
 +
*[[72 Hour Races|72 hour runs]]
 +
*[[6 Day Races|6 Day race]]
 +
*[[7 Day Races|7 Day race]]
 +
*[[10 Day Races|10 Day race]]
 +
*[[1000 mile races|1000 miles]]
 +
*[[Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race|3100 miles]]
 +
 
 +
The format of these events and the courses covered are quite variable, ranging from single or multiple loops (some as short as a 400 meter track), to [[Point to Point Races|point-to-point]] [[Road Races|road]] or [[Trail Races|trail races]].  Many ultrarunning events, especially trail challenges, are characterized by severe course obstacles, such as inclement weather, elevation change, or rugged terrain.  Many of these races are run on dirt roads or [[Trail Races|mountain paths]], though some are run on paved roads as well.  Usually, there are [[Aid Stations|aid station]]s every five to fifteen km apart, where runners can replenish food and drink supplies or take a short break.
 +
 
 +
Timed events range from six, twelve or 24 hours, to two, three and [[6 Day Races|six days]] (known as 'multi-day' events).  Timed events are generally run on a track or a short road course, often one mile or less.
  
 
==Ultramarathons over the world==
 
==Ultramarathons over the world==
Line 17: Line 34:
 
===Ultrarunning in Asia===
 
===Ultrarunning in Asia===
  
−
Ultrarunning has become quite popular in [[Asia]] recently, and countries and regions such as Taiwan, Japan, and Korea have hosted IAU World Championships in the last few years.
+
Ultrarunning has become quite popular in Asia recently, and countries and regions such as [[:Category:Taiwanese Ultramarathons|Taiwan]], Japan, and Korea have hosted [[IAU World Championships]] in the last few years.
  
 
===Ultrarunning in Australia and New Zealand===
 
===Ultrarunning in Australia and New Zealand===
  
−
The first ultramarathon held in Australia and New Zealand was likely a track 100km in New Zealand.  Today, Australia and New Zealand are host to approximately 100 ultramarathons each year.  One of the most famous Australian ultra Marathons was the [[Westfield Ultra Marathon]], an annual race between Sydney and Melbourne which was 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 [[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 epic battles since its inception in 1984.  The 20th Cliff Young Australian 6-day race was held between the 20-26 Nov 2005.  Kouros rewrote the record book in that event when he beat his existing world 6-day track mark and set a new mark of 1036.851 km.  
+
The first ultramarathon held in Australia and New Zealand was likely a track 100km in New Zealand.  Today, Australia and New Zealand are host to approximately 100 ultramarathons each year.  One of the most famous Australian ultra Marathons was the [[Westfield's Sydney to Melbourne Ultramarathon|Westfield Ultra Marathon]], an annual race between Sydney and Melbourne which was 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 Races|6 Day races]] in the world, the [[Cliff Young 6 Day|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 epic battles since its inception in 1984.  The 20th Cliff Young Australian 6-day race was held between the 20-26 Nov 2005.  Kouros rewrote the record book in that event when he beat his existing world 6-day track mark and set a new mark of 1036.851 km.
  
 
===Ultrarunning in Europe===
 
===Ultrarunning in Europe===
 +
*[[:Category:National list]]
  
−
Ultrarunning is also quite popular in Europe, where over 200 ultramarathons are held each year, among the biggest the 100k of Bienne]] and the 72.7k Rennsteiglauf in the Thuringian Forest. The second oldest ultramarathon in the world, London to Brighton, was widely considered to be among the most prestigious titles until its retirement in 2005.  The earliest written documentation of ultrarunners came from Icelandic sagas.  The history of ultrarunners and walkers from the Victorian Era has also been documented.  The IAU hosts annual European Championships for the 50k, 100k and 24 hours. The European Ultramarathon Cup (ECU) is an annual series covering several of the biggest races in different European Countries.
+
Ultrarunning is also quite popular in Europe, where over 200 ultramarathons are held each year, among the biggest the 100k of Bienne]] and the 72.7k Rennsteiglauf in the Thuringian Forest. The second oldest ultramarathon in the world, [[London to Brighton]], was widely considered to be among the most prestigious titles until its retirement in 2005.  The earliest written documentation of ultrarunners came from Icelandic sagas.  The history of ultrarunners and walkers from the Victorian Era has also been documented.  The IAU hosts annual European Championships for the 50k, 100k and 24 hours. The European Ultramarathon Cup (ECU) is an annual series covering several of the biggest races in different European Countries.
−
An extreme challenge in Germany is the annually multiday ''Deutschlandlauf'' (German Run) over 1200km
+
An extreme challenge in Germany is the annually multiday ''[[Deutschlandlauf]]'' (German Run) over 1200km
  
