How Hard Is It To Run 100km? | Mark's Ultra Running Challenge

How Hard Is It To Run 100km? Well, you probably already know the answer to that question but Mark and friend of the channel & pro triathlete, Sam Pictor, set out to find out...just because! The route takes in the awesome Cotswold Way from Cheltenham to Bath - let's see how they got on!
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How hard is it to run 100km? Well...we'd imagine it’s a question you’ve never bothered asking...because...well, you likely know the answer! But, still Mark - rather foolishly - thought he'd be the guinea pig in this, purely for your entertainment!
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[@kaiviti81]

When i finished my first 50km, I vowed I'd never run another ultra again. 3 days later I signed up for a 100km

[@FixForeGamers]

Respect ✊ that’s the way!!

[@sachinmishra930]

Way to go man! So, what's the update on your 100 Kms attempt?

[@kamilgaik6585]

Today I have made my first 49km long run on training session, by slow 5:55/km and it was really easy for me :) I had to end only becouse my watch had low battery level.... For shure, I am training running by 9 years now, but I was preparring myself to 3/5/10k races. And in times of preparing for these races I can't run more than 30k becouse of I was not allowed to do such a long races. Now I am running only for fun and it was quite interesting :) By all these years I was thinking, that running ultra is ultra hard, by this day i can see it also can be really easy and funny.

[@andrea07pr]

@@kamilgaik6585 running them might be fun , racing them it's the thoughest thing I can possibly think of... Running as hard as you can for 10+ hours... You are either not human or i don't know 😂

[@kamilgaik6585]

@@andrea07pr yesss.... Once i ran half marathon, 1:12:56... It was true disaster 🤣

[@atlosass]

Friend: fancy a 100k run? Me: no

[@kevin48269]

I'd say no to anything more than 10k 😅

[@mattschm5486]

Just preparing for my first 58k run with 4000m of elevation

[@cbb3062]

I'm the friend asking lol I finally managed to convince my friend to run 75km we met in the middle he wanted 50km I wanted 100km

[@bigburt82]

100km in 11:20:00 is about 6:48 per/km. This seems like a really good pace for such a gruelling challenge - well done!

[@Harry-Palmer]

My arms still hurt from lifting the bike over the gates 😂 cracking day in the bank! Glad I wasn’t the one running 😂

[@ironmantooltime]

100k training ride 😄👍

[@Lummers70]

I know the feeling, I supported a runner in a 170K Ultra over 27 hrs. Took me 2 years to get back on a bike😬

[@blood1543]

some people got blisters just by watching the video

[@chrisgiles9139]

Good effort that bud!

[@TriathlonDan]

GTN must be doing well to be able to afford Harry Palmer's appearance fee!

[@lasq88]

I only did 64k once, I prepared more then 3 weeks definitely and I looked much worse at the finish. You make it look effortless

[@na-dk9vm]

My longest was 63 km. Was tired after it. This is an extra marathon on top of that.

[@richardruns4cake]

Probably the best GTN film you’ve done apart from NorseMan . Top film 🎥 top effort 💪💪💪 More Sam too please

[@markthrelfall3577]

Cheers Richard! I mean my filming didn’t help it, but the guys did a great job of bringing it together

[@jackcorcoran7056]

As a marathon runner who requires weeks upon weeks to train each marathon, I'm blow away by the ease in which you did that.

[@tekrunner987]

After the end of lockdown in my country I ran 105 km, mostly on my own. Well, "ran", I actually walked for a lot of it as the total elevation gain was around 4200 meters. I was... not in as good a shape as those guys by the end. My left anterior tibial tendon started to hurt after some 40k, and the pain became worse as kilometers went by, especially on downhills. During the last 15k I had to walk backwards on those downhills, so that the pain would remain bearable. So yeah, running 100 km, pretty damn hard.

[@kissmyaxe9121]

tekrunner987 lol

[@pleaseenteraname9414]

Amazing achievement!

