Ultramarathon, Running Up to 100 Kilometers

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Have you ever heard of an ultramarathon? Having the same concept as the marathon you might already know, the basic difference from marathons and ultramarathons is the distance traveled. If on the marathon the distance to be traveled by running is 42 kilometers 195 meters, then the ultramarathon distance is more than that and usually starts from a distance of 50 kilometers. There is no limit to the maximum distance that must be taken on an ultramarathon, it can be as far as 50 kilometers, 100 kilometers, even 200 kilometers. Not only based on distance, ultramarathon or also known as ultra running can be based on time. For example 6 hours, 24 hours, even days.

What is the history of ultramarathon?

There is no exact record since when ultra running began to become one of the types of sports that were competed. However, the Comrades Marathon is the oldest and largest ultramarathon match in the world. Starting from 1921, until now the Comrades Marathon is still routinely held. Starting from an organization called the League of Comrades of the Great War which aims to help families who are divided by war and soldiers who work together in war. Is Vic Clapham, the first person who sparked it ultra running with a distance of two cities in South Africa namely Pietermaritzburg, the city of his birth, and Durban. Although the idea was repeatedly rejected by various organizations because it was felt too heavy even for experienced athletes, the League of Comrades of the Great War finally approved the proposal he held ultra running. On May 24, 1921 the first ultramarathon match was held with a time limit of 12 hours and the distance traveled was approximately 89 kilometers.

Ultramarathon is now recognized by the International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF). There are two types of ultramarathon events namely Standard and Non-standard. In the standard category, usually the competition is number 50 kilometers, 50 miles, 100 kilometers, 100 miles, 24 hours, 200 kilometers, 48 hours, 200 miles, 6 days, 1000 kilometers and 1000 miles.

The principle of ultramarathon

Unlike the types of sports competed in the Olympics, the objectives of the participants ultra running most are not medals or win a match. Not a few participants ultra running which makes ultramarathon to fulfill inner satisfaction. If they have previously tried a marathon, then ultramarathon will be the next goal or goal. Also don't imagine that ultramarathon participants will run continuously without resting for 6 consecutive days.

During the match, participants will combine running fast, slow, brisk walking, and relaxing. Even easy walking is recommended after several hours of running, especially if the terrain is taken like hills. If the match lasts more than one day, the participant can also camp and rest before starting to run again. During the duration of the match, participants will usually be provided or bring their own food and drink supplies such as electrolyte drinks or special gels called also energy gels.

Ultramarathon for physical and mental health

The ultramarathon location that is usually done in a place close to nature makes the running experience of participants become unforgettable. As quoted from the Telegraph, Damian Hall said that participating in ultramarathon actually tended to be more 'easy' compared to the marathon. The marathon race can usually still be done on normal roads in urban environments. While the ultramarathon distance is far more common in the open so that the surface we step on is not always as flat as a road in urban areas. For example, uphill or downhill roads, surfaces made of soil or sand, this triggers more muscle in the body to move.

Exercising in the wild also affects mental health. In addition to making you more relaxed, exercising in the wild can trigger the effects of biophilia, a condition or our subconscious desire to be close to nature that can improve our mental and psychological health.

How do you prepare for ultramarathon?

Even though it seemed impossible to run over a distance of 50 kilometers, this was not impossible. Some tips as quoted from Runners World can be done to prepare yourself before joining the ultramarathon.

Begin the routine of running on a flat surface. Look for running trails that are close to the house and try not to get too many climbs or derivatives. If you have never run a long distance at all, running on an uneven track will only stress you out.
If you are getting used to running long distances on a flat surface, you can start looking for other paths that are as similar as possible to the location of your ultramarathon later. This is to familiarize yourself with the situation when the day H.
Don't force yourself to keep running. Combining running and walking is the key to strong travel over long distances. Find the rhythm that is right for you. The commonly used combination is 20 minutes running and 5 minutes walking. But you can try other combinations that are right for you.
Prepare your equipment. At long distance running usually in the middle of the route, you will get your running gear bag that contains your items. Bring the food you need like for example energy bar, energy gel, sunscreen, change of clothes, windbreak jacket, or a pair of comfortable shoes and clean socks.
When the match takes place, don't forget to eat and drink. Food like paint, crackers, energy bar, can be an alternative. The recommended drink is every 15 to 20 minutes, including electrolyte drinks. High caffeine drinks can be an option especially in the last 20 kilometers.

Remember that the main goal ultra running not the speed or even the distance traveled but how capable your feet take you to the finish line. The exercise you do aims to increase your muscle strength, stamina, and aerobic capacity.

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