−
===Ultrarunning in North America===
+
===Ultrarunning in North America===  
 +
*[[Ultramarathons in the USA|List of American Ultras]]
 +
*[[Ultramarathons in Canada|List of Canadian Ultras]]
  
−
There are several hundred ultramarathons held annually in North America. One of the most popular is the [[Western States Endurance Run]], the world's oldest 100-mile trail run.  The race began unofficially in 1974, when local horseman [[Gordy Ainsleigh]]'s horse for the 100-mile [[Tevis Cup]] horse race came up lame. He decided to travel the course on foot, finishing in 23 hours and 47 minutes.   
+
There are several hundred ultramarathons held annually in North America. One of the most popular is the [[The Western States Endurance Run|Western States ]], the world's oldest 100-mile trail run.  The race began unofficially in 1974, when local horseman [[Gordy Ainsleigh]]'s horse for the 100-mile Tevis Cup horse race came up lame. He decided to travel the course on foot, finishing in 23 hours and 47 minutes.   
  
−
One of the first documented ultramarathons in North America was held in 1926, as part of the Central American Games. Tomas Zafiro and Leonicio San Miguel, both [[Tarahumara]] Indians, ran 100K from Puchuca to [[Mexico City]] in 9 hours and 37 minutes. At the time, the Mexican government petitioned to include the 100K in the [[1928 Summer Olympics]] in [[Amsterdam]], however nothing came of these efforts.
+
One of the first documented ultramarathons in North America was held in 1926, as part of the Central American Games. Tomas Zafiro and Leonicio San Miguel, both [[Tarahumara]] Indians, ran 100K from Puchuca to Mexico City in 9 hours and 37 minutes. At the time, the Mexican government petitioned to include the 100K in the 1928 Summer Olympics in Amsterdam, however nothing came of these efforts.
  
 
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 kicked off her ultra career at age 42 with a world record at 50 kilometers, 3:36:56, and who went on to set a string of US and world ultra records.
 
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 kicked off her ultra career at age 42 with a world record at 50 kilometers, 3:36:56, and who went on to set a string of US and world ultra records.
 +
 +
[[Ultrarunning Magazine|Ultrarunning magazine]] has created the [[Ultrarunner of the Year]] an annual announcement of who has been the most impressive ultrarunner that year. 2006 UotY is
  
 
==Well-known ultramarathons==
 
==Well-known ultramarathons==
 
===Road and dirt paths===
 
===Road and dirt paths===
  
−
* [[100 km de Millau]]
 
−
* [[Bienne 100 km]]
 
 
* [[Comrades Marathon]]
 
* [[Comrades Marathon]]
 
* [[Grand Union Canal 145 mile Race]]
 
* [[Grand Union Canal 145 mile Race]]
−
* [[London to Brighton]] (defunct)
+
* [[London to Brighton]] (deceased)
 
* [[Spartathlon]]
 
* [[Spartathlon]]
 
* [[Two Oceans Marathon]]
 
* [[Two Oceans Marathon]]
−
* [[Way Too Cool 50 Kilometer]]
 
  
 
===Mountain and trails===
 
===Mountain and trails===
Line 52: Line 71:
 
* [[American River 50 Mile Endurance Run]]
 
* [[American River 50 Mile Endurance Run]]
 
* [[Angeles Crest 100 Mile Endurance Run]]
 
* [[Angeles Crest 100 Mile Endurance Run]]
−
* [[Barkley Marathons]]
+
* [[The Barkley 100 Mile Race|Barkley Marathons]]
 
* [[Bear 100 Mile Endurance Run]]
 
* [[Bear 100 Mile Endurance Run]]
−
* [[Dick Collins Firetrails 50 Mile]]
+
* [[dirty girls 6, 12 & 24 hour Trail Race]]
 
* [[Grand Raid de la Réunion]]
 
