Just How Fast Is World Record Ultra Marathon Pace?

[@runningchannel]

UTMB is one of the toughest races in the world. We made this video to showcase just how fast the best runners cover vast distances over brutal terrain. Anyone following the race may already know the outcome for Pau - we’re sending him all our best wishes from The Running Channel.

[@justincoleman7856]

While that's a good challenge, they would have to do each of those at a much higher altitude than that for a much LONGER duration than what they tested. Also there's also flatter ultra marathon races out there that they can do better testing just to see if they can handle running for a minimum of 6 hours (that's average time for a 50k). Now if you REALLY wanna test yourself in terms of truly train for the UTMB, you'll have to finish it in less than 36 hours (I think). However, there are races that y'all can try to see and qualify for one of UTMB's courses (they have 7 after all).

[@jameswalk2515]

Thought this was a great way to show the effort required. Hard to even imagine doing that for the distance

[@bobmob1837]

Please send Andy to UTMB! Wanna see those track legs working through the elevation challenges

[@jessicamartens4428]

Running at UTMB is definitely a dream as a ultra runner.. Definitely send Anna

[@Marktburgess]

After living in Sheffield for many years I so miss the Peaks and the views I remember, now that I live here in Peru. Thanks guys, great episode as usual.

[@larrywarren3603]

I'd love to see Anna have a crack at UTMB, she seems to have the runs on the board, and would be tough enough to manage it.

[@runningchannel]

So would we, Anna definitely has the determination to smash it! Would you ever take on UTMB? 😊

[@nicksrunningandadventureschann]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@rentristandelacruz]

It's fun watching Killian and Mathieu break the 20-hour UTMB barrier (Killain setting a new record, 19:49:30).

[@runningchannel]

That was such an incredible feat! Have you tried running an ultra before?

[@rentristandelacruz]

​@@runningchannel Oh no. I just started getting into running and I've been watching lots of videos about running and ultra running.

[@SendingStache]

I believe UTMB course record pace was about 10:45 per mile (around 19 hours)! There is a lot of power hiking at this distance, even amongst the elite!

[@jeffw654]

19 hours was a shorter course with less climbing because of bad weather. The official record is now 19:49 from Killian Jornet.

[@SendingStache]

@@jeffw654 you’re 100% correct, I’m just using this fast time to showcase that even the older short course time still has a double digit split. With the current Killian record, the splits average at 11:10, which proves my point further - ultras aren’t about these isolated moments of fast-paced running!

[@jenniferthompson626]

Definitely Anna but Andy should give it a shot too. They could train together. I would love to see some ultra training videos.

[@geoffwnz]

I'm happy enough doing the 50km flavour of Ultra at Tarawera here in NZ. They have 21, 50, 100 and 165km options with a lot less climbing than UTMB.

[@stuartrichens4832]

Hahaha Sarah, love the reference to running downhill being a windmill! I saw the wink 😉 to camera!

[@jesspearson9]

I really want to try an ultra and funnily enough the ones I have been looking at take place in Yorkshire with an elevation of 3,000m. I’d love to try a UTMB but maybe I’ll get a couple under my belt first 😂. I’d love to see either Anna or Sarah take on this challenge (sorry Sarah), but I love your enthusiasm and your commentary when you’re doing ultras and it really inspires me to push myself 🏃🏼‍♀️

[@lardus8614]

Insert The Road to El Dorado "both" meme here 🤪

[@runningchannel]

That's amazing Jess and good luck on your Ultra journey! Which ultras are you considering starting out with? 😊

[@MsTrinichic]

That was 🤪!!! Enjoyed every minute!! I want Andy to try and ultra

[@lisarutter916]

It would be cool to see both Anna and Sarah take on the UTMB together!

[@sarah_pi314]

Oh! Yes!!!!

[@jemmasykes1909]

Well done guys. UTMB is a dream of mine, a while off yet but I will get there 🙂

[@dstarley]

It would be HILARIOUS to see Andy attempt any ultra, especially UTMB. Take a road runner onto the trails 😁 Massive shoutout to Kilian for an unbelievable performance today, and to all the North Face athletes for their snazzy shorts. Final mention to Jasmin Paris for taking on UTMB with no brand affiliation, doing it for The Green Runners but sadly having to withdraw after stomach issues and a persistent injury ♥

[@Ckblab]

Well done to you all! Love the content! Entertaining and yet informative. I choose Andy to do an Ultra, quite the opposite of his running career, but feel like he could rise to the challenge.

