When most people think of ultra running, they most likely imagine elite athletes running through rugged, mountainous terrain at superhuman speeds. But ultra running is far more than a race against the other runners or a quest for a podium finish. It’s a test of the human spirit, grit, and determination, all wrapped up in an adventure. Nowhere is that more evident than at the back of the pack.
Success in ultras is not measured by how fast you finish but often by whether you finish at all. In this sense, the back-of-the-packers who refuse to give up and are out there pushing course cutoffs often have the most fantastic race experiences. These runners genuinely form the backbone of ultra running, particularly the race scene.
Redefining Success in Ultra Running
Success is measured by speed and finishing times in most traditional races. In ultras, though, the definition of success is slightly different. It isn’t about winning or setting a personal best for most runners. It’s about pushing boundaries and proving to themselves that they can conquer distances they once thought impossible.
Finishing any ultra marathon, whether a flat 50k or a mountainous 100-mile race, is an achievement in itself. Many of the runners at the back of the pack will be on their feet for hours or even days, tackling distances that push the limits of their endurance. They face the same grueling conditions as the race leaders - steep inclines and descents, rocky trails, sleep deprivation, and unpredictable weather - but they experience them for much longer.
These runners redefine success in ultra running. It’s not about crossing the line first but simply crossing it at all. Their success lies in their perseverance, their ability to keep moving forward when every fiber of their being wants to stop, and their willingness to embrace discomfort. They look forward to their time spent in the “pain cave.”
In many ways, back-of-the-packers personify the essence of ultra-running more than the elites do. They prove that ultra running is more about mental and physical endurance and toughness than it is about speed.
The Ultra Community: What Makes Racing So Special
One of the best parts about ultramarathons is the sense of community which is shared between runners, crew, volunteers, and spectators. Unlike road races, where hundreds or thousands of runners will race anonymously side by side, ultramarathons tend to foster a deeper connection between runners.
The runners that spend the most time on the course, those at the back of the pack, often become a key part of this community spirit. If you’ve ever run with the back group at any ultra event, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Those few minutes spent conquering the same goal can create some lifelong friendships.
Ultra runners are known for their supportiveness, and nowhere is this more evident than in the back half of a long race. Runners at the back often keep each other going during the darkest hours, offering kind words, sharing supplies or snacks, or linking up to run together to help pass the miles. These bonds make the ultra community unique, where most runners feel they are competing with each other instead of against each other.
The contributions of the back-of-the-packers to this culture can’t be overstated. No matter how big or small, they celebrate each other's victories and cheer louder than anyone when another runner crosses the finish line hours after the winners. Their spirit of inclusion ensures that ultra running is and remains a place where everyone is welcome, regardless of pace or ability.
The Ultimate Mental Endurance
Ultra running requires extraordinary mental fortitude, and the runners out on the course the longest generally excel in this area. While the elite runners face their own mental challenges when it comes to pacing and fueling, slower runners face their own unique challenges. They have to dig deep into their reserves of patience, resilience, and grit, and they spend hours battling weather, fatigue, and self-doubt. The extra time spent running means more time on their feet, more exposure to the elements, and more opportunity for doubt to creep in.
Slower runners often face mental battles right from the early stages of a race. They must accept that they’ll be on their feet much longer than faster runners, which means more wear and tear on their bodies and minds. Back-of-the-pack runners develop a unique form of mental toughness and become experts at breaking seemingly overwhelming distances into more manageable chunks.
Mental endurance is an essential part of running ultramarathons. It also teaches lessons that extend far beyond the trail and last long after race day. Slower runners demonstrate that ultra running is less about how fast you can go and more about how much you’re willing to endure. Every step is a testament to their determination, and finishing, no matter what it takes, becomes a victory of mental toughness over speed.
Celebrating the Journey
While faster runners are generally focused on their splits, rankings, or setting personal bests, most runners in the middle and back of the pack have a much different focus: the experience. These runners are likelier to pause at the top of a peak and take in the beautiful scenery or take mental notes of things they see. The racing experience isn’t about getting from point A to point B as fast as possible. It’s about everything that happens in between.
This mindset transforms an ultra into something more than just a race - it becomes an adventure. The back-of-the-packers find joy in the little moments along the way, such as taking in a stunning sunrise after a cold, grueling night on the trails.
In a world where speed and finishing places are glorified even more by social media, the runners at the back of the pack remind us that there is value in simply covering the mileage and appreciating the process. By embracing the journey, they exemplify the deeper reasons people continue to train for and run ultras - reasons that go well beyond time and rankings.
Back-of-the-Packers: The True Heroes of the Finish Line
During an ultra, the finish line can take on an almost mythical quality, especially for the slower runners who spend hours pushing through physical and mental barriers to reach it. While fast runners may be long gone by the time the back of the pack arrives, their finishes are equally, if not more, heroic.
Finishing after 20, 30, or 40 hours on your feet requires a different level of resolve. The final miles can feel endless, and the relief of crossing the line is magnified by the sheer effort it took to get there. For these runners, the finish line isn’t the end of the race; it’s the culmination of an emotional and physical journey. Their determination and grit often inspire spectators, race volunteers, and even faster runners who admire their persistence.
Back-of-the-pack runners, more than anyone, understand the true essence of ultra running. They are living proof that the sport isn’t just for the fastest of the most gifted but for those with the mental fortitude to keep going no matter how long it takes. Their resilience makes them the backbone of ultra running, reminding us all that finishing - no matter how fast or slow - is what really matters.
