We’ve been hearing about Marathon runners every time during racing games but hardly do you hear about Ultra Marathon runners. So, what is the difference between marathon and ultra marathon runners?
What is the meaning of marathon? We know long distance running comes in mind when we hear of marathon race. Marathon runners can go miles to complete a course.
What is Marathon race?
Marathon runners run a footrace on an open course usually 26 miles 385 yards (42.2 kilometers) to complete a race.
What is an Ultra Marathon Race?
An ultramarathon, also known as ultra distance or ultra running, is any footrace that is longer than 42.195 kilometers (26 mi 385 yards). Competitive distances range from the shortest common ultramarathon of 31 miles (50 km) to more than 200 miles (320 km).
Although the 50k and 100k distances are both World Athletics records, several 100 mile (160 km) races are among the oldest and most prestigious events, particularly in North America.
Difference Between Marathon And Ultra Marathon Runners
| Marathon | Ultra Marathon |
|---|---|
| Standard distance of 26.2 miles | Longer than 26.2 miles |
| There is time tracking | No time tracking |
| Walking is not allowed. However, you get some water and few gels. | Ultra marathon runners are encouraged to walk at some point. |
| Runners are more fouced on pace. | Held on trails to get scenery to help distract you. |
| It needs the essential race kits. | Just enjoy it how you like it. |
Marathon preparation often includes a lot of speed work and tempo runs, as well as balancing the mileage build of your long slow run, all on the road.
Some of these components will be included in ultra training, but I prefer to focus on time spent on feet or endurance rather than speed, especially if you are just getting started. Weekend training runs are often spent on the trails, where you can get plenty of practice on the terrain you’ll be running on on race day.
Depending on the ultramarathon you choose, training will normally include some back-to-back sessions, with a big session on Saturday followed by the same on Sunday.
A marathon runner can probably get by on water and a few energy gels, however ultrarunners will rely more on real food like sandwiches, dried fruit, and pretzels.
The length of your event, as well as whether it takes place in a hot or cold location, means that nailing the appropriate nutrition approach can be difficult no matter how experienced or beginner of a runner you are, so it’s critical to get plenty of practice in while training.
