Ultramarathon, also known as ultra distance, is a running or walking event, which is longer than a usual marathon length, which is 42 kilometers. Some of the competitions include double marathons, 24-hour races, a 1000-mile races or even longer.
Some of these competitions have challenges or obstacles. Some of these marathons include dirt roads, mountain paths, forest paths, and many more.
The IAU or The International Association of Ultrarunners organizes competitions for different ultramarathon distances. There are also various ultramarathon competitions all over the world. Takahiro Sunada currently (in 2014) holds the men’s record for 100-kilometer road, (6:13:33), while Tomoe Abe, holds the women’s record (6:33:11).
Similar Sports
- Marathon — a distance running athletics event over 42.2 km
- Cross-Country Running — individuals or teams run races which involve courses over natural terrain.
- Track and Field Endurance Running — track and field running races over distances of 3kms and greater
- Triathlon — a race consisting of three events, usually swimming, cycling, and running in consecutive order.