[@mitchymenis]

how long to recover? Presume you have to take a long time off

[@absol505]

Sounds healthy lol

[@tekrunner987]

@@borisoglebskaia Yeah it was for a virtual event. Not a very big one, but for a good cause (organized by a charity that helps handicapped people). The "endurance" categories were longest distance, highest elevation gain and highest combination of the two (distance + vert*10) over 24h. I won two of them (someone else did a 5000m vert trail run). Two things I want to add : 1) I was fairly sure that the injury was specific to this effort and would not last. That's exactly what happened, my tendon looked pretty terrible at the end (all red and swollen), but it recovered quickly, in like a week. 2) I became a much better ultra runner after I acquired a mindset of just not giving up as long as I'm physically able to keep going. Sure it may not sound super healthy sometimes, but it also allows me to achieve things that I'll remember for the rest of my life.

[@DieselMerlot]

The fact you walked through the cemetary out of respect was actually quite touching. 👍

[@tim2oo6]

But on the other hand he was filming though..

[@NamiseSports]

9:02 That is actually a great answer. I know someone who used to be a great dad, husband and athlete, but after he got into a biking accident he can't really move anything but his head anymore. I imagine he still thinks about the times when he could run, so not everyone can say "I run because I can". I'm just grateful I can run every.day

[@nickgoodall578]

Pretty much. I also run because I can. I run through a cemetary once or twice a week. Those people can't run. I want to get out and enjoy running as much as I can before I can't any more.

[@ClemensAlive]

Me: "When I train cosistantly, I maybe will be able to do 100k this season....ON MY BIKE.." Him: "..."

[@jasonking373]

You made that look far too easy. Brilliant effort gents massive kudos to you both.

[@timowen5741]

Insane, my knees are sore just watching that.

[@innesdunbar]

You both looked really good at the end, Ultras are tough, it's the length of time on your feet, a long time to be running. I did a 50 mile run for my 50th last year, but I was planning that for a bit more than 3 weeks!

[@stelkin656]

You’re the second Person who says he only prepared for about 3 weeks for an ultra run. Are you people fucking stupid? Runs like that takes Way longer than that to train up to. I Once ran a 58K cross country and a Half marathon the Day right after that. And i trained for Half a year up to it, despite already being an skilled Long distance runner.

[@morganmitchel6590]

Mate ultras arnt races there’s no target time usually, but also he probably was already a skilled long distance runner

[@sneakerslab2771]

@@stelkin656 He said "a bit more than 3 weeks" meaning in fact he was planning it for ages

[@spikerboy81]

Wow, you guys look fresher after 100 km than when I finished my marathon

[@Wargwarn]

Look fresher than when I finish 5k.

[@2klatte]

Its amazing how both of you ended the run to in great form to make it look so effortless! Kudos !

[@trepidati0n533]

I think a lot of that is knowing how to "easy run" and I don't that comes quickly either.

[@nicia-g9275]

Amazing - would love to do something like that - as others have said, could we have a short extra vid on the nutrition, kit and niggles along the way and anything you would recommend others doing if they were to plan similar.

[@thomasarnold6348]

One of my favourite videos on your channel! During lockdown I already did a hilly trail marathon with 1700m of elevation gain in the area where I grew up. Your video really inspired me to step it up a notch and do my second ultra! Distance to beat is 64,5km :D

[@zacheich]

Nice run, I did a 50km in Feb on very light training (longest run under 20km) and it was pretty rough. Doing 100km seems like it would be brutal, so well done.

[@neillloyd67]

I can’t believe how strong you looked. I have done the Comrades (90km) but needed 9 months prep, managed to break my glasses on the run, could walk downstairs without turning around and going down backwards and then was sick for 6 months afterwards. That was very impressive, and not even a medal!

[@davidallan4929]

If my mate said, “are you up for 100k?” My response would be, “sure, were are you thinking of riding?”

[@sneakerslab2771]

that's actually very funny

[@martinjnagy]

*driving

[@darrentupman8143]

More like driving

[@TropicalBrick]

ur mum

[@taramurray8028]

Well done! I am running my first virtual ultra next weekend (50K). With no triathlon racing in sight, it was something to work towards. Glad you shared this video.

