HOW TO GET INTO ULTRA RUNNING

[@finding_health]

Somehow an ultramarathon sounds more appealing than a regular road marathon. I can't explain it, but I think it comes down the overall vibe of the event and the variation of terrain seems more interesting than 42k of road.

[@Kelly_Ben]

So true! I did a few road half marathons, and thought I could NEVER do a marathon. It didn't even sound appealing. Now I regularly run trail marathons and ultras, and absolutely love it. The atmosphere is incredible, so friendly and relaxed. (The food is awesome, too!) Give it a go!

[@finding_health]

@@Kelly_Ben Glad to hear it! I'll be doing my first half marathon in June and am looking for my next challenge. I'm looking at some shorter distance trail races just to test it out.

[@Snerunseasy]

So true, I've done 8 Comrades ultra 90km & 4 Two Oceans 56km , found them to be more enjoyable than a standard marathon 😀.

[@SherryOram72]

I agree 😊

[@marcelmellema9837]

I like that there is no self imposed time pressure. Every road race is trying to run your target pace for the whole race. With ultras, its all about finishing!

[@Kelly_Ben]

Loved this! I switched to ultras at 40, after almost 30 years on the roads. I'd lost my love for running, hadn't PBd in years, and honestly found it boring and stressful on the roads. Ultras brought back my excitement. New skills, new workouts/ training style, new routes, new PBs. I was no longer comparing myself to my faster youth. Looped events are great to start, because you have minimal gear to carry, less navigation worries, you're always passing/ being passed so you're rarely alone more than a few minutes... and the main aid station usually has incredible food and a party atmosphere. Give it a go!!

[@michelleharnett1351]

Something Ben didn't mention is that a lot of trail ultras also have shorter distances - 21 - 30 km. The same atmosphere, course etc, but less knackering! A great introduction to longer races.

[@HS-fm9kv]

Couldn’t agree more. There are a few near where I live in that range with elevation between 800m and 1600m…. They are good fun and challenging enough

[@whatthemoondoes3568]

Not to be pedantic but an ‘ultra’ has to be a distance over 42.2k. But yes trail races are fun too!

[@harveypearson8497]

I’m running my first ultra in September, a very beginner friendly 55km with only ~350m elevation called Fields and Forest in Suffolk. Can’t wait!

[@Jlmasterson]

In Ireland, the Kerry Way Ultralite is a good option for a first ultra - I'm doing it in 2 weeks 😊 58km and about 1400m of elevation. Absolutely beautiful scenery.

[@Snerunseasy]

Ultra running I enjoy more than standard marathons & shorter races, Comrades marathon is a vibe all the way through, absolutely love it, going for my 9th this year 😊.

[@edbrown4628]

I am still fairly new to running (5 yrs), older than most runners (fifty-eleven-plus-one), and have just begun running Ultras - my first 50 Miler in May 2024. I’m quite enamored with the Trail Running community … but am still also chasing the Marathon Majors (3 down, 3 to go). So many choices, not enough time. Or cash.

[@willneverforgets3341]

"The why's" I loved that summary! I ended up in the trails when I moved in the pandemic to a place that has mountains in sight... and was wondering about visiting them... just as a hike... but a colleague of mine talked to me about mountain races... and my mind went "wwooooowwww I have to try that" I still do some road races, but overall I prefer running the trails, they gave me back my motivation for running. Pace is somewhat secondary, it is about the outdoors, the challenge, the uphills, the downhills, the terrain, the struggles... it is like a life out there.

[@martinweston8147]

Don’t forget the LDWA Long Distance Walking Association they do well organised walks and runs in the UK at very reasonable prices.

[@paulwilliams2814]

I’m about 90 mins from starting my first 50km, UTA Blue Mountains. You and Sarah have been regular inspiration to me, like thousands and thousands of others, so this couldn’t be more timely. Thank you!

[@flora.hammer]

How did it go??

[@paulwilliams2814]

@@flora.hammer Thank you for asking! Better than expected - 7.49 finish time compared my 8.30 target. I'm not breaking any records but, mostly importantly, I loved the experience. Amazing event (UltraTrailAustralia, Blue Mountains) with incredible organisers and volunteers. I followed the 'start slow' approach. My first 30kms was cautious, but I 'raced' the last 18.8kms. A lot of advice here - Ben and Sarah - influenced me. Likewise Jeff Pelletier, Luke Barrett, Chris Branch and WestieRunner. I started running in my late 40s. I'm in my early 50s. I didn't think I could run a half marathon when I started! I have been genuinely inspired by the expert content shared here and elsewhere.