* [[Grand Raid de la Réunion]]
−
* [[Hardrock Hundred Mile Endurance Run]]
+
* [[Hardrock 100 Endurance Run]]
−
* [[HUFF 50K Trail Run]]
+
*[[Leona Divide 50 Mile Run]]
−
* [[Knee Knackering North Shore Trail Run]]
 
−
* [[Lake Hodges 50k]]
 
−
* [[Leadville Trail 100]]
 
−
* [[Lean Horse Ultramarathon]]
 
−
* [[Leona Divide 50 Mile Run]]
 
 
* [[McNaughton Park Trail Runs]]
 
* [[McNaughton Park Trail Runs]]
−
* [[Miwok 100K]]
 
−
* [[Mohican 100 Trail Run]]
 
−
* [[Mount Diablo Summer 50K]]
 
 
* [[Old Dominion 100 Mile Cross Country Run]]
 
* [[Old Dominion 100 Mile Cross Country Run]]
 
* [[Quad Dipsea]]
 
* [[Quad Dipsea]]
 
* [[Rennsteiglauf]]
 
* [[Rennsteiglauf]]
 
* [[Rio Del Lago 100 Mile]]
 
* [[Rio Del Lago 100 Mile]]
−
* [[Salt Point 50K]]
 
−
* [[Scorched Sole]]
 
−
* [[StumpJump 50k]]
 
 
* [[Swiss Alpine Marathon]]
 
* [[Swiss Alpine Marathon]]
−
* [[Ultra Trail Tour du Mont Blanc]]
+
* [[Tour du Mont Blanc]]
−
* [[Vermont 100 Mile Endurance Run]]
+
* [[The Vermont 100 Mile Endurance Run]]
−
* [[Wasatch Front 100 Mile Endurance Run]]
+
* [[Wasatch Front|Wasatch Front 100 Mile Endurance Run]]
−
* [[Western States Endurance Run]]
+
* [[The Western States Endurance Run]]
 +
 
 +
===Ultra Challenge Series===
 +
* [[Lynchburg Ultra Series]]
 +
* [[Montrail Ultra Cup Series|Montrail Cup]]
 +
* [[RunFurther Ultrarunning Championships]]
 +
* [[South Carolina Ultra Series]]
 +
* [[Ontario Ultra Series (OUSER)]]
 +
* [[Pacific Association Ultra Running Grand Prix]]
 +
* [[Scottish Ultra Marathon Series]] SUMS
 +
* [[SoCal Ultra Series]]
 +
* [[The UltraRunner.net Race Series]]
 +
 
 +
===Ultra Hosts===
 +
*[[Clubs, Teams and Ultra Oraganisers|List of Clubs, Teams and Ultra Oraganisers]]
 +
 
 +
===Ultra Relays===
 +
* [[Ultramarathon Relays]]
  
 
===Extreme conditions===
 
===Extreme conditions===
  
−
* [[Atacama Crossing]]
+
* [[4Deserts]]
 
* [[Badwater Ultramarathon]]
 
* [[Badwater Ultramarathon]]
−
* [[Gobi March]]
+
* [[Jungle Marathon]]
 
* [[Marathon des Sables]]
 
* [[Marathon des Sables]]
−
* [[Sahara Race]]
+
* [[Yukon Arctic Ultra]]
−
* [[The Last Desert]]
+
 
 +
----
  
 
===Very long events and multidays===
 
===Very long events and multidays===
  
−
* Cape-to-Cairo Run multi
+
* [[Antibes 6 Day Race]]
 +
* [[Athens International Ultra Festival]]
 +
* [[TransEurope-Footrace]]
 +
* [[Self-Transcendence 6 Day Race]]
 +
* [[Self-Transcendence 10 Day Race]]
 
* [[Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race]]
 
* [[Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race]]
 
* [[Deutschlandlauf]] 1200km German Run
 
* [[Deutschlandlauf]] 1200km German Run
 +
* [[Yukon Arctic Ultra]]
 +
 +
==Well-known ultramarathon runners of the past==
 +
* Alexis Lapointe, early Canadian ultra-distance running legend
 +
* Birgit Lennartz, former Comrades Marathon winner
 +
* Bjorg Austrheim-Smith, three time Western States winner
 +
 +
==Famous ultramarathon runners==
 +
See [[Famous ultramarathon runners]]
  
