Looking for YOUR FIRST ULTRA MARATHON? | My TOP 7 tried and tested UK races | Run4Adventure

Best UK trail ultra marathons for first timers. With the world of ultra running continuing to grow and more and more runners wanting to push themselves over longer distances, I thought it would be perfect timing for today’s video! Signing up for your first ultra marathon can be quite daunting, stepping into the unknown. There’s also a lot of races to choose from these days so it can be tricky deciding which race suits you best. In this video I pick out my top 7 best UK ultras for first timers, hope you find it helpful!

Thanks for watching, we'll see you in the next video and as always - stay safe and keep on running!

LINKS MENTIONED IN THE VIDEO

SERPENT TRAIL RACE

THE RAT

ENDURE 24 READING

ULTRA X SCOTLAND

CLASSIC QUARTER

TRAIL EVENTS CO COTSWOLDS CHALLENGE

CENTURION SOUTH DOWNS WAY 50

0:00 Intro
0:54 South Downs Way 100 race update
2:21 Best UK races for first timers
3:01 Black Rat by Mudcrew
5:00 Endure 24 Reading
7:11 Ultra X 50 Scotland
9:35 Classic Quarter
12:12 Trail Events Co Cotswolds Challenge
13:41 Centurion South Downs Way 50
16:14 Serpent Trail Race 50k

#bestultramarathons #trailrunning #bestultrarunningraces

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[paulmark]

Great vid! Can you contrast this video with another video on the top 7 hardest UK ultras? (I fancy some inspiration for next year!)

[Sarah_Praze]

Agree 10/10 for The Serpent Trail 50k, did it last year for my first ultra, it’s fabulous. Perfect beginner’s ultra. Going again this year, can’t wait!

[stupots]

Came across this video by chance. I'm running Tiree also this weekend. Best of luck ! See you there

[rbcoolbartley]

Goring Gap is a great beginners Ultra. Circular root along the Thames river, pretty flat and lovely views to be had. 52km and also half marathon and 10km options too so handy if there’s a group of you - something for everyone.

[magicgen]

Recommend The lap 75km as a great first ultra. Amazingly organised

[yeahyeahblah]

That was a great video. Black Rat 2025 is the one I'm working towards.

Before running your first Ultra, what did you training look like?

[chrisshaw]

Great video, I ran both Classic Quarter and Serpent Trail having watched your videos, and enjoyed them both very much. It was also nice to run with you at the SDW at various points for many miles!

[Gemiinii]

Great video Loyd! I ran the classic for my first ever ultra this year and it was absolutely brutal.

[darrenhall]

Completely agree with the Serpent Trail; it was my first 100km and was an excellent event. Thoroughly recommend it.

[TwoCombs]

Agreed Serpent 50K is a great first Ultra - its was mine. Back this year for the 100K. Also I would recommend The Lap 75K. Good cut offs, excellent organisation and aid stations.

[iestyncarver]

Thanks for the video! Highly recommend the PEGASUS events if anyone is in South Wales and looking for something local :) No cut off times, stunning routes and super friendly.

[michaelbates]

Love your videos Loyd! I'm actually doing the Black RAT in a couple of weeks as my first ultra, very nervous!. I did the last 9 miles last weekend as a recce, some serious hills and steps there!. I live here in Helston so use the coast paths around here as training, did the first leg of the classic quarter (not the race just the route) so hoping that has been some good training for the RAT but I was pretty tired by the end, so yes, nervous but excited for the RAT.

[MarksTandS]

Inspired by the channel, I’m doing my first ultra, at the age of 59, in August: 33.5 mile North to South Dartmoor ‘The Crossing’, part of The Big Day Out. Last week I did East to West Dartmoor and into North Plymouth (33.5) solo, so should be ok for this first official one. Hopefully it’s not too hot. 1500 metres elevation. My kids just got me a Run4Adventure T-shirt for father’s day btw, looking smart!

[darlacrispin]

Hi, Loyd! Sorry I missed you at the start of SDW 100 - it was a great day, wasn't it?! Thanks for this informative post; great for those entering the ultra zone, and a good reminder to those of us who have been doing the sport for awhile that there are many superb options. See you on the start line soon...

[debbieboothroyd]

Great video as always! I’ll be doing the Serpent Trail 20k this year. I ran the Ultra Violet Run to the Sea 50k in Bournemouth last year as my first (and currently only) ultra. Really well organised, great aid stations, lovely flat route which finishes at Hengistbury Head - would definitely recommend it as a first ultra.

[paulreynolds]

Ran the Classic Q, Serpent 50 and Black RAT 🙌 All great events, Serpent 50 definitely most suitable for anyone talking a first time ultra. 😊 I definitely fancy a centurion event one day 🤞

[christhomas]

Some great ideas for future events there. I’m taking on Race to the Stones this year doing the 100km over two days. But it can be run as just 50km by doing either Saturday or Sunday which would make it great for first timers.

[steveflack]

A great event to test yourself is Hope24 run by GBUltra in Newnham Plymouth. 5 mile trail laps. Try and do as many laps you can within 12, 24 or 36 hours. Go at your own pace. Free camping, food stalls and bar. Pricing is spot on. Run as a team or solo.

[rseka]

Thanks for this, I will take one on next year possibly. Endure 24 is perfect as I live 15 mins down the road from it….get my son involved to so be a good one to do together

[TheHutchRuns]

Great video Loyd, I'd second your recommendation of Endure 24 for a first time, I've done Leeds 4 times and it's perfect as you can choose to do as many laps as you want and still be considered a finisher.