[@mikeypies1]

Hope it went well Tara 🙏

[@michaelbrogden1926]

Awesome video. I am local and was planning to run this route before lockdown. Great to see familiar places and now even more excited to run the route. Would be keen to hear more on the nutrition for the journey. That is still a bit of an unknown to me

[@sandymenzies5863]

Inspirational guys! My hips would be so sore after 42km furthest to date. Well done and best video yet 😊👍

[@d3t3]

Finally the video! Followed your stories Mark. Great stuff!

[@pbalerig]

Fun video. I'm getting into pushing my running. Thank you for the motivation

[@plantpoweredhealth9383]

The map looked exhausting! 😂 Well done guys , kudos to all involved 👍😊

[@rudiratte1]

Search for "Moab 240", really amazing to watch people do this.

[@mirzamarcou5168]

Awesome effort! Thanks for sharing it with us. Love those inspiring videos that make you want to put your shoes on 👍

[@_Zabamund_]

You guys are a real inspiration, I'm a long way from that as I hurt my knee training from 10km to half marathon distance. But hey ho I just need more S&C work and eventually I'll get there.

[@robertouehara5506]

Congratulations guys!!!! It is awesome. GTN is a great source of inspiration and resource for a beginner in Triathlon like me. You guys did it is amazing!!! 100K.......oh boy........!!! Well done

[@sharathgvk]

Simply superb... 42k to 100k... please let us know the 3 week planning before race day

[@coldcrushcorey]

Can you talk about the gear you used? Trainers, hydration packs, refuelling... Thanks

[@mirzamarcou5168]

Great idea, would be a lovely video, getting into ultra running, prepping etc

[@ironmantooltime]

Yea especially as it was a hot day, how much fluids and electrolytes did u get through 👍

[@Supii88]

Im planning on doing an ultra soon! This would be fab!

[@whymumtrains]

Sam Pictor's cap.

[@dmmcl]

thought more could have been done on the nutrition, hydration... how much you suffered. Looked like you guys breezed it.

[@scotland369]

You guys are nuts. I run 3 miles every Sunday and I'm dying after 5mins and needing to focus all my mental energy into not walking the remainder

[@damianlowe7808]

Be good to see a Global Running Network 😉 still smiling at the end! Great content 👍

[@line2zee]

Interesting that you walked through the cemetery out of respect. In Vienna we have a huge cemetery with two running routes in it. Sings and all.

[@fahim113]

Did 10km in under 55mins the other day. Was proud of myself....then saw this! Back to the drawing board

[@cjsavage1720]

Great effort, I was supposed to have done the calderdale way 52 miler this month, not sure i can train that hard again.

[@iberiksoderblom]

I do ultras. And you both looked amazingly well after the 100. Next do 160 K !!!

[@Kelly_Ben]

Fantastic video!! How it came about is funny. Would definitely love more ultra videos! Planning a Scottish skyline race in 2022.

[@brandonm8901]

"I specialise in short distance - HALF MARATHONS" incomprehensible as an 800m runner

[@vgcamara]

great achievement! congrats! I remember your video where you ran your first marathon in Lanzarote and now here you are breaking 100 👍

[@deans2239]

wow, well done guys, a 100km run is mental!

[@december25guy]

Whew! I’m exhausted! You guys did great so I wanted to show some love and drop a comment! Love the channel, keep up the great running and content

[@gtn]

Thanks so much!!

[@dedikmaroz]

Maladech, it is insane what you have done guys. I am gonna run at least half marathon this week after this motivation video. Thank You

[@GodzillaGoesGaga]

Great stuff. Would like a bit more technical analysis on how you did hill work, how did you prepare your feet for potential blisters and how did it work out, how did you figure out your nutrition requirements etc ??? This would be very helpful to the newer running community.