[@paulholmes1981]

Anna would be great for Utmb i loved her efforts at Tribe’s Run For Love 3, inspirational !Id love to see Andy get out of his comfort zone and switch to long distance trail also.

[@taylorlayton4508]

I would love to run UTMB. I have spent a lot of time in Chamonix climbing and think it would be awesome to run around the massif. My other dream race is Wasatch 100 - 100 miles, ~7500m elevation. It's all throughout the mountains in my backyard, so running through them all in a day would be very special. But, baby steps. Just did my first 100k, mountainous, and contemplating the bump to 100 miles next year.

[@runningchannel]

Congratulations on your first 100k and good luck on your Ultra journey! Which Ultra are you thinking of running next? 😊

[@taylorlayton4508]

@@runningchannel haven't figured it out yet... running a road marathon with my fiancee (her first) in October, then my sister is signed up for a 60k in November in Colorado. I may do the 60k or do the 50 miler at the same event.

[@lindsaycoates6778]

Would love to give UTMB a go, and think all the presenters would do amazing but would love to see Anna give it a go! I can be your running buddy, Anna 😁😁😜

[@virtuocitygowf7272]

Anna would smash UTMB- she is hardcore. Mad resilience.

[@nathanbaker1727]

I'd love (I think?) to take on The Dragon's Back in Wales 267 miles over 6 days, hitting every major peak in Wales going from Conwy Castle to Cardiff Castle. But first, time to get a marathon etc. Under my belt. Got out on the hills yesterday averaging 8:20/mile on an easy run with 1,185ft elevation.

[@jamiedalrymple3689]

Cmon Anna..... You can do the UTMB 👍👏👏❤️✌️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@julietmorrice3205]

I’ve been loving watching the UTMB live feed, I’d love to do it one day! Not at that kind of pace though 🤣 all the long ultras I’ve done are about walking the hills, admiring the views and sampling ALL the food at checkpoints

[@runningchannel]

The pace of the top runners this year was incredible! Which has been your favourite long ultra you’ve taken on Juliet? 😊

[@julietmorrice3205]

@@runningchannel definitely the Wild Horse Mid Wales 200 miler in June this year. Really friendly, relaxed and brilliantly organised 👍🏻 I’m going back next April for the South Wales edition!

[@tobin1677]

Fun fact, that .34 seconds, across the entirety of the race, would translate into over 3 minutes of time difference. It is honestly shocking how much fractions add up in such a large scale setting.

[@Kelly_Ben]

I have to remind myself about that at the aid stations! I love the food and chatting with volunteers, and those minutes add up!

[@RPG__Dave]

I heard Sarah say she would love to do UTMB! Might have been a slight interpretation. 😀

[@Freight_Train_Running]

I want to see Rick do UTMB. It would be very entertaining.

[@amythompson2488]

Sarah and Anna for UTMB!

[@ryanjones5594]

Managed to go from 7:34/km for 2.5km to a 5k in 23:38 in 4 months. 1/2Marathon next month and would love to do an ultra in the next few years! The UTMB just seems completely and utterly crazy...

[@leonardmilcin7798]

Hi. I did the same and I paid the price of inflammation of Achilles tendon which put me out of running for many years. I started with 2-3km runs for something like 4 months before I ran my first 10k (1h 10m) with my wife. I loved it so much the next year I was completely hooked, did about 1400km during the season, ran my record 5k in 21:37 and at the end of the year run marathon in 4h 12m. Unfortunately, this was too much and got bad case of inflammation and I couldn't walk for almost half a year and had to stay away from any running for another 2. Then I tried to start running and the inflammation got back. I know it is super fun to keep pushing especially on this first season when you can see improvements almost every day, but the problem is different parts of your body improve at different pace and the slowest are your tendons and joints. I am now on my first season returning to running and I am trying to be super gentle, ramp up very, very slowly.

[@ryanjones5594]

@@leonardmilcin7798 This is a very good point. My plan over the winter is to move towards cycling to deload the joints but continue to improve my cardiovascular fitness, whilst also working in the gym on improving my functional strength/stability of muscles/joints etc. ready for next Spring

[@ryanjones5594]

@@j3mfilho I started out maintaining around the 2-2.5km distance until I could run 6minutes/km. Once I could, I gradually added distance at that pace until I could run 5k in under 30mins. I then moved to training for 10km, doing a mix of 30minute slow/easy runs, a longer run of 7-11km and some interval/Fartlek/speed work. I replicated this training pattern but with longer distances for the half marathon, and managed to run a 1:57 with some pace left in the tank just after having COVID which I was very pleased with

[@nathandavies327]

Another great video. I think you should have Sarah, Anna, and Andy enter. Rick and Manny can organise the crewing for you. One of you should one day enter the Barkley marathon too

[@runningchannel]

We would LOVE to take on the Barkley marathon one day! Is it on your running bucket list?

