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The Toughest Ultra-Marathons on Earth

10/30/2016

10 Comments

 
Ultra-Marathon
The ultra-marathon is the benchmark of endurance sport and typically an event that attracts only the hardiest and durable of competitors. It’s not an event that big name marathon runners will make a transition to and ultra-marathons are not exactly a spectator friendly sport, but they are the domain of the toughest athletes on earth. 

With distances in excess of 150 miles lasting for six to seven days, there are a number of famous events that take place around the world, however some have earned a name as being more brutal than others. This is a preview of the toughest six ultra-marathons on earth. ​

Hardrock – Colorado

At 100 miles this is a relatively short race in the ultra-marathon circuit, however the altitude and joint jarring terrain take a significant toll on competitors. There is a climb and descent of 33,000 feet and the average runner takes 4 hours to complete the course in near freezing temperatures. 

Spartathon – Greece

The 153 mile course stretches from Athens to Sparta and is designed to honor the route that the messenger Pheidippides took in 490 BC. It is mercifully run in September to avoid summer heat, however competitors only have 36 hours to complete the course which is rigorously monitored at 75 separate control points. Anyone off the pace is cut. It is a constant push making it one of the toughest events in the world. 

6693 Ultra – Arctic Circle

This brutal race takes competitors across the Arctic circle in an event where only 11 competitors have finished. Dragging sleds behind them in the snow along 145 miles in sub-zero temperatures, racers also have pounding Katabatic winds to contend with. 

H.U.R.T. 100 – Honolulu

This race is 100 miles with 24,000 feet of elevation along a treacherous mountain path that stretches along a mountain side with very few opportunities to break into a solid run. The trail has Vines, roots, caves and slippery rocks along with mosquitoes and rock stream crossings to contend with. 
10 Comments
D.R.Mustain link
11/7/2016 12:49:33 pm

"With distances in excess of 150 miles lasting for six to seven days!" WOW, I had know idea these type of events even happened. I ran track in HS, but to do 150 miles in a week? Awesome!

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Jesse Lapinski
11/8/2016 10:34:25 am

This article was great! I learned a lot new things and definitely recommend checking it out.

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Julio Pacio
11/8/2016 06:10:21 pm

The ultra-marathon competition proves that there are super-beings living on planet Earth, because no human could endure that much physical challenge.

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ashley joseph
11/15/2016 08:21:13 am

nice

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Lindsey
11/15/2016 11:52:56 am

I cannot imagine the amount of dedication it takes to be able to take on such a grueling task! Each of these ultra-marathons presents such unique and unimaginable challenges. I truly believe these marathons not only test the physical endurance of its participants but the character of its participants as well.

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Sam
11/15/2016 11:11:09 pm

These are the longest marathon I have ever discovered from this article. Those are the dedicated people who will keep going no matter how far and how long the finish line will take them.

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Mona
11/16/2016 09:57:07 am

I really enjoyed reading this article - I had no idea there were such long and grueling marathons! How I would love to be in shape to do these - I really admire the athletes who can!

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Tiffany S
11/16/2016 10:58:59 am

I have never done a marathon before but I really admire the people that do. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to do something so tough. I know I would never be able to do one of these ultra marathons, but I would love to try some kind of smaller marathon one day.

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bandona rani
11/19/2016 07:35:22 pm

I really enjoyed reading this article - I had no idea there were such long and grueling marathons! How I would love to be in shape to do these - I really admire the athletes who can!

Reply
Richard link
11/28/2016 06:36:27 am

Finally I've found a article that so helpful.

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    Cameron Poetzscher

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    Cameron Poetzscher is a Harvard Business School graduate with extensive M&A, business strategy and operations experience.
    He is the VP of Corporate Development at Uber, and is passionate about sport.

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