−
==Well-known ultramarathon runners==
+
===See Also===
 +
[[Notable Ultrarunners]]
  
−
* [[Tomoe Abe]], 100k female world record holder (6:33:11)
+
==National and International Bodies==
−
* [[Eleanor Adams Robinson]], female ultrarunning pioneer, holds multiple world records
 
−
* [[Gordy Ansleigh]], Western States pioneer, 'inventor' of the trail ultramarathon
 
−
* [[Mario Ardegmani]], World 100K champion, 2004
 
−
* [[Bjorg Austrheim-Smith]], three time Western States winner
 
−
* [[Maria Bak]], former women's winner, Comrades Marathon, holds 10th fastest 100k record of all time
 
−
* [[Sandra Barwick]], world record holder, 6 day track
 
−
* [[Suprabha Beckjord]] 3100 mile race record holder
 
−
* [[Edit Berces]], world record holder, 24 hour treadmill; holds several Hungarian records
 
−
* [[Monica Casiraghi]], former World 100K champion (2003)
 
−
* [[Don Choi]], modern six day race pioneer
 
−
* [[Rae Clark]], holds US records for 24 hours (165.3 miles, 1990) and 100 mile road (12:12:19)
 
−
* [[Dick Collins]], [[San Francisco Bay Area]] ultra legend, with over 1,000 races run
 
−
* [[Ted Corbitt]], "father of American ultrarunning"; 1952 US Olympic team member; former American world record holder at various distances
 
−
* [[Jose Cortez (runner)|Jose Cortez]], once held US 100 mile road record
 
−
* [[Dipali Cunningham]], champion multi-day race runner
 
−
* [[Mensen Ernst]], early 19th century professional runner; ran from Paris to Moscow. Died as he was running along the Nile, looking for its source.
 
−
* [[Mario Fattore]], World 100K Champion, 2002 & 2003
 
−
* [[Bruce Fordyce]], nine time [[Comrades Marathon]] winner; African 100K record holder (6:25:07)
 
−
* [[Serge Girard]], trans-continental runner
 
−
* [[Mark Godale]], former [[USATF]] ultrarunner of the year.
 
−
* [[Rich Hanna]], 1994 US 100k champ, author
 
−
* [[Wally Hayward]], Multiple winner of Comrades Marathon, London to Brighton, many other ultramarathons
 
−
* [[Bernd Heinrich|Dr. Bernd Heinrich]], US 100m track record holder (12:27:01), [[natural history|naturalist]]
 
−
* [[Achim Heukemes]], trans-Australia record holder
 
−
* [[Carolyn Hunter-Rowe]], multiple world record holder, including track 50K, 30M, 40M; two time World 100K champion
 
−
* [[Rimas Jakelaitis]], champion multi-day race runner
 
−
* [[Denis Jalybin]], 150km track world record holder
 
−
* [[Tom Johnson]], 100k American record holder (6:30:11)
 
−
* [[Andy Jones (runner)|Andy Jones]], [[Canada|Canadian]] owner of the 100m world record (12:05:43)
 
−
* [[Scott Jurek]], seven time Western States winner and record holder (15:36:27), and two time Badwater Ultra winner and record holder (24:36)
 
−
* [[Oleg Kharitonov]], 100 mile track world record holder
 
−
* [[Sandra Kiddy]], former multiple world and American record holder for various ultra distances
 
−
* [[Nikki Kimball]], 2004 USA Outstanding Female Ultrarunner award winner; former member, USA World 100K team
 
−
* [[Vladimir Kotov]], former Comrades Marathon winner
 
−
* [[Yiannis Kouros]], multi-day race legend, holder of numerous world records and world bests from 24 hours to 1,000m
 
−
* [[Alexis Lapointe]], early Canadian ultra-distance running legend
 
−
* [[Gard Leighton]], US senior division (50+) record holder at 100m (14:56:19, 1985) and 200k (21:07:11, 1986)
 
−
* [[Birgit Lennartz]], former Comrades Marathon winner
 
−
* [[Anne Riddle Lundblad]], former member, USA World 100k team; 2nd place 2005 World 100K [http://runtrails.blogspot.com/2006/03/usatf-ultrarunner-of-year-anne-riddle.html Interview]
 
