5 reasons you should sign up to an ultra marathon

If you love running, beautiful scenery and going the distance, then why not take it one step further with our 5 reasons you should sign up to an ultra marathon? While it takes time and dedication to train for these races, which range from just over the full marathon distance (26.2 miles) to multi-day extreme challenges, the feeling of reaching that goal at the end makes it all worth it. And here’s why…

1. You’ll get closer to nature

From running across the Sahara to climbing the Alps, ultras allow you to explore some of the most remote and beautiful parts of the world on foot. You may see things that you would otherwise miss in a car or coach. And more often than not, when you’re battling against the elements or simply looking ahead for what is coming up, you really get a feel for the natural environment. Undoubtedly, ultra races can be tough but they offer you the opportunity to experience the wild at close quarters and take in some breathtaking sights on the way. In the UK alone, there are ultra races that take in the ancient Ridgeway and the Pilgrims Way running from Suffolk to the Norfolk coast. If you ever wanted to see more of this country, then competing in an ultra is one adventurous way to do it.

2. It’s the ultimate personal challenge

The reason ultra marathons are unique is that they are an ultimate challenge. Unlike marathons, where there are umpteen training plans out there, the lonely ultra runner has only a rough guide to follow. Essentially, it’s down to you to decide the game plan and how to approach the training required to go that extra distance. You discover things that work or do not work for you. You sort out your fuelling strategy. You experiment with different footwear. And ultimately, all this preparation makes crossing the finish line of an ultra all the more rewarding.

3. You’ll make lots of friends

More often than not ultras are about plodding away, enjoying the journey and savouring the moment. And many in the ultra crowd are not averse to a little chinwag on the way. Even if you’re not talking, you’ll find an ultra runner will always be happy to help or give you a nod of encouragement. You’re guaranteed to make a friend or two during an ultra race because those who run the long distances love to share their experiences with like-minded people.

4. You get to eat…loads

Cake, chocolate, crisps, pretzels, whatever you fancy – you can eat it when you run an ultra. OK, not everything. But you’ll find that you have to fuel yourself sensibly throughout and if that means a quick rush of sugar via cake then so be it. Seriously, tackling a 100K run requires copious amounts of energy. You’re not going to do it on an apple, so eating high-carb stuff is encouraged.

5. It’s not all about the time

With less of an emphasis on getting a PB, the ultra brings in a new dimension to running. The focus is more about the challenge itself and how you go about completing it. Many competitors choose to walk at least certain stretches so they can save their legs for the latter stages. If anything, ultra running is about race management. You’re in a remote part of the world and it’s an opportunity to make the most of this journey you’re about to undertake. Forget about the stopwatch and simply enjoy the splendid feeling of running and completing more than a marathon.