[@bertchalmers]

Definitely think we need more Jess on the channel, sen her to do an UTMB event!!! I'm sure she enjoy it!😉

[@runningchannel]

Definitely - we think she’d enjoy it too! Would you ever run UTMB, Rob? 😊

[@bertchalmers]

@@runningchannel I've got my first ultra (40miler) in November..... but if you're picking up the tab, defo! 😉😉

[@scottcollier9178]

Andy for UTMB for sure! That 15 min 5k pace will serve him well.

[@adamleckius]

9:06 love that scream :DD

[@willtucker9838]

Certainly brings a whole new meaning to the phrase "it's a marathon, not a sprint!"

[@glennnicholls8510]

Well done Anna. You worked out it was 34 parkruns much quicker than I could

[@ethanrobbertze7875]

'Classical music is nature's Playlist' best quote ever 😂

[@NathanHeaver]

crazy that even 200 meters is still a challenge to keep up with in such a long race.

[@sarah_pi314]

I would love to see Anna take it on. She's so inspiring to me. I would love to run longer and longer, but am always dealing with injuries. Though really seeing any of TRC presenters do it would be amazing.

[@Kelly_Ben]

I switched to ultras in my early 40s, after 30 years of 5& 10ks, and 2 halfs, and was amazed at how much EASIER the training felt on my body! Because I'm running on trails and slowing the pace, I feel much fresher after my runs- even the long ones- and have much less injuries! Don't write them off just yet, they might be just what your body is looking for!

[@sarah_pi314]

@@Kelly_Ben thank you so much for saying that. I'm definitely going to include more trail running. It's so fun too!

[@iamsillycaitlin]

You are all great-but my vote is Anna for UTMB. 😊

[@tonyeaster6861]

I have the UTMB on my bucket list, but I have the same challenge as James - a fear of heights!

[@MichelleGits]

Those paces are almost half of the pace they actually ran at. how did that many people not realize you made that big of a mistake before posting this video lol.

[@meganstrachan8218]

Let's see Sarah take on one of the UTMB races!!!!! 🥳🥳

[@andersonteo4879]

Unthinkable pace! However the 20hr barrier has just been broken! Jornet and Blanchard had both went under 20hr with the former finishing with a sub 19:50. Was he flying I wonder?

[@cyklopPL]

If you did a race like that and recorded while you do it - that would be EPIC!

[@ianmillar8157]

I’d love to Anna run UTMB with Rick has her crew chief.

[@ianmillar8157]

@Anna Harding but I can see it already. You get to the 100km mark and Rick is sleeping in the corner. After he wakes up is all “I’m sorry I didn’t know you ran in the dark” At 144km you get there and he’s eaten half of the gels. Thinking some where for him. After you cross the finish line his looking around for his medal too. Yes it will be stressful for you and you may even hate it at times. But think of the great memories you will have and what grate series it’ll be. All joking a side I think you’d kill the course no matter who your crew is.

[@davidarana3232]

We all have hills to climb, figuratively AND literally. I wish you all could come to Southern California and run some of our trails here. There are so many options, just in the Los Angeles area. As the first, the last, the everything of TRC, I'd have to say Anna for UTMB. But is it really a plus us to want someone to endure that challenge? I know that some of my most memorable runs have been the most difficult ones; the ones that make my quads and calves ache for days.

[@runningchannel]

Southern California is amazing - we’ll have to see what we can do! Which are your favourite trails there? 😊

[@andriratnasari2648]

I would love to see Anna for the UTMB🥰

[@andriratnasari2648]

Or Mo and Sarah. It would be awesome to see them joining an ultra!

[@Ryan-hx4cf]

Love the videos! Can you start using minute per mile conversions too though please? It would be helpful for a lot of people

[@runningchannel]

We can definitely look into using it in the future Ryan 😁 Thanks for the great feedback!

[@vincewarne228]

I can’t imagine yet getting to UTMB …but having been to the Jurassic Coast last week I fancy giving the ultra there a go (I think 50k)

[@davidjuson5608]

Very good. I'm off for a laydown. Watching that while recovering from the parkrun is not efficacious.