[@flora.hammer]

@@paulwilliams2814 This is so great. Thank you for your answer and congrats!!

[@Hunkeykung]

@@paulwilliams2814 Hi thank for sharing your story. How did you build up to the 50km. What was your journey?

[@paulwilliams2814]

@@Hunkeykungslowly! I probably trained for 9 months and around 8-9 hours a week, gym and running. I did what is generally recommended, gradually increasing the distances of training runs and events and trying to train in conditions as close to those for my target race (terrain, elevation etc). I’d done a fair number of half marathons, trail and road, and one road marathon… they helped greatly. All the advice about cross training, I support. Combing strength work was critical to pushing out the distances and the time on feet and not getting injured. Hopefully that is useful?

[@MilesLangley]

I’ve a 50k booked for the end of the year. Really looking forward to it. It’ll be my first ultra. If I like it I’m looking to go longer next year.

[@TheBeardGuys]

Great vid! Got my first ultra this weekend at NDW50! Maybe see you there

[@Leeroy49]

Did my first trail ultra this year. 61km around Schweriner See (almost local for me) with some challenging terrain (depends on the weather). It's well organised by people who very well know what they're doing. Great fun and way more challenging as I expected. I liked back-to-back longruns in preparation.

[@DWNY358]

Great timing- after running lots of road races (London Marathon most recently) I signed up for my first Ultra in September (Grindstone here in the US) will see how it works out.

[@rayamos1398]

I'm doing the Maverick North Downs 50K this Saturday, it'll be my third ultra and the second this year (Chiltern Ridge 50k last month), I can't wait! Love Maverick races, this will be my first X-Series with them, it should be a lot of fun!

[@Average-Manuel]

I just did my first race this year, which was longer than 10km. It was a 31,1km trail(ish) race, which is very popular in my local area. It was so overwhelmingly amazing, that I not only will repeat the race next year, but having the idea of an ultra in my mind. I found a new passion for me I guess. So I am very happy for this video with necessary basic infos 💪🏻 Due to the fact that I am an active weightlifter 🏋🏼‍♂️ (my other passion 😅) I will have to postpone the ultra into the future, because I can’t fit 2 time-intense training-schedules into my week 😄 (not to forget that heavy lifting and long-distance running really do not fit together well) I enjoy your videos, Greetings from Germany Cheers!

[@chris.schmied]

Great video!!! Love Ultras! I can recommend Mozart 100 and GGUT ( Grossglockner Ultra Trail ) here in Austria 🇦🇹 You have easy direkt flights from London to Salzburg. Beautiful races here in the Alps ⛰️ ❤

[@raymondwade2433]

At 59 I’ll be participating in my first ultra event this coming January; a 67 mile ruck run on the OCALA Florida trail. Minimum ruck weight is 25 lbs + water, food and required gear. Time cap is 24 hours. Stoked!

[@Joe_Souza]

Epic scenery in that video. I liked your statement about older runners liking ultras as it doesn’t focus as much on pace. Just finished first marathon in Feb and hope to start trail running next with a trail ultra in the future.

[@markdoudican461]

Goring Gap Ultra’s 52km & 50 mile options are very good entry level races. Scenic courses with little elevation.

[@simonlarge3053]

Got my first ultra this weekend at Goring Gap, going with no time expectations just going to take part and enjoy it!

[@barryleslie7727]

Ran my first marathon on April 28th and going to do my first ultra 50k one month later. Can’t wait to do it. I’m then planning on an 8 week block of prep for the Outlaw 100k St Cuthbert’s Way in July. Thank for the video. Ben, you looked like you were having a hard time in Race to the Stones. Well done for keeping going

[@peterthomas9440]

Am desperate to get my first buckle this year after failing to get enough time last year on the trails. Wet weather has delayed getting out around the Gower coast however the Gower Ultra 50 Ultra Bach are on my To-Do list for 2024! Great video Ben and please keep these inspirational videos coming!

