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Ultra runs are often referred to as ultramarathons and can lead through alpine, mountainous or flat terrain. These runs demand everything from the athletes due to the long distances and often many metres in altitude that have to be conquered and are therefore only suitable for absolute professionals.
The most important feature, and the one that makes an ultra run what it is, is the distance to be covered. It is greater than that of a marathon and, in theory, a competition is considered an ultra run if the distance is 43 kilometres or more. However, most ultra runs are at least 60 kilometres long.
In addition to ultra runs that are based on distance, there are also ultra runs that have a time limit. For example, the aim is to cover as many kilometres as possible within 6, 12, 24 or more hours.
The routes of ultra runs often lead through mountains, forests or across meadows - right through the heart of nature. It is very rare to find tarmac routes at these running events. Runs with an altitude difference of more than 2,000 metres are also known as ultra mountain runs.
In an ultramarathon, there are no limits to the length of the course and there are competitions that consist of several daily stages and are over 250 kilometres long.
One of the most extreme ultra races is the 661-km Goldsteig Ultrarace. Runners have to cover this incredible distance in 192 hours.
Ultra runs demand everything from the body and the strain is immense. It is by no means enough to be a good runner who goes running regularly - for a race of this category, you have to train long, hard and a lot.
As the distances involved in ultra runs are so extreme, runners also need to be in top physical condition. When registering for some very demanding ultra runs, the organisers therefore also require qualification results from shorter ultra runs. This is to ensure that no over-motivated runners, who may overestimate themselves, start the race.
If you would like to tackle an ultramarathon, then take enough time in advance to think about the appropriate training and the time required. As a basic prerequisite for even starting training, you should have several years of running experience and have already completed several marathons.
If you are new to the ultra-running segment, then runs over a 50-km distance are suitable to start with. Training for this distance is very similar to training for a marathon. Only when you have successfully completed a ‘short’ ultra run should you consider taking part in a longer one.
For ultra runs over 50 kilometres, it is extremely important to be well prepared. It is best to draw up a precise training plan in consultation with a sports physician. They will take your current fitness level into account and gain an impression of your state of health. To train for and take part in an ultra run, you need to be in the best possible health. Otherwise, this can have serious consequences, particularly with regard to the functioning of your heart.
If there are no health reasons against it, the doctor will work with you to create a personalised training plan. This should ideally include long runs - up to 50 % of the competition distance - interval training and easy runs of around 2 hours.
Mental training should not be underestimated either, as you need a lot of grit, willpower and stamina for an ultra run.
In our ultra running calendar at the top of this page, we list all the running events in this category in Europe for you. Whether in Germany, Austria or Switzerland, you can find all the competitions here and choose the right race for you. However, we will now present the 5 best-known ultra runs and ultra marathons in more detail.
1. Brocken Challenge
The Brocken Challenge is a winter ultra run for a good cause that always takes place on the second Saturday in February. 100% of the proceeds are donated and the route covers 80 to 86 kilometres from Göttingen to the Brocken. The runners have to conquer 1,900 metres in altitude in extreme weather conditions. From the Brocken back down again, there is a relaxed night hike of 7 to 10 kilometres.
2. Pitz Alpine Glacier Trail
This ultra run is organised every year in August in Tyrol, Austria. In addition to the ultra run with a distance of 105 km, there are also 5 other distances that runners can choose from. The shortest distance is 16 kilometres. Depending on the distance, runners have to cover up to 6,000 metres in altitude and sometimes cross glaciers.
3. Mozart 100
The Mozart 100 running event in Salzburg, Austria, offers various competitions ranging from a city run of 21 km to an ultra run of 112 km and 5,140 metres in altitude. The ultra run leads over alpine terrain with technically very demanding running passages and a summit crossing. Every year in June, motivated runners take on this extreme challenge and try to complete it in the cut-off time of 22 hours.
4. Gore Tex Transalpine Run
The Gore Tex Transalpine Run has been held in Oberstdorf every August since 2005. This ultra run is one of the toughest and most spectacular trail run events in the world. The runners cross Austria and Switzerland in 8 days until they cross the finish line in Sulden am Ortler in Italy. During the 8 stages, 272.7 km have to be covered and 16,162 metres of ascent and 14,420 metres of descent have to be conquered. This race is only suitable for absolute professionals and attracts runners from 40 different nations to the starting line.
5. Eiger Ultra Trail
The Eiger Ultra Trail in Switzerland has been organised every July since 2013. This spectacular 101 km and 6,700 metre altitude run takes runners along the north face of the Eiger, through forests, small gorges and meadows. In addition to the E101 ultra run, there are also 4 shorter running disciplines for the less hardened runners. But don't worry, these routes also demand a lot from your body and mind.
Have you already taken part in an ultra run? Then please share your experiences with us and rate or comment on the relevant race in our ultra running calendar.