People all over the world run for pleasure or laughter. Many are beginners and even fewer run marathons. Running tests your body and your mind in ways that not many other sports do. If you’re an accomplished runner and want to take it to a whole new level, you might want to consider the world of Ultra Running. Are there races beyond the 26.2 mile marathon? Yes they are. Here is an example of a few things that are happening around the world.
1. Western States 100
The Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run is one of the oldest track runs. Follow the Western States Trail from Squaw Valley, California to Auburn, California. A good bit of the race is so remote that it’s only accessible by horse, foot, or helicopter. That event took place on the last weekend of June. The race starts at 5 am on Saturday and participants must complete the course by 11 am on Sunday. The western United States began as a horse race. In 1974, a brave runner named Gordy Ansleigh proved that a race could be completed on foot in 24 hours. Over and over the years, more and more runners joined the challenge until the western states of Rufi’s endurance were created. This track requires all runners to be physically and mentally trained and prepared for a tough challenge. Therefore, all participants must meet certain qualifying criteria and gain entry into the lottery.
2. Leadville Trail 100 (also known as Race Per Sky or LT100)
Leadville Trail 100 in the beautiful Rocky-mountains near Leadville, Colorado. It is very difficult because the runners will experience the difference in altitude of 15,600 feet. Unlike Western States, Leadville offers a first-come, first-served policy on registration. The most outstanding part of the course is the ascent of Hope Pass, 12,600 feet on the way out and back home. The race is on the surface of tracks and dirt roads. Participants have 30 hours to complete the course.
3. Bad water
Badwater has been called “the world’s hardest foot” and for good reason. It takes place in July and runs 135 miles from Death Valley to Matthew Whitney. Temperatures can go up to 130 degrees. It is a very extreme and physically demanding race. There is also a challenge for the crew who support each of the 90 runners. Their job is to keep their runner moving forward and above all else alive. The cut off time has recently changed from 60 hours to 48 hours. Due to the extreme conditions, Badwater has strict qualification standards and even then entry is by invitation only.
4. Lone Ranger 24 Hour Ultra
Experienced Ultra Runners can really test their endurance by participating in the Lono Ranger 24 Hour Event. Participants run 8.4 miles around Philly’s Schuylkill River Loop Racer over and over again to see how many miles they can accumulate in four hours. There is no minimum or maximum number of miles runners can run, but prizes are only awarded to those who finish at least 50 miles. Runners are allowed in any place to rest, eat and drink.
5. Copper Canyon Ultra marathon
The Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon was brought to the world’s notice by Christopher McDougall’s book, born to run. A more detailed history of this type is found in that fascinating book. Copper Canyon is always the weekend before in March. Many local Taramahara participants (a.k.a. running people) run through the rough and rugged Copper Canyon of Mexico. This 50-mile event on dirt road and single-track trails begins and ends in the town of Urique.
6. Antarctic Marathon and 100K
If runn the longest run is not enough, the more daring runners can take to the South Pole instead of the Antarctic. Marathon and 100K. This event takes place at 80 degrees south, a few hundred miles from the South Pole. It is the southernmost event in the world. The event is so remote that runners cannot depend on spectators to cheer them on at the finish line. Their strength alone will get them there. Even the aptenodytes do not live this far south. The wind chill can go as low as -20 degrees Celsius and the sun never sets. Runners will run on ice and snow during the event. Even harder runners can climb the 100K (62.4 miles).
Notes:
The West Endurance Run
Leadville Trail 100
Run 100s
Badwater Ultra marathon
The Lone Ranger Ultra marathon
Air Canyon Explorer
Antarctic Ice Marathon
