Ultra-trail is the ultimate goal for runners. This outdoor race takes place over 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 first emerged in the United States before spreading across the world.
- Certain 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 ultra-trail became more widespread, the minimum distance for the event has remained unclear. Some refer to a course longer than a marathon, i.e. 42.195 km. Others speak of 80 km, 100 km, or even 160 km (approximately 100 miles).
According to the ITRA (International Trail Running Association), an ultra-trail covers a distance of 80 km or more. This is an unofficial figure, but one that is endorsed by many organisations. Trails can therefore be defined according to their distance:
- Short trail: under 42 km
- Long trail: between 42 and 80 km
- Ultra-trail: 80 km and above
But what is the longest ultra-trail in the world? Many competitions challenge runners to cover hundreds of kilometres. The world's longest ultra-trail is the Swiss Peaks 660. This 660 km race through the Swiss Alps is particularly demanding and requires an extremely rigorous ultra-trail preparation.
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 successfully 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 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. The discipline has, however, seen a surge of interest worldwide since the beginning of the 21st century. Enthusiasts can also compete in the UTMB World Series — an international competition bringing together 26 ultra-trail races across 16 countries.
The right equipment is essential if you want to cross the finish line of an ultra-trail. To help you get there, Cimalp offers a selection of trail running jackets.
Legendary ultra-trail races
Some races have become true benchmarks in the world of ultra-trail. Among them is the UTMB (Ultra-Trail du Mont-White), which passes through France, Switzerland, and Italy. What is the distance of the Ultra-Trail du Mont-White? The course covers 170 km with approximately 10,000 metres of positive elevation gain.
For runners looking to take part in the world's toughest ultra-trail, the Tor des Géants in Italy is an outstanding option. Participants have 150 hours to complete a 330 km course.
La Diagonale des Fous on the island of Réunion is renowned as "the world's craziest race". It crosses volcanic landscapes, cirques, and tropical forests over 165 km.
Finally, the Marathon des Sables is another legendary race. It is run in self-sufficiency across the Sahara Desert, covering 250 km split into six stages.
As you will 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 cover double, triple, or even quadruple that. The discipline is therefore reserved for the most seasoned runners.