[@SchvennMeister]

I would love to see Andy or Manni take on a UTMB.

[@lardus8614]

Why choose only one presenter? Why not both Anna and Sarah? Or maybe have Andy give something ridiculous like this a go 😁 I will try the short distance at the Mac Mac Ultra in South Africa again next year before I try going for longer. Would love to do a 50 miler and then try for a more crazy one!

[@runningchannel]

It would be amazing to for all three of them to give it a go! Good luck for the Mac Mac Ultra, let us know how you get on! 😊

[@turkeysandwich001]

Anna, I saw you come down La Flegere to Chamonix. Hope you had a good time at UTMB.

[@runningchannel]

Hopefully we'll see you again soon! 😁 Did you have a good time? Did you take part?

[@turkeysandwich001]

Yes, did the UTMB. Brain didn’t allow me to say hello as I was focussed on getting to the finish line. Lack of sleep and hydration caught up at Vallorcine.

[@jassaljs]

Wow! I know the UTMB is not a walk on the beach but this is brutal🤔

[@84derbycounty]

Please send Andy to Self-Transcendence 3,100 Mile, Sarah to Dragon’s Back Race, Mo to Self-Transcendence 3,100 Mile, Anna to the Moab 240, Manni to Spartathlon and James to the Pikes Peak Ascent & Marathon

[@patrick4015]

I would like to try the UTMB, but not next year😅. the OCC by UTMB first. I would like to see Anna take the UTMB on and count me in as crew or passer if you’ll have me.

[@timeonfeet]

Watching the UTMB coverage live at the moment and this makes you realise how ridiculous the pace that some of them are running at! Mind blowing

[@runningchannel]

It’s just amazing the pace they are running at! Would you ever want to try running UTMB? 😊

[@timeonfeet]

@@runningchannel Maybe one day, never say never!

[@Stevenc1984]

Sage Canaday is running UTMB, really nice guy and has some very useful training advice in his KZbin videos.

[@jeffw654]

unfortunately he didn't make to halfway :(

[@ifonly4486]

You can't register to UTMB just like that. First you need to qualify by taking part in some specific races in order to get UTMB points......

[@Ibn_AdamandEwa]

How about sending MO to UTMB, test his thresholds...

[@frankweber3432]

Let's see Anna and Jess do this (UTMB)!

[@nealprice1813]

I like the video but not sure where these times come from, 100 miles in 20 hours is an average of 5 mph or 12 min per mile or about 7.45 per km, unless I am missing something.

[@boredlord6575]

Anna and Sarah you both can do the UTMB. Please try it togther :)

[@chinyong8166]

... fun video but the gradient, technicality + altitude is quite different for the utmb. Also, mandatory kit.

[@memofromessex]

The ultra runners I know have quit both got injured, one so badly he can't run any more FULL STOP, another got injured put on a ton of weight and has stopped. I wouldn't, I won't run more than a half marathon. I remember a stats podcast (I am that cool) said that running more than 10km the risk of injury increases exponentially. So I try to keep my runs less than that!

[@Kelly_Ben]

I had the opposite experience. After years of running all out 5/10ks on the pavement, getting injured and feeling my enjoyment diminish, I switched to ultras. Now i run on the trails, take my time, enjoy the views and food, and am far less injured from running. I also follow a very minimal training program, only about 4-7 hours/ week of training. People pumping out massive mileage might be a different story.

[@Kelly_Ben]

Anna for UTMB! You have to qualify first though, don't you, it's not just a simple registration?

[@deannar6609]

I’d love to see Anna at UTMB 💪

[@joniconsul1221]

What is a good running watch? One that is easy to navigate for those not as tech savvy

[@socomfyhere]

Challenges were more compelling back in the COVID days when you designed them to be more complex than just "how fast did the presenters run". As a back-of-the-packer myself, we always know what's going to happen in a challenge that's just a question of speed! Please add back some element of creativity, problem-solving, or self-comparison!

[@mattschm5486]

One of my friends finished UTMB in 68th place quite a few years ago. He’s still the fastest trail runner i know. Even though he’s probably far away from the top runners

[@ismovanutube]

Loving the videos, but please normalize the volume before posting. Constantly had to adjust it, music blasts when there's no talking going on. During talk: around 50dB (still higher than average KZbin videos) Music: over 70dB (crazy loud)

[@jenesaisquoi9771]

I'm wondering how you got to those times. 20 hours for 171km translates to a pace of about 7 min/km, way slower than the slowest of your showed times.