−
* [[Valentina Lyachova ]], world record holder, track 50m and 6 hours
 
−
* [[Thompson Magawana]], world record holder, 30 mile road
 
−
* Karl Meltzer, record holder for Wasatch and Hardrock, plus multiple wins in H.U.R.T., The Bear, and other races 
 
−
* [[Frith van der Merwe]], set Comrades Marathon records for both directions
 
−
* [[Stu Mittleman]], US record holder for six day race (578 miles)
 
−
* [[Jesper Olsen (runner)|Jesper Olsen]], has run around the world in 22 months (2004-'05); won the Australian 6-days race (2004)
 
−
* [[George Parrott (coach)|George Parrott]], [[Buffalo Chips Running Club]] guru
 
−
* [[Don Paul]], once held unofficial world 50k road record, author, musician
 
−
* [[Jean-Paul Praet]], European 100k record holder (6:15:30)
 
−
* [[Don Ritchie]], set world records for 50m (4:51:49, 1983) and 100m (11:30:51, 1977); two time winner of the London to Brighton Road Race (1977-'78); current world record holder in four track events: 100k (6:10:20, 1978), 150k (10:36:42, 1978), 50 mile (4:51:49, 1983), and six hours (97.2k, 1978)
 
−
* [[Pam Reed]], only woman to have won the [[Badwater Ultramarathon]]; former member, USA 24 hour team
 
−
* [[Takahiro Sunada]], 100k world record holder: 6:13:33 set in Tokyo, 1998
 
−
* [[Constantin Santalov]], three-time World 100K champion; considered to be one of the best 100K runners of all time
 
−
* [[Rosie Swale-Pope]], Round-the-world runner, started late 2003 in the UK, reached Alaska in 2005, continuing.
 
−
* [[Walt Stack]], San Francisco Bay Area running icon
 
−
* [[Ann Trason]], thirteen time Western States winner; holds numerous world records, including 100 mile (13:47:41 1991), 50m (5:40:18, 1991) , and 12 Hours (147.6k, 1991); American 100k record holder (7:00:48)
 
−
* [[Tim Twietmeyer]], five time Western States winner, 25-time Western States finisher [http://runtrails.blogspot.com/2006/06/master-of-western-states-100-interview.html Interview]
 
−
* [[Dr. Hilary Walker|Hilary Walker]], female ultrarunning pioneer, holds multiple world records; first female council member of IAU
 
−
* [[Dave Warady]], winner of the inaugural Trans-America Footrace
 
−
* [[Leslie Watson]], former world record holder, 50m; former London-Brighton winner; most marathon/ultramarathon wins: 68 of 207 races
 
−
* [[Dr. Mark Werner]], former team member, USA World 100k
 
−
* [[Cavin Woodward]], Former World Record Holder 30 mile, Former World Record Holder 50 Mile 100km 150km 100Mile (all in the same race), Winner of London to Brighton, Two Bridges.  Legendary for his fast starts
 
−
* [[Cliff Young]], former winner Westfield Sydney to Melbourne; holds numerous world age records
 
−
* [[Tatyana Zhyrkova]], European 100k world record holder (7:10:32)
 
  
−
==See also==
+
* [http://www.iau.org.tw/][[International Association of Ultra Runners IAU]]
 +
* [http://www.americanultra.org/ AmericanUltra.org] - American UltraRunning Association
 +
* [http://www.ultraoz.com Australian Ultra Running Association (AURA)]
 +
* [http://www.acu100k.com/ Association of Canadian Ultramarathoners]
 +
* [http://www.araxinfo.com/~supermaraton/asmeng/index.htm Ultraruns  Association of Moldova (ASM)]
  
−
* [[International Association of Ultra Runners]]
+
==Ultrarunning magazine==
 +
 
 +
*[http://www.ultrarunning.com/ Ultrarunning magazine] - UltraRunning Online, ''[[UltraRunning Magazine]]
  
 
==External links==
 
==External links==
  
−
* [http://marathonx.dk/Ultra/Ultra_Alfabetisk.htm] = Alphabetical list of famous ultrarunners and results
 
−
* [http://www.americanultra.org/ AmericanUltra.org] - [[American UltraRunning Association]]
 
−
* [http://www.ultraoz.com Australian Ultra Running Association (AURA)]
 
−
* [http://www.comrades.com/ Comrades Marathon]
 
