When it comes to ultra marathons, there is no “one-size-fits-all” race that is best for every runner. Faster runners may excel at flatter, shorter races, such as 50K’s, while someone who is mentally stronger but a slower runner may be attracted to much longer races, such as 100 or 200 miles.
Choosing the proper race distance can significantly impact your training, race experience, and success on race day. The terrain on which the race will take place is just as important as the distance, especially when it comes to being adequately prepared.
Picking the correct race to train for is the best way to prepare for a successful race experience.
Assess Your Current Fitness Level
When looking for a race to train for, it is crucial to have a realistic understanding of your current fitness level. If you are pretty new to running, you’ll need to build your fitness level up more than a runner with some training and race experience.
That isn’t to say that new runners can’t run ultramarathons; it's just that most runners build up to them with shorter races before stepping up to an ultra marathon distance.
If your current fitness level is above average, you will likely have a much easier time getting used to the training and time on feet that training for an ultra requires.
Consider Your Previous Training and Experience
Your past running experience plays a significant role in choosing the right ultra-marathon to train for. You should take any races or training blocks you've completed into account. If you’ve comfortably trained for and run a marathon (or more), jumping up to ultra-marathon training won’t be that much different than how you’ve previously trained.
If you are new to running, you should get a coach to help you pick a race distance, create a training and nutrition plan, and execute that plan.
Coach or No Coach?
This question will be different for every runner. Some will require the constant motivation and discipline a coach provides, while other runners can create and execute their own training plans without someone coaching them.
If you feel like a coach would be helpful, finding the right coach can be imperative to your success. Getting a coach whose goals align with your own is essential to getting the most out of your relationship.
Terrain and Weather Conditions
Unlike road marathons, which usually take place on reasonably flat streets with ideal weather conditions, race directors for ultras seem to find the opposite for their races. Routes can be mountainous and highly treacherous in places where extreme weather conditions are the norm. Some will even occur during times of the year when the weather isn’t ideal.
Both need to be taken into account when selecting a race. Regarding terrain, if you are looking at a race in the mountains, ideally, you should be able to do at least some of your training in similar terrain and at similar elevations as the race. This may even mean traveling to train if you live somewhere flat and close to sea level.
With some training, most weather conditions can be planned and prepared for. Heat and cold acclimatization can be easily undertaken with some planning and research.
Evaluate Aid Stations and Race Support
Aid stations are a huge part of ultra marathons and can have a massive impact on the success of your race. Look for races with aid stations spaced at distances you are comfortable with. Most races will also post a list of the food and beverage options that will be available on race day so that you know whether you need to bring your own food or not.
Other things to consider are the location of drop bags, medical and emergency assistance, and ease of access for your crew (if you’ve got one and if a crew is allowed)
Check Cut-Off Times and Race Rules
The cutoff time is one of the most important things to check when signing up for a race (whether it is your 1st or your 20th). This includes rolling cutoff times at aid stations as the race starts to wind down. If you know it will likely take 30 hours (or more) to complete your first 100-mile race, signing up for an event with a 30-hour or less cutoff isn’t an ideal choice.
If you plan on having a crew to help, it is imperative to know the rules regarding their help. Some races have very specific guidelines about what crew can or can’t do and when they can or can’t do it. Others have very relaxed policies, so you and your crew must know the rules. Breaking them, even accidentally, usually leads to disqualification.
Consider Your Personal Goals and Motivation
When selecting a race, your goals and motivation should be near the top of the list. Running an ultramarathon can be grueling and challenging, so choosing a race that means something to you can give you that extra push you need to succeed. Choosing a race that aligns with your goals can make it easier to get through a tough training cycle or to keep pushing when things get tough during the race.
Many races occur in extremely scenic and beautiful places, which is often enough motivation to keep putting one foot in front of the other until the finish line is in view. Consider choosing a race in a place you’ve always wanted to visit to make the experience even more special.
Read Race Reviews
Race reviews provide a lot of helpful information, such as terrain and trail conditions, navigation and route tips, aid station information, and even drop-bag advice. Most big races have a range of reviews, so you can get tips from lead runners and back-of-the-packers alike. This gives you a wide range of viewpoints on the same event, making it a bit easier to decide if the race suits you.
There is no right or wrong answer when choosing an ultra marathon, as every runner has a different idea of a “perfect race.” Instead, focus on finding an event that appeals to you personally, has suitable cutoff times and aid stations, and is within your physical abilities. Once you find the race that hits all the criteria, training and preparing for race day becomes a much easier and more enjoyable process.
Good luck out there!!