[@matthewgare1216]

Who wouldn’t want to do UTMB it’s definitely one of my dreams races. It would be great to see Andy do an event longer than 10k

[@runningchannel]

UTMB is such an amazing race! Have you run any ultras, Matthew? 😊

[@matthewgare1216]

@@runningchannel yea I really enjoy racing ultras you get to see so many amazing things out there and really push yourself

[@garydaniels4934]

Who wouldn't want to see Andy suffer on the UTMB? Couldn't get any further from his comfort zone. 🤣

[@budycelyn]

i think sarah should run utmb, :D would i run one, no chance my knees really really dont like it, and in case i didn't mention it, sarah for utmb, just to see her smile the whole way

[@janettrigwell8851]

Would love to see Andy do an ultra

[@10stephenrose]

Aren’t those pages a bit fast? You’d beat the course record +++ if you ran these paces lol. I’m debating if I’m fit enough for 100 miles at the minute or whether 100 km would be more sensible. Looking at UTMB’s UTS in Wales for my first ultra 🤩

[@fastinradfordable]

I was hoping y’all runners would have done km’s I did 36 mile training run up into the mountains and was quicker than that pace! Hell yea I’m running ultra

[@marykalter13]

Anna and Sarah should train for and run UTMB together in a year

[@fedupwithaccounts]

It’s tempting to send Andy to get him off the track but I think Mo or Sully would have the hardest time so I’d send them.

[@runningchannel]

😂 so cruel!

[@owenweaver8788]

Send Mo to the utmb, that guy munches miles for breakfast

[@stewartbransom9666]

I would like to see Anna go for it

[@hanphilnoffz8827]

Mo as always coming off fast

[@erzanism]

Would love to see if he can go all the way...

[@hanphilnoffz8827]

@@erzanism yeah I may have beautiful personality but I'm faster

[@Mlungu2]

Gotta be Anna. It is like her thing now

[@susanheneghan5879]

Sarah and Mo or Sarah and Anna 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[@rimaporre2373]

I vote Anna and Sarah!

[@ulfeliasson5413]

Say, anyone of you lovely Running Channel people running Stockholm Marathon next year?

[@runningchannel]

We'll definitely look into it! Are you taking part Ulf?

[@ulfeliasson5413]

@@runningchannel If my stupid hip heals, I will make the comeback of the century then. Have been making progress this past month. No certainty, but If it continues, I will be there. :-)

[@cormacmccann3608]

I'd love to be able to but with family and work wouldn't get the time. I reckon Anna could do it, I've been missing her content. Not that Sarah is t great too.

[@Kelly_Ben]

If you truly want to try a 50k, (which I can't recommend enough), you can safely finish and enjoy one (though probably not win one) on much less training than you hear about. Finishing a 50k on 25-35 miles a week is absolutely doable. (With some short strength/ mobility sessions thrown in.)

[@kellyshaw5084]

Sarah and Anna for utmb. Lol

[@ericdewaard1654]

Just for saying don't put me I would like you to run UTMB (and of course I believe you can do it ;) )

[@scout9930]

Everything and one keeps getting faster and faster so I just can’t connect with the videos lately. Can we see some more struggles of the average runner instead of so much of the young and fit getting faster?

[@sturgmanrunning8546]

These type of people are aliens 🤣

[@runningchannel]

😂 It's very very impressive!

[@Ruffnreddyrunner]

Love Anna not sure about this new girl on here

[@welsh-i-am241]

I’m going to say Sarah 🙈 Sorry 😆 👍

[@joancatherine5118]

Anna and Manni please

[@ollyharvey]

fast

[@ampmmbe1590]

I would like to see Sarah run the UTMB

[@runningchannel]

I bet she would do amazingly! Would you ever want to run UTMB? 😊

[@ampmmbe1590]

Absolutely 🤗 I love challenges. If you have one in mind just let me know

[@jstekic]

Your challenge is totally wrong!!!!! They don't go at that speed. 170 km for 20 hours is 8.5 km per hour. How you got those numbers? 6 min per 1 km is 10 km per hour, and their average speed is under that.

[@keineangabe8993]

On top of that all the times for the 200m segments did not match aswell. I am surprised there are not more comments like this.

[@StefanvanderFange]

Strange you've chosen the male time to be done by the females as well.

[@konanpruiksma9792]

What a useless challenge. Just running as fast as possible for three sections of 200 meters? You guys better ran at Pau's pace and see how long you'd last.