[@chrisgreen4150]

Last week I completed the Sandstone Trail Ultra. 34 miles from Whitchurch to Frodsham. You pass two castles and go through Delamere Forest. We'll worth a look 👍

[@maxnettley396]

I fully recommend the isle of wight 106k race but ultra challenge. I ran it two weeks ago, it was my first race of 100k+ distance and finished 28th. Absolutely beautiful scenery.

[@nathantaylor357]

Great video as always. Such slick production. Controversial opinion and this is a ‘Study of One’ My preferred distance is 250~ I have tried back to back, but for me I it doesn’t replicate the feeling of running on tired legs, what I think it does is build mental fortitude, Can I be bothered to go out again for a run when I did it yesterday. I think Back to backs are essential for multi day & stage races, but for a Non Stop 100+ I don’t see the benefit….

[@steveb9658]

Can recommend UltraNorth 55k in the Newcastle area. Great 1st time Ultra. Also 13valleys in the Lake District 😊

[@danabc322]

Shame they’ve moved the start/finish to the quayside this year - looks more like a road race with a little trail section than a proper trail race now! I’m not even sure I’ll use trail shoes for it, unless it has been particularly wet on the days leading up to it.

[@steveb9658]

@danabc322 yeh not looked too much at the new route yet apart from it starting at the swing Bridge! I'll have to give it a bit of a recce 👍

[@briansmyth1502]

Im doing my first Ultra on 22nd June. Im based in London, so the Ultra London 55k seemed to make sense. It works it was from East to West London, alot on pavement but also through Londons many large parks and green spaces. Decent amount of elevation, but not in the middle of nowhere. Should be a good beginner one for me. If all goes well then will look at more challenging ones next year. Great vid as always Ben 🫡

[@0052553]

Ive done 6 GB ultra 50 mile events and would definitely recommend them.

[@h3xnet]

Signed up for my first Ultra 59k called Castle to Castle, I'll be running in one of your hats in fact, very comfortable trail hat with lots of ventilation. When I received it I had a note thanking me for my order from your mum! Very awesome! Keep up the amazing work, I love your content it's inspired me a lot and helped me run my first marathon this year. Looking forward to my Ultra in July #gettingitdone

[@gwilymeades]

Much better than Runner's World's recent bonus guide to ultra-running. Thank you.

[@AnotherElDuderino]

Great vid, very informative and inspiring even. Trail ultras looks amazing. Having the opportunity to do a bit of shorter trails, around the 15-22km, got me to realize even more how awesome is the running community. There's a social aspect that nicely complements the emersion with nature that makes these runs to really stand out of those experienced with road running. Looking forward to reach those kind of distances and hopefully get the chance on some of these. Thanks Ben 🙏

[@misiakasiulec]

My first official ultra coming in August! So, so stressed but at the same time I can't wait to challenge myself! :)

[@ButtaflyGrlNZ]

The Taupo Ultra here in New Zealand has a good entry level course apparently and the scenery is amazing 🇳🇿

[@nickykidd88]

Great video Ben! Rasselbock do some great events for newbies both trail and track. I highly recommend Action Challenge as well who do a variety of distances, encourage walkers and have volunteers join you during the night sections so great for new starters. Also a lover of threshold events, although disappointed they’ve stoped race to the castle…one that was on my list. More challenging with strict cut-offs would be Centurion.

[@XEinstein]

When I run an ultra I actively do not look at my watch to see how many kms I did or still have to do or how much time has passed. I use the watch to log the run and follow the GPS track, but other than that I just run. I have a general sense if one hour has passed or four, so I have a general idea whereabouts in the race I am, but I don't like the data. I just run. It helps me to stay in the present moment and eventually the finish line will come.

[@AndrewPawley11]

Excellent advice all round. One comment if I may on training. As well as training on the same terrain as your event, try if possible to train at the same time of day. So, if your event will involve trail running in the dark, practice doing that a few times before hand. Running at night with just a head torch is quite an experience for the first few times out. Plenty of runners have had falls, including some nasty ones, before getting the hang of it.

[@epilepticfridgeboy2402]

Rasselbock running do some great relaxed ultra marathons and backyard ultras in the Midlands, the table full of sweets and cake that greets you at the end of every lap really makes it👍

[@OdealTheGreat]

I will be doing my first comrades marathon this year (first time going beyond 60KM). See you at comrades Ben.

