Ultra-trail is the ultimate goal for runners. This outdoor endurance race can last from several hours to several days, depending on the distance and elevation gain. But what exactly is the distance of an ultra-trail?
Key takeaways:
- The minimum distance for an ultra-trail has not been officially established, but is generally set at 80 km.
- Ultra-trail originated in the United States and has since spread across the world.
- Some races such as the UTMB, the Tor des Géants, the Diagonale des Fous and the Marathon des Sables have become legendary.
The minimum distance of an ultra-trail
Since the rise of ultra-trail, the minimum competition distance has remained unclear. Some point to a course longer than a marathon, i.e. 42.195 km. Others talk of 80 km, 100 km or even 160 km (around 100 miles).
According to the ITRA (International Trail Running Association), an ultra-trail has a distance of 80 km or more. An unofficial figure that is nonetheless recognised by many organisations. trails can therefore be defined by their distance:
- Short trail: under 42 km
- Long trail: between 42 and 80 km
- Ultra-trail: 80 km and above
But what is the distance of the longest ultra-trail? Many competitions ask runners to cover hundreds of kilometres. The longest ultra-trail in the world is the Swiss Peaks 660. This 660 km race through the Swiss Alps is particularly demanding and requires an extremely rigorous preparation for ultra-trail.
The origins of ultra-trail
The origins of ultra-trail date back to the early 1970s in the United States. In 1972, seven soldiers from Fort Riley completed the Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run — an equestrian race — on foot. Two years later, American Gordy Ainsleigh became the first person to cover the 160 km in under 24 hours. The first official race was then organised in 1977.
In Europe and particularly in France, "ultra" trail formats emerged in the 1980s and 1990s. However, the discipline has seen a surge in popularity worldwide since the start of the 21st century. Enthusiasts can also test themselves against the UTMB World Series — an international competition featuring 26 ultra-trail races across 16 countries.
The right kit is essential if you want to cross the finish line of an ultra-trail. To help, Cimalp has put together a selection of trail running jackets.
Legendary ultra-trail races
Some races have become true benchmarks in the world of ultra-trail. Among them, the UTMB (Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc), which crosses France, Switzerland and Italy. What is the distance of the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc? The course stretches over 170 km with around 10,000 metres of positive elevation gain.
For runners looking to take on the world's toughest ultra-trail, the Tor des Géants in Italy is a prime option. Participants have 150 hours to complete a 330 km course.
La Diagonale des Fous on the island of Réunion is renowned as "the craziest race in the world". It crosses volcanic landscapes, cirques and tropical forests over 165 km.
Finally, the Marathon des Sables is another legendary race. Run in self-sufficiency through the Sahara Desert, it covers 250 km split across six stages.
As you'll have gathered, the distance of an ultra-trail varies from race to race. While most federations have set a minimum distance of 80 km, some races are double, triple or even quadruple that. The discipline is therefore reserved for the most seasoned runners.