[@AxelPRC]

I had never run a half marathon or marathon in my life and decided to enter a 72k ultra marathon as a 103kg rower with tree trunk legs and no running training. After 35k I had a stress fracture in my foot. Everything was in pain, hip, feet, knees even forearms 😂 Ultimately finished but was the most miserable thing I've ever done. Being somewhat light and conditioning your ligaments for running is crucial I would think. Nice job! Better you than me

[@0929mason]

That’s actually pretty badass. Nice job dude

[@AxelPRC]

@@0929mason cheers mate! Definitely the toughest thing I've ever done

[@paryashnegi8379]

how can someone dislike the boys ran for 11 hrs you lazy bums

[@wadewitbooi163]

What a beast! Casually running 100kms with limited training, let's see Hank from GCN beat that 😀

[@gavin.d.m]

Wow brilliant, I'm in envy. I did 52miles (83miles) with Race To The Tower (non-stop) in 2019 and took twice as long. You guys looked so fresh at the end. 👏

[@prcoolsoccer]

Awesome video/film! Thanks for sharing the experience!

[@henrygale77]

Incredible guys! Furthest I’ve ever ran is 50k. Signed up for the Glasgow - Edinburgh ultra. 56 miles in October. Buzzing!

[@basildaoust2821]

I love how you finish in less than 12 hours and say it was hard, while others take 30 plus hours run through the night and those are the people I feel get to say that was hard I probably shouldn't have done it. I just smile and know I will never be you, but that OK I am me after all :) Good run.

[@godtiermedic]

100m is no problem for me

[@bodhi821345]

Love these challenges. More please!!

[@parttroll1]

Fantastic effort from you all to bring us this.

[@travismcgarry]

Absolutely awesome... loved this one

[@roberttownsend1530]

Incredible. Mark literally just went out and ran a hundy - barely even looked tired!

[@SimonBransfieldGarth]

Brilliant video guys! Thank you!

[@noikfkzn5305]

well its hard but its amazing, my last run was in 2019 for 120 km and yow its wonderful

[@deans6571]

Awesome video and well done 🙌🏼👍🏼

[@richardjuniper]

Absolutely incredible. Massive congrats, I've only cycled 100km+ twice and they were hard enough!!

[@RichardInger]

Great work guys! Great video!

[@1stElement]

This is brilliant..! What an awesome film! Great to see Sam and Harry too (Harry is king of KZbin this week - he’s in my video too this week..!). 100km is a damned long way - furthest I’ve ever run is 74km. Madness... oh and Vizlas are 100% the triathletes dog - I have one but Sam, Harry and Susie Cheetham too... 40mph top speed and excellent swimmers... perfect tri dog.

[@John...44...]

The longest I have done was 70miles. I was in pain and very uncomfortable from 15miles. I finished in 16hours and it was by far the worst day of my life 🤣 you two made it look too easy

[@jarrodfife242]

This is hectic! Should partake in an ultra race somewhere around the world and document it.

[@motivationtheoryrunning]

100k is a great race distance, ultras are life!

[@sarkgy]

Well done guys, this is absolutely amazing!

[@leschortos9196]

Great job, to be honest, most ultras are in mountains, and require a lot of stepping over rocks, roots , and running on loose rocks , this adds another level of fatigue that average hard surface runner is not used too and the mental fatigue of always looking down to avoid those obstacles. Still impressive non the least. Great job.

[@georgelopata5007]

Cracking run and film, congratulations 💪👍👏

[@sebastianaustein6522]

Still my two favourite moments: "Couple of weeks? That's too soon. How about in 3 weeks?" (how is "couple of weeks" less than three weeks? :) :)). And: "What could possibly go wrong?" :) :) :) :) :D You guys are mad. Insanely fit I would say.

[@andreasexton8713]

Well done chaps - next time I’ll join you :)

[@markmitchell7609]

Well done guys! Great effort 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@francescleoduran3412]

Damn. Looked easy for you.haha... I'm a regular on this channel but ultras are really my goal. ♥️

[@MrMattie725]

Casual 13min video, could easily have been a four part series!

[@christinesmith7635]

Put on a shirt.