[@anthonyharty4323]

Ben, this was a brilliantly informative video. I'm getting into trail running this summer, not sure I'll do any ultras quite yet (have only completed one marathon to date) but definitely setting my sights in it in the future. Luckily, at 23, I've got time on my side! :)

[@andrewstorm8240]

Really good summary - so much. Maverick are good

[@clj445]

Thanks Parksy! A video showing a gym strength and conditioning session would be very useful if you ever feel like making one

[@thecrowfliescrooked]

Honestly, gym workouts for ultra marathons is kind of a waste of time. Try doing stuff to harden your mental fortitude. Do stuff like hill repeats (6hrs worth) or overnight runs. Anything that'll toughen your resolve. Your mind will give out before your body.

[@tom-nt7rf]

About to run the midnight marathon in the Brecon Beacons, I appreciate it’s not an ultra but shocked by how much slower training on the local cliff paths is compared to the road. Suddenly the cut off time has become a concern. Going from a 9’30” easy pace to 13’! Also the fatigue and shock to the knees running down hill. The road now seems like a mattress in comparison 😂

[@jamessavoury9659]

Loved this video! So beginner friendly as a relative newbie to ultras. Great work ben.

[@shadarck2248]

Doing my first ultra on june 1st, trail du grand senonais in france 105km!

[@pb2959]

My why? I'm an idiot. First ultra last week with a 35 pound firefighter airpack on my back. Pure hell. Cant wait to do it again.

[@GTE_Channel]

Hoping to do my first in October. 75k. Let's go!

[@amurelashardjulies2436]

Starting this year. Races registered based on distance 50kms, 70kms and then the big one the 100 miler. All within the next 6 months.

[@craker4658]

1st Ultra tomorrow (Wye Valley Ultra ~35 miles). I'm in a good place, just need to Get It Done.

[@pb2959]

Did you get it done?

[@craker4658]

@@pb2959 8 hours 40. Done. A mighty fine day out (now my feet have healed a bit). 😁

[@iberiksoderblom]

I've got an 80K very hilly trail in 2,5 weeks. Currently in what I would consider as mediocre marathon shape..., road racing... But I'll just strap on the backpack with 2 kg's more weight than during the race, head to forrests and do some every day slooooow distance running from 10K to 52K, keeping extreme focus on eat, sleep, active recovery and hip strenght. It's a hard push just a month after CPH Marathon, but I try and survivie on experience and patience and staying away from injuries, and I have no intentions of some super-finish-time, PR or anything crazy. Just having a good time. It's after all just a marathon with a long warm-up 😀

[@jamsterj9039]

I’m doing Rat Race Trio of Ultras UK Ben Nevis scaffel pike and Snowdon this year!

[@QBZ95]

Pegasus Ultra Running events in Wales are beginner friendly. Distances from 30 to 50 miles with no cut off time. They also have a 200 miler.

[@julieburton7393]

Can you do a run down of what to look for in trail shoes and the different types?

[@goodfoodgoodmusic5213]

Aiming for the Arc, 50k Jan 25. Thanks for the tips 😘 ps ill be running with your cap, 🏃‍♂️👌😍

[@patmcevoy5865]

Doing the Kerry Way Ultra Lite 58K in September 1st race over 42K, any advice on bars, food to bring in the hydration vest, for in between aid stations. Love the videos

[@greg4154]

First ultra on 1st June (Maverick Merlin) shocked it didn’t get a mention early on but there is a lot of different races so it’s understandable. Can’t say I’ve taken the training too seriously following the Manchester marathon a few weeks back but the cut off times seem generous.

[@travisfournierfitness]

I saw you've done some Maverick races! You should go down and do Maverick Jurassic Coast this fall!

In Berlin we have the 100 Mile Ultra on the old path of the wall around Berlin

[@craigjohnston8235]

Downloaded the audiobook called Flanagan's Run

[@danielstewart5208]

Running a backyard ultra next year!

[@Boost00130]

the longest I have run is a 30k trail run, but I found that much easier than half marathons on the road, (even with 1000m of elevation gain) simply because of the slower average speeds, walking hills and nutrition intake.

[@nrjonesy]

Yikes.. vertigo on 1:29.. DNF there right away.. my head would be absolutely gone on that one!

[@kophotography895]

Super excited about receiving my order for the new #gettingitdone running T's 🎽soon

[@keanMechanic]

Great content Ben. Makes me want to give it go.

[@lesegobrinomoalosi9606]

See you at the Comrades ultra marathon next month Ben...

