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Beginners Guide to Ultra Running

Sep 04, 2025 by

Ultra Running Tips For Beginners

So, you've conquered the marathon, perhaps even a few, and now you're eyeing something... a little more. Or maybe you're just looking for a truly epic challenge that takes you beyond the tarmac and into the wild. Whatever your motivation, welcome to the world of ultra running! It's a journey of self-discovery, breath taking landscapes and pushing your perceived limits further than you ever thought possible.

What Exactly is an Ultra Marathon?

At its heart, an ultramarathon is any foot race longer than the traditional 26.2 miles (42.2 km) marathon distance. But that simple definition barely scratches the surface. These aren't just longer races, they're entirely different beasts. You'll find yourself covering vast distances, often on challenging trails, through mountains, deserts and forests, sometimes through the night.

The beauty of ultra running lies in its variety, but here are some of the most popular distances you'll encounter:

50k (approximately 31 miles): Often considered the entry point into ultras, this distance is a fantastic stepping stone from the marathon.
50 Miles (approximately 80 km): A significant leap from the 50k, this distance truly tests your endurance and mental fortitude.
100k (approximately 62 miles): This is where things get seriously interesting, often involving night running and significant elevation changes.
100 Miles (approximately 160 km): The iconic distance. Completing a 100 mile ultra is a monumental achievement, pushing runners to their absolute limits for a day, or even two, straight.
Multi-day races & beyond: Some ultras span several days, covering hundreds of miles, while others are fixed-time events where you run as far as you can within a set period (e.g., 24-hour races).

Road Race vs. Ultramarathon: A Different Kettle of Fish

If you're coming from a road marathon background, you might think an ultra is just "more of the same." Oh, how delightfully wrong you'd be! While the fundamental act of running remains, almost everything else changes.

Imagine this:

On the left, you have thousands of runners pounding the pavement, chasing PBs, with aid stations every few miles offering water and gels. It's fast, efficient and often about maintaining a consistent, aggressive pace.

On the right, you see a lone runner, deep in a sun-dappled forest, headlamp still glowing despite the morning light. They're likely carrying a pack filled with mandatory gear, navigating technical terrain and mentally preparing for hours more on their feet before reaching the next, sparsely located aid station.

Here's a quick rundown of the key differences:

Terrain: Road races are, well, on roads. Ultras are predominantly off-road, tackling trails, mountains, deserts and whatever challenging landscape the race director can find. Expect roots, rocks, mud, river crossings and significant climbs and descents.
Pacing: Forget about negative splits and consistent km times. Ultras are about managing your effort, hiking steep ascents, power walking when needed and conserving energy for the long haul. It's a strategic dance rather than a sprint.
Nutrition & Hydration: Aid stations are much further apart in ultras, meaning you'll need to carry more of your own supplies. What you eat also changes – solid food becomes essential, and learning what your stomach can tolerate over many hours is a crucial skill.
Gear: Road races require little more than shoes and running clothes. Ultras often have mandatory gear lists including waterproofs, headlamps, first-aid kits, survival blankets and extra layers, as you're much more exposed to the elements and self-reliant.
Mental Game: While all running is mental, ultras elevate this to another level. You'll face dark patches, moments of doubt and extreme fatigue. The ability to keep moving forward, problem-solve and maintain a positive attitude is paramount.

Choosing Your First Ultra Marathon

The thought of tackling a 100 miler straight out of the gate might sound heroic, but trust me, your body and mind will thank you for taking a more sensible approach. The 50k ultra distance is, without a doubt, the best stepping stone into the ultra world.

Here's why:

Manageable Leap: It's "only" an extra 4.8 miles (or so) beyond a marathon. While that extra distance still bites, it's not the monumental jump of going straight to a 50 miler or 100k.
Introduction to Trails: Most 50k ultras are trail-based. This allows you to get a feel for technical terrain, learn how to run (and hike) on varied surfaces, and understand the different demands on your body compared to road running.
Less Gear Intensive: While you'll still need some mandatory gear, a 50k typically requires less extensive packing than longer events, making the logistics simpler for your first outing.
Fewer Night Hours (Usually): Unless you're particularly slow or the race has a very early start, you're less likely to be running through the night in a 50k, which can be a whole new challenge in itself.
Test Your Nutrition Strategy: A 50k gives you a solid opportunity to test out your ultra-specific nutrition and hydration plan without the added complexity of multi-day fuelling or extreme calorie deficits.

Look for a 50k with reasonable elevation gain, perhaps a local event to minimise travel stress, and one with a generous cut-off time so you don't feel overly pressured. Focus on finishing strong and soaking up the experience, rather than chasing a time goal.

Ultra running isn't just a sport; it's an adventure. It will challenge you, humble you and ultimately, transform you.

So, are you ready to take that first exciting step? View my UK Ultramarathon Calendar to find your next race!