what is an ultra marathon

An ultramarathon is any running race that is longer than the traditional marathon distance of 26.2 miles (42.195 kilometers). Unlike a marathon, which has a fixed distance, ultramarathons vary widely in length, with common distances being 50 kilometers (about 31 miles), 50 miles (80.5 kilometers), 100 kilometers (62 miles), and 100 miles (161 kilometers). Some races even extend beyond 100 miles and may last multiple days. Ultramarathons often take place on off-road trails, including mountains and rugged terrain, and can involve significant elevation changes and challenging conditions. These races test both physical and mental endurance beyond what is required for a marathon. Some ultramarathons are timed events where participants run as far as possible within a set period, such as 24 hours. In summary, the key defining characteristic of an ultramarathon is that it covers any distance longer than a standard marathon of 26.2 miles, typically starting at around 50 kilometers.