[@fluffysamuraicrusader7957]

The title alone gave me a heart attack

[@roatre3260]

Saw your run on Strava, what a pace!!👏👏💪💪

[@Papa_baer_andreas]

How did you apply the 10% rule on this? You know… never increase your volume by more than 10% per week. Is there a level of fitness where this rules becomes obsolete?

[@emmawalker26]

Love this!! Well done!

[@julen2380]

Let's just do 100k without much preparation and let's do them hilly because we all know Mark is a bit meh about canal paths. What?! ;) My tiny little beginner's ego would feel offended but then it's so awesome and so Mark. Instead I shall take it as a reminder for how much of these efforts is in the mind and, I guess, in the miles you've accumulated in your legs over time? Either way, incredible effort and wonderful video. Loved, loved, LOVED the vibe of friends going on an adventure!

[@elliwieduwild4236]

Absolutely amazing that you were able to just go out and run a 100k in 3 weeks! I should start triathlon training to get better at my 100k races ^^

[@thestreakpodcast]

Wow. This was amazing. Inspired to do a long run this summer.

[@leonda4817]

2:31 ahhh not the shoes on the seat!

[@bikeanddogtripsvirtualcycling]

Mark, seeing as you are now an ultra runner, would you be interested in training for The Spartathlon in a few years? This is a 250KM run which follows the route that Pheidippides took from Athens to Sparta after the Persian army arrived at the town of Marathon a long long time ago (I don't recall the date from memory - perhaps someone can advise because i cant be bothered checking) and needs to be completed in under 36 hours (with various cut off times along the route. I've personally had this as a dream run since 2017 and was hoping to apply before I am 50, so 4 years to go. Im just slowly building a base as I have only ran for 3 years and a bit.

[@AnthonyMcqueen1987]

Looking forward to getting to this race after I check off the Marathon and 50k first.

[@rspringphotography]

you definitely look better after 100km as I do after 10km! Amazing effort!

[@debaetsstevie]

Great effort 👍 Have been looking ad the shoes 😉

[@markmcfadden7428]

Great time for your first 100k, congrats

[@closmasmas9080]

5am and that bright out? Crazy! I always get shocked by how long the day is at northern latitudes being a person that lives in Hawaii

[@elijahkwon422]

Forgot to mention that it goes dark at 4pm in the winter

[@samburrow8099]

Well done Mark, great video!

[@markstacey2906]

Wicked...What a great thing to do...Well done you two....😁

[@mo-215]

Zero complaints, just a recommendation that you relate your dialog a little more to us mere mortals who can't just go do a 100k on a whim but have to train for months just to make a cut off time and barely finish.

[@nickgoodall578]

This is a nice short film about a pro and ex-pro athlete running 100km. I don't really feel like it gave me that much appreciation for how hard it was for them to run 100km. They took 3 weeks to "prepare" which I'm assuming was mostly logistical, since I doubt they were able to prepare much physically in that time. Maybe it gives me some idea that I can probably do more than I think, but really I dunno. Did anyone watch this, and then try to run 100km? How did that go?

[@GokuRunner]

Really good film. The only 100k I finished was on a highschool track.

[@0929mason]

That sounds brutal..200+ laps?! Whoa. Guess I can’t say much though, tomorrow I’m doing a 100k on a treadmill, well most of it. 15 on the beach and the rest on the treadmill.

[@kimwhite9252]

Great video! Well done!

[@jazznroll5]

Having run a few ultra trail races up to 184km i have to say this: It is difficult and you hurt a lot if you are not well prepared. If you are well prepared it is much easier and pleasant and you don't hurt that much.

[@Demiamant]

2:17 I laughed really hard at this.

[@GuidoHaverkort]

All other 100k's: people dying inside, absolutely regretting even existing and finding a new self along the way Mark & Sam: "yaaayy, 90k down, only 10 to go :)"

[@99cya]

you guys are so fit - well done! wow

[@trinichinee6426]

Walk thru the cemetary out of respect Inner him " ima de activitate my brain for that situation