HOW TO GET INTO ULTRA RUNNING

Today we are diving into the world of ultrarunning and ultramarathons with our beginner's guide, covering everything from race types to essential gear and training tips. Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or new to long-distance running, this video will help you take your first steps beyond those 26.2 miles!
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🌍 Links from the video:
Into Ultra intoultra.org.uk/home
Centurion Running www.centurionrunning.com/
Self Transcendence 3100 Mile Race Documentary 3100film.com/
Threshold Trail Series www.thresholdtrailseries.com/
Freedom Racing Serpent Trail www.serpenttrailrace.com/
SVP www.svp100.co.uk/
GB Ultras www.gbultras.com/
Ultra X ultra-x.co/
UTMB World Series utmb.world/utmb-world-series-...
World Trail Majors worldtrailmajors.com/
⏰ Timecodes ⏰
0:00 Intro
0:56 Ultramarathon formats & famous races
5:43 Why run an ultra?
6:53 First timer friendly races
8:13 Basic kit requirements
9:35 Training for an ultra
11:27 Fuelling an ultra
12:41 The ultra mindset
About this video: This video will teach you everything you need to know about how to get started with ultra running. We've got loads of tips on how to run your first ultramarathon whether it's a 50k, 100k or 100 miler, plus what the training looks like and some beginner friendly events to choose!
This video is NOT sponsored. All products mentioned have been bought 100% by Ben and the channel. Our mission here is to help runners of all abilities improve and enjoy running to their full potential. Showcasing the best running tips and advice, while reviewing the latest gear and taking your round some of the best races in the world!

[@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.

[@rwtindall]

I completely understand that. Makes sense given the different terrain and break stations, etc. Seems more adventurous.

[@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 😊

[@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!

[@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!!

[@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 ⛰️ ❤

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@martinweston8147]

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

[@clj445]

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

[@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 😊.

[@markdoudican461]

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

[@rwtindall]

Great minds think alike! I have been watching your ultra videos, among others, this week wondering just “how does one start running ultras…” 😂 I just ran London last month. Love the Brits! Thanks Ben (& Sarah)!! Ben, I just love your spirit, Brother!

[@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.

[@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.

[@andrewstorm8240]

Really good summary - so much. Maverick are good

[@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 👍

[@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.

[@OdealTheGreat]

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

[@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.

[@jamessavoury9659]

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

[@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 🙏

[@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

[@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👍

[@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.

[@keanMechanic]

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

[@TheBeardGuys]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@SADjang0]

Cracking vid, Ben

[@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 👍

[@shadarck2248]

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

[@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

[@paulinho277]

I’ve just purchased your free half marathon training plan with S&C. Once I return to UK from my holiday in Disney Florida, I’m going to start the plan. I’ve played football since the age of 5 right up to now, 39. Running is going to be my new main sport and form of exercise

[@jamsterj9039]

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

[@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 😀

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

[@simonlarge3053]

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

[@nrjonesy]

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

[@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….

[@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!

[@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 🫡

[@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!

[@danielstewart5208]

Running a backyard ultra next year!

[@0052553]

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

[@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!

[@gwilymeades]

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

[@LeiIjahB]

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

[@GTE_Channel]

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

[@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.

[@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 🇳🇿

[@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.

[@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

[@goodfoodgoodmusic5213]

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

[@kophotography895]

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

[@craigjohnston8235]

Downloaded the audiobook called Flanagan's Run

[@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 😂

[@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). 😁

[@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.

[@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.

[@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?

[@julieburton7393]

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

[@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?😁

[@karwanrunner]

Thanks

[@BenParkes]

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

[@travisfournierfitness]

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

[@roryking1000]

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

[@The_Funky_Horn]

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

[@lesegobrinomoalosi9606]

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

[@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.

[@liamhockey9189]

Doing my 1st ultra march 2025 lulworth cove 50km

[@joeentansmeyer]

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

[@SCHD-DGRO24]

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

[@kellydoug8817]

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 👍🏻

[@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....

[@welcometomathy6944]

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 👍👍

[@AwesomeWrench]

First!