HOW TO GET INTO ULTRA RUNNING

Want to know how to run your first ultra? Well today we are diving into the world of ultrarunning and ultramarathons with our beginner's guide, covering everything from race types to essential gear and training tips. Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or new to long-distance running, this video will help you take your first steps beyond those 26.2 miles!

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⏰ Timecodes ⏰
0:00 Intro
0:56 Ultramarathon formats & famous races
5:43 Why run an ultra?
6:53 First timer friendly races
8:13 Basic kit requirements
9:35 Training for an ultra
11:27 Fuelling an ultra
12:41 The ultra mindset

About this video: This video will teach you everything you need to know about how to get started with ultra running. We've got loads of tips on how to run your first ultramarathon whether it's a 50k, 100k or 100 miler, plus what the training looks like and some beginner friendly events to choose!

This video is NOT sponsored. All products mentioned have been bought 100% by Ben and the channel. Our mission here is to help runners of all abilities improve and enjoy running to their full potential. Showcasing the best running tips and advice, while reviewing the latest gear and taking your round some of the best races in the world!

[finding_health]

Somehow an ultramarathon sounds more appealing than a regular road marathon. I can't explain it, but I think it comes down the overall vibe of the event and the variation of terrain seems more interesting than 42k of road.

[Kelly_Ben]

Loved this! I switched to ultras at 40, after almost 30 years on the roads. I'd lost my love for running, hadn't PBd in years, and honestly found it boring and stressful on the roads.

Ultras brought back my excitement. New skills, new workouts/ training style, new routes, new PBs. I was no longer comparing myself to my faster youth.

Looped events are great to start, because you have minimal gear to carry, less navigation worries, you're always passing/ being passed so you're rarely alone more than a few minutes... and the main aid station usually has incredible food and a party atmosphere.

Give it a go!!

[michelleharnett]

Something Ben didn't mention is that a lot of trail ultras also have shorter distances - 21 - 30 km. The same atmosphere, course etc, but less knackering! A great introduction to longer races.

[martinweston]

Don’t forget the LDWA Long Distance Walking Association they do well organised walks and runs in the UK at very reasonable prices.

[harveypearson]

I’m running my first ultra in September, a very beginner friendly 55km with only ~350m elevation called Fields and Forest in Suffolk. Can’t wait!

[Snerunseasy]

Ultra running I enjoy more than standard marathons & shorter races, Comrades marathon is a vibe all the way through, absolutely love it, going for my 9th this year 😊.

[edbrown]

I am still fairly new to running (5 yrs), older than most runners (fifty-eleven-plus-one), and have just begun running Ultras - my first 50 Miler in May 2024. I’m quite enamored with the Trail Running community … but am still also chasing the Marathon Majors (3 down, 3 to go). So many choices, not enough time. Or cash.

[AnotherElDuderino]

Great vid, very informative and inspiring even.
Trail ultras looks amazing.

Having the opportunity to do a bit of shorter trails, around the 15-22km, got me to realize even more how awesome is the running community.
There's a social aspect that nicely complements the emersion with nature that makes these runs to really stand out of those experienced with road running.

Looking forward to reach those kind of distances and hopefully get the chance on some of these.
Thanks Ben 🙏

[Joe_Souza]

Epic scenery in that video. I liked your statement about older runners liking ultras as it doesn’t focus as much on pace. Just finished first marathon in Feb and hope to start trail running next with a trail ultra in the future.

[rwtindall]

Great minds think alike! I have been watching your ultra videos, among others, this week wondering just “how does one start running ultras…” 😂 I just ran London last month. Love the Brits! Thanks Ben (& Sarah)!! Ben, I just love your spirit, Brother!

[barryleslie]

Ran my first marathon on April 28th and going to do my first ultra 50k one month later. Can’t wait to do it. I’m then planning on an 8 week block of prep for the Outlaw 100k St Cuthbert’s Way in July. Thank for the video. Ben, you looked like you were having a hard time in Race to the Stones. Well done for keeping going

[jamessavoury]

Loved this video! So beginner friendly as a relative newbie to ultras. Great work ben.

[Leeroy]

Did my first trail ultra this year. 61km around Schweriner See (almost local for me) with some challenging terrain (depends on the weather). It's well organised by people who very well know what they're doing. Great fun and way more challenging as I expected. I liked back-to-back longruns in preparation.

[chris.schmied]

Great video!!! Love Ultras!
I can recommend Mozart 100 and GGUT ( Grossglockner Ultra Trail ) here in Austria 🇦🇹
You have easy direkt flights from London to Salzburg.
Beautiful races here in the Alps ⛰️ ❤

[pb]

My why? I'm an idiot. First ultra last week with a 35 pound firefighter airpack on my back.

Pure hell. Cant wait to do it again.

[DWNY]

Great timing- after running lots of road races (London Marathon most recently) I signed up for my first Ultra in September (Grindstone here in the US) will see how it works out.

[Average-Manuel]

I just did my first race this year, which was longer than 10km. It was a 31, 1km trail(ish) race, which is very popular in my local area. It was so overwhelmingly amazing, that I not only will repeat the race next year, but having the idea of an ultra in my mind. I found a new passion for me I guess. So I am very happy for this video with necessary basic infos 💪🏻
Due to the fact that I am an active weightlifter 🏋🏼‍♂️ (my other passion 😅) I will have to postpone the ultra into the future, because I can’t fit 2 time-intense training-schedules into my week 😄 (not to forget that heavy lifting and long-distance running really do not fit together well)
I enjoy your videos,

Greetings from Germany
Cheers!

[paulinho]

I’ve just purchased your free half marathon training plan with S&C.

Once I return to UK from my holiday in Disney Florida, I’m going to start the plan.

I’ve played football since the age of 5 right up to now, 39.

Running is going to be my new main sport and form of exercise

[hxnet]

Signed up for my first Ultra 59k called Castle to Castle, I'll be running in one of your hats in fact, very comfortable trail hat with lots of ventilation. When I received it I had a note thanking me for my order from your mum! Very awesome!

Keep up the amazing work, I love your content it's inspired me a lot and helped me run my first marathon this year.

Looking forward to my Ultra in July #gettingitdone

[MilesLangley]

I’ve a 50k booked for the end of the year. Really looking forward to it. It’ll be my first ultra. If I like it I’m looking to go longer next year.