What does ultramarathon mean?
An ultramarathon is a timed endurance race covering more than the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles). Unlike the traditional road marathon, ultramarathons may take place on trails, mountain courses, roads, or mixed terrain, with events ranging from slightly beyond marathon distance to several hundred kilometres. The word is natural in British and American English and appears in sporting news, event descriptions, training communities, and participant profiles. Its connotation is strongly associated with endurance: successful ultramarathon competitors must prepare not only for prolonged physical effort but also for heat, elevation, navigation, fueling, and sustained recovery. The crucial distinction is that “ultra” refers to exceeding the marathon distance rather than merely making an ordinary marathon more difficult. The word is therefore useful when discussing races that demand unusual preparation and are organized around extreme-distance running rather than the traditional marathon course.
nounA timed endurance race covering a distance greater than the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles). Ultramarathons may be held on roads, trails, mountain courses, or mixed terrain.
- A timed running race over a distance longer than a standard marathon, held on roads, trails, mountain courses, or mixed terrain.
"She completed a 100-kilometre ultramarathon after months of mountain training."
"The ultramarathon followed a punishing course through the mountains, with runners facing extreme heat and repeated climbs."
"Several ultramarathoners received medical attention after completing the 100-kilometre race."
The plural is formed regularly by adding -s and is used for individual races or a group of races.
"Several ultramarathons are held every year on the same mountain course."
“Ultra” means beyond: an ultramarathon goes beyond 42.195 kilometres, and its toughest courses can turn distance into a battle with terrain and time.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of ultramarathon
The word combines Latin ultra, meaning “beyond” or “farther than,” with marathon. Marathon came through French from Greek Marathon, the name of an Attic locality; the modern race derives its name from the tradition of the messenger Pheidippides. Ultramarathon developed during the twentieth century as a label for races exceeding the standard marathon distance.
Related word forms
How ultramarathon is actually used
This is a neutral sporting term used in British and American English. It normally refers to the race itself; ultrarunning is the broader sport, and ultramarathoner is the usual term for a participant. The definition is based on distance, although ultramarathons are commonly associated with trail and mountain running.
Easily confused with ultramarathon
A marathon covers the standard distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), whereas an ultramarathon covers a greater distance.