 
* [http://www.coolrunning.com.au/ultra/westfieldbook.shtml CoolRunning.com] - ''Westfield Sydney to Melbourne'' (links to pdf of book)
 
* [http://www.coolrunning.com.au/ultra/westfieldbook.shtml CoolRunning.com] - ''Westfield Sydney to Melbourne'' (links to pdf of book)
 
* [http://www.extremeultrarunning.com/ ExtremeUltraRunning.com] - Extreme Ultrarunning:  Ultrarunning resources, Ultrarunning links and general ultra running information for the novice or veteran ultrarunner  
 
* [http://www.extremeultrarunning.com/ ExtremeUltraRunning.com] - Extreme Ultrarunning:  Ultrarunning resources, Ultrarunning links and general ultra running information for the novice or veteran ultrarunner  
−
* [http://www.multidays.com/index.html Multidays.com] - The Complete Resource for the Multiday Runner:  Multiday and Ultrarunning News
+
* [http://multidays.com Multidays.com] - Multiday and Ultrarunning News from around the world
 +
* [http://marathonx.dk/Ultra/Ultra_Alfabetisk.htm] = Alphabetical list of famous ultrarunners and results
 +
* [http://www.planetultramarathon.wordpress.com/index.htm Planet Ultramarathon]
 +
* [http://www.RealEndurance.com/ RealEndurance.com] - UltraRunning All Time Result Lists
 
* [http://www.run100s.com/ Run100s.com] - Stan Jensen's Web Site (comprehensive compilation of all things ultra)
 
* [http://www.run100s.com/ Run100s.com] - Stan Jensen's Web Site (comprehensive compilation of all things ultra)
−
* [http://www.sixdayrace.org.au SixDayRace.org.au] - Cliff Young Australian SixDay race
 
 
* [http://www.srichinmoyraces.org/ Sri Chinmoy Races.org] - Hosts of Self-Transcendence 24/48 and multiday races around the world
 
* [http://www.srichinmoyraces.org/ Sri Chinmoy Races.org] - Hosts of Self-Transcendence 24/48 and multiday races around the world
 
* [http://www.trailrunnermag.com/ TrailRunner magazine]  
 
* [http://www.trailrunnermag.com/ TrailRunner magazine]  
 
* [http://www.ultrarunner.net/ UltraRunner.net] - The UltraRunning link for the U.S.
 
* [http://www.ultrarunner.net/ UltraRunner.net] - The UltraRunning link for the U.S.
−
* [http://www.ultrarunning.com/ Ultrarunning.com] - UltraRunning Online, ''[[UltraRunning Magazine]]
 
−
* [http://www.planetultramarathon.com/index.htm Planet Ultramarathon]
 
−
* [http://www.ultrarunner.co.uk/ Ultrarunner.co.uk] - UK Ultra Distance Running Magazine
 
−
* [http://www.RealEndurance.com/ RealEndurance.com] - UltraRunning All Time Result Lists
 
  
 
==Source==
 
==Source==
 
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultramarathon Wikipedia]
 
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultramarathon Wikipedia]
−
{{Track events}}
 
  
−
[[Category:Endurance sports]]
+
===See also===
−
[[Category:Events]]
+
*[[Trail Races]]
 +
*[[Trail Running]]
 +
{{Ultra events}}
 +
 
 
[[Category:Ultramarathons|*]]
 
[[Category:Ultramarathons|*]]
−
[[Category:Multiday Running]]
+
[[Category:Trails]]

Latest revision as of 06:25, 26 November 2012

An ultramarathon is any running event longer than the traditional Marathon length of 42.195 kilometers (26.21875 miles, 46,145 yards).

There are generally two types of ultramarathon runs: events that cover a specified distance, and events that take place during a specified time frame (with the winner covering the most distance in that time).

The format of these events and the courses vary, ranging from single or multiple loops (some as short as a 400-meter track), to point-to-point road or trail races, to cross-country rogaines. Many ultramarathons, especially trail challenges, have severe course obstacles, such as inclement weather, elevation change, or rugged terrain. Trail races are run on dirt roads or mountain paths, though some are run on little or no paved surfaces. Usually, there are aid stations every 5 to 15 km apart, where runners can replenish food and drink supplies or take a short break.

