While a full marathon is a common bucket-list item for many people, running an ultramarathon may seem like a goal that's larger than life. But, it doesn't have to be out of reach! If you like the idea of completing a super long race that's longer than a marathon, you can absolutely train for an ultra and cross the finish line.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn the answers to many questions beginner and experienced runners have about running ultramarathons. We'll tell you everything you need to start training and get to your start line on race day.
You’ll learn the answers to the following questions:
- What is an ultra marathon?
- How long is an ultra marathon?
- How long does it take to run an ultra marathon?
- What to eat during an ultra marathon?
- How long does it take to train for an ultra marathon?
- Do you sleep during an ultra marathon?
- Complete ultra marathon gear list
- What is an average ultra marathon pace?
- Best ultra marathon shoes for every runner
- Do you run the whole time in an ultra marathon?
- Is an ultra marathon harder than an IRONMAN?
- How do you go to the bathroom during an ultra marathon?
- Can you wear headphones during an ultra marathon?
- Hardest ultra marathons in the world
- How long does it take to recover from an ultra marathon?
- Strength training for ultra marathon runners
We'll also give you sample ultra marathon training plans with variations for beginner, intermediate, and advanced runners. These plans are basic templates -- for a personalized plan and training schedule that matches your ability and goals, check out the training plans we offer in our MOTTIV training app.
Complete Ultra marathon Race Guide
What is an Ultra marathon?
An ultramarathon, often called an "ultra," takes running to the next level with distances well beyond the standard marathon length, often on challenging off-road courses.
We explain what these races are all about and the differences in this article, What is an Ultra Marathon?
How Long is an Ultra marathon?
Technically speaking, an ultramarathon is any race longer than a marathon. But the most common ultra distances are 50k, 50 miles, 100k, and 100 miles. There are also longer distances and multi-day races, too.
Click here to read about all of the different distances available in our article, How Long is an Ultra Marathon?
How long does it take to run an ultra marathon?
How long it takes each person to run an ultra depends on a variety of factors: the distance of the race, the previous run experience of the athlete, and each person's personal goals.
We detail average times for completing various distances of ultra marathons as well as cut-off times in races in our article, How Long Does It Take to Run an Ultra Marathon?
How long does it take to train for an ultra marathon?
Ultra training requires anywhere from a several months to a year to properly prepare. If it's your first ultra marathon, that number will likely be different than for a seasoned runner.
We go in depth on how long it will take you to train in this article, How Long Does it Take to Train for an Ultra Marathon?
Do you sleep during an ultra marathon?
Considering some ultra-distance races can last a day or many days, the question of sleep is a common one. This article outlines everything you need to know about Do You Sleep During an Ultra Marathon.
What to eat during an ultra marathon?
While running an ultra, your body needs a continuous supply of energy to keep moving, and this energy largely comes from the food and drinks you consume during the race.
We outline how to create the best fuel strategy for both training long runs and race day in our article, What to Eat During an Ultra Marathon.
Complete ultra marathon gear list
Running an ultra requires some different gear than shorter races. Click here for our article, the Complete Ultra Marathon Gear List.
Best ultra marathon shoes for every runner
When you're training for many months and then running for multiple hours on race day, it's critical to pick shoes that will support your feet (and your body). Check out our article, The Best Ultra Marathon Shoes for Every Runner.
What is an average ultra marathon pace?
Pacing an ultra marathon depends on each athlete's goals and running experience.
We do a deep dive on average paces and help you figure out your personal pace in our article, What is an Average Ultra Marathon Pace?
Do you run the whole time in an ultra marathon?
Considering the sheer length of time you'll be on your feet during an ultra race, a lot of people wonder if you run the whole time in an ultramarathon.
Especially if you're training for your first, the answer is that it depends -- read our article, Do You Run the Whole Time in an Ultra Marathon?
Is an ultra marathon harder than an IRONMAN?
An IRONMAN triathlon is known as one of the most gruelling endurance endeavors you can do. But a lot of people ask if an ultramarathon is harder than an IRONMAN.
We do a deep dive in our article, Is An Ultra Marathon Harder than an IRONMAN?
How do you go to the bathroom during an ultra marathon?
This might be one of the most common questions from athletes considering taking on an ultra-distance running race.
Click here for our full article, How Do You Go to the Bathroom During an Ultra Marathon?
Can you wear headphones during an ultra marathon?
For many athletes, listening to music or podcasts helps to make the time go by faster when they're running for a very long time.
Click here for a full article on Can You Wear Headphones During an Ultra Marathon?
Hardest ultra marathons in the world
There are many ultras held around the world every year, and some of them are notoriously difficult due to a combination of the mileage, terrain, and weather conditions.
This article details which ones are the hardest ultra marathons in the world.
How long does it take to recover from an ultra marathon?
Recovery from a gruelling long distance race will vary for every athlete. In this article we discuss How Long Does it Take to Recover from an Ultra Marathon?
Strength training for ultra marathon runners
Strength training has been proven time and time again to be the biggest needle-mover for endurance athletes to get faster and ward off injuries. In this article we explain Strength Training for Ultra Marathon Runners, and how to incorporate it into a training program.
Ultra marathon Training Plans
All of the below plans offer variations for Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced runners.
- 50k Ultra Marathon Training Plans
- 50 Mile Ultra Marathon Training Plans
- 100k Ultra Marathon Training Plans
- 100 Mile Ultra Marathon Training Plans
Wrap-Up
Read through our ultramarathon training guide articles and you’ll learn what it takes to train for an ultramarathon and finish feeling good (at least as good as you can expect for an uber-long race!) You can also check out our website and our complete 5k, 10k, and half marathon and marathon training guides. But, for free personalized training to help you complete an ultramarathon, be sure to check out our app!