[@LeiIjahB]

Check out the Lonely Mountain Ultra if you're looking for a unique ultra in Australia!

[@SADjang0]

Cracking vid, Ben

[@Duffers782]

Thanks, I have the Cateran Yomp 54 miler in 3 weeks. As part of my training for it, I did the UTS 25k 2 weeks ago and found the downhill brutal - any tips on reducing the quad blow-out/ fatigue? Also, did I hear the 'Fordy' intro music in there at some point?😁

[@path2running]

Thanks

[@BenParkes]

Thank you very much 😊 wishing you all the best with your ultra running! 🙌

[@The_Funky_Horn]

Any advice for anxiety / panic attacks whilst out on the trails doing a long run?

[@didkochanell]

Remeber kids. Most of it is ultra walking, so with a big enough cutoff you can brag to your friends for weeks.😂

[@liamhockey9189]

Doing my 1st ultra march 2025 lulworth cove 50km

[@TBasianeyes]

After 30k on the trails I am guaranteed to have some sort of blister, especially if there is a lot of steep downhill. It's quite similar for a lot of people I know and it hasn't gotten better with more training or different shoes/socks over the years. Any tips? I can physically do the distance but not with bloody feet.

[@wussboyd1]

I'll make this simple. If you want to Finish an Ultra Marathon you must first: Train your Ass off. Plan on spending the majority of your time Cross training and running a minimum of 10 miles per day, as much elevation gain as possible (The Steeper the Better) Hill repeats and speedwork in general is a Must. 15 to 20 mile long runs at least once a week. 2nd: Train yourself to eat Clean and stay Hydrated every single day this includes learning how Not to Dehydrate and Overhydrate yourself. Last but Not least, Learn to Truly embrace the Pain Cave and push through it. All of these things are Extremely important to not only finish the race but to make all of the cutoffs as well. If you do all of these things you will be less likely to Dnf and trust me, DNFing 3 or 4 ultras in a row because of either bad luck or just straight up not training enough will Demoralize you and make you want to quit running all together I promise. It happened to me. Keep your head up, give it your all and be patient. Its worth it.

[@Albusdumbledore840]

What are your recommendations on trying to avoid injuries in really long races

[@joeentansmeyer]

What time are you going for in the Comrades Marathon this year?

[@roryking1000]

what watch do you use ? and what is the age requirements to enter a race like that?

[@kennethkrull1848]

Would you use the Asics Superblast for a 100 miles? Mainly on roads. Or do you/Sarah have any other shoes you can recommend?

[@SCHD-DGRO24]

Are shin splints an issue when increasing distance so much? 26.2 miles to 100 miles for example?

[@KellyandDoug]

Not sure if this is a question for Ben or anyone can jump in. Anyway running off road on soft ground is always a good idea if you do suffer from shin splints. However if the course is rocky with steep descents then even 20 miles would be a bad idea. SVP 50k would be a good one to try as it's mainly on grass and not too hilly. Plus it has some great views.

[@sheldonjanuary4058]

I saw those Zegama 2's 👀

[@Feanaro5503]

I can’t run marathons so I’m not going do an ultra, but maybe I could do a 20K trail race.

[@AndreaElliott]

Check out Maverick 👍🏻

[@welcometomathy]

Ultra marathons are better and easier than halfs and marathons. You can walk more without thinking about time, unless you doing it competitive xD. You have more time, you have better stops don't need to train so much it's more about what you eat drink and have on your foot because in avg you run at 6:30 km wich is not that high for most people thats a 35 min 5k parkrun. Pick a good easy one to start like Thames path or London to Brighton something flat or hill down and enjoy. Don't need much training run everyone other day for 1:30 h during the week and make sure you run for 4h on Sunday and you good, thats about 50km a week and it's enough for a 50k 50miller and it's it's easy flat 100km I good. Ultra is about food and drink and what you have on your foot. Mental is highlighted here by Ben and very well. Mental battle comes from you Turing negative rely quick when you tired and sleepy every pain and issue you have you gonna want to quick, cry, trow up your food. Just get some. audio book when you notice you getting negative, maybe talk to person next to you, music podcast just stop thinking negative and I good 👍👍

[@2spoons]

Do be prepared that to note most Ultra runners say an Ultra is 6 miles longer than a Marathon before its called an Ultra..... 50k is 31.06 Miles....