Common distances

The format of these events and the courses covered are quite variable, ranging from single or multiple loops (some as short as a 400 meter track), to point-to-point road or trail races. Many ultrarunning events, especially trail challenges, are characterized by severe course obstacles, such as inclement weather, elevation change, or rugged terrain. Many of these races are run on dirt roads or mountain paths, though some are run on paved roads as well. Usually, there are 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, twelve or 24 hours, to two, three and six days (known as 'multi-day' events). Timed events are generally run on a track or a short road course, often one mile or less.

Ultramarathons over the world

Ultramarathons are run all over the world, and over 70,000 people complete an ultramarathon every year. A list of the most popular ultra marathons can be found under the subsection "Well-known ultramarathons" below.

Ultrarunning in Africa

Several ultradistance events are held in Africa. South Africa hosts the world's oldest and largest ultramarathon, the 84km Comrades Marathon. Approximately 12,000 runners complete Comrades each year, and approximately 20,000 in 2000. It also hosts the 56 kilometer long Two Oceans Marathon in Cape Town every spring which attracts 7,000 to 10,000 runners.

Ultrarunning in Asia

Ultrarunning has become quite popular in Asia recently, and countries and regions such as Taiwan, Japan, and Korea have hosted IAU World Championships in the last few years.

Ultrarunning in Australia and New Zealand

The first ultramarathon held in Australia and New Zealand was likely a track 100km in New Zealand. Today, Australia and New Zealand are host to approximately 100 ultramarathons each year. One of the most famous Australian ultra Marathons was the Westfield Ultra Marathon, an annual race between Sydney and Melbourne which was 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 races 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 epic battles since its inception in 1984. The 20th Cliff Young Australian 6-day race was held between the 20-26 Nov 2005. Kouros rewrote the record book in that event when he beat his existing world 6-day track mark and set a new mark of 1036.851 km.

Ultrarunning in Europe

Ultrarunning is also quite popular in Europe, where over 200 ultramarathons are held each year, among the biggest the 100k of Bienne]] and the 72.7k Rennsteiglauf in the Thuringian Forest. The second oldest ultramarathon in the world, London to Brighton, was widely considered to be among the most prestigious titles until its retirement in 2005. The earliest written documentation of ultrarunners came from Icelandic sagas. The history of ultrarunners and walkers from the Victorian Era has also been documented. The IAU hosts annual European Championships for the 50k, 100k and 24 hours. The European Ultramarathon Cup (ECU) is an annual series covering several of the biggest races in different European Countries. An extreme challenge in Germany is the annually multiday Deutschlandlauf (German Run) over 1200km

Ultrarunning in North America

There are several hundred ultramarathons held annually in North America. One of the most popular is the Western States , the world's oldest 100-mile trail run. The race began unofficially in 1974, when local horseman Gordy Ainsleigh's horse for the 100-mile Tevis Cup horse race came up lame. He decided to travel the course on foot, finishing in 23 hours and 47 minutes.

One of the first documented ultramarathons in North America was held in 1926, as part of the Central American Games. Tomas Zafiro and Leonicio San Miguel, both Tarahumara Indians, ran 100K from Puchuca to Mexico City in 9 hours and 37 minutes. At the time, the Mexican government petitioned to include the 100K in the 1928 Summer Olympics in Amsterdam, however nothing came of these efforts.

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 kicked off her ultra career at age 42 with a world record at 50 kilometers, 3:36:56, and who went on to set a string of US and world ultra records.

Ultrarunning magazine has created the Ultrarunner of the Year an annual announcement of who has been the most impressive ultrarunner that year. 2006 UotY is

Well-known ultramarathons

Road and dirt paths

Mountain and trails

Ultra Challenge Series

Ultra Hosts

Ultra Relays

Extreme conditions

Very long events and multidays

Well-known ultramarathon runners of the past

  • Alexis Lapointe, early Canadian ultra-distance running legend
  • Birgit Lennartz, former Comrades Marathon winner
  • Bjorg Austrheim-Smith, three time Western States winner

Famous ultramarathon runners

See Famous ultramarathon runners

See Also

Notable Ultrarunners

National and International Bodies

Ultrarunning magazine

External links

Source

See also

Marathons, Ultramarathons and Multiday Events
Marathon
Retrieved from "https://multidays.com/multidaywiki/index.php?title=Ultramarathon&oldid=5793"