Buzz
After recently participating in an endurance challenge, I was driven to explore other similar events online and was absolutely astounded by what I came across. The list below is presented in no particular order (so no complaints, please!), as these events differ greatly in terms of distance, type, and location, making direct comparisons quite difficult. It includes several of the well-known challenges, but I welcome anyone to share lists of more obscure, extreme, or even those I may have missed. Enjoy in awe!
10. Marathon des Sables
The Marathon des Sables (MDS), also known as the Marathon of the Sands, is a grueling six-day, 254 km (156 miles) ultramarathon, which equals the distance of six regular marathons. The longest single stage (in 2009) covered 91 km (55 miles). This multi-day race takes place annually in the harsh southern Moroccan desert and is widely considered the toughest footrace on Earth. The first edition of the Marathon des Sables took place in 1986.
9. Race Across America
RAAM is America's answer to the European Tour de France, but the two races differ in several ways. While both events' routes have changed over time, the Race Across America consistently runs from the West Coast to the East Coast of the United States, covering roughly 3,000 miles (4,800 km) in about a week, making it a transcontinental challenge. A typical route might begin in Oceanside, California, and end in Atlantic City, New Jersey. In comparison, the Tour de France spans around 2,300 miles and takes approximately three weeks, with shorter daily distances.
Unlike most multi-day cycling races like the Tour de France, RAAM does not have defined stages. There is no set daily distance to cover. Until recently, there were no official rest periods for food or sleep (sleep was optional). The race clock runs non-stop from start to finish, resembling a Time Trial format. The total race time, including rest periods, is considered, and the winner is the competitor who completes the race the fastest with the fewest and shortest stops. Typically, the winner finishes within eight to nine days, riding approximately 22 hours per day across diverse American terrain. The addition of team divisions has allowed finish times as short as six to seven days. Racers have a support team that follows in vehicles, providing food, water, mechanical assistance, and medical help. At night, a vehicle with flashing lights is required to follow the rider for safety.
The necessity of riding continuously for days with minimal or no sleep places this race in the ultramarathon category. This relentless physical effort creates immense strain on the competitors and their support teams. As many as 50% of solo riders drop out due to exhaustion or medical issues. Additionally, since the race occurs on open roads, participants must contend with sometimes hazardous traffic conditions.
8. Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc
The Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) is a prestigious mountain ultramarathon held annually in the Alps, traversing France, Italy, and Switzerland. The race covers about 166 km, with a total elevation gain of approximately 9,400 m. It is completed in a single leg, and many regard it as one of the toughest foot races in Europe. While top athletes finish the loop in just over 20 hours, the majority of participants require 30 to 45 hours to cross the finish line. Since 2006, a second event, Courmayeur – Champex – Chamonix (a half-loop), has been introduced, and in 2009, a third race, Sur les Traces des Ducs de Savoie, was added. Today, the races include: UTMB: Ultra-Trail du Tour du Mont-Blanc (166 km +9,400 m), CCC: Courmayeur – Champex – Chamonix (98 km +5,600 m), TDS: Sur les Traces des Ducs de Savoie (105 km +6,700 m), PTL: La Petite Trotte à Léon (250 km +18,000 m).
7. Arctic Circle Race
Participants must be in peak physical shape to take on this demanding race. The Classic Arctic Circle Race spans 160 km (99.5 miles) and weaves through stunning arctic landscapes, situated 65 km (40 miles) north of the polar circle. Additionally, there's the ACR 100, a shorter race of 100 km (62 miles), covering similar terrain. The main race itself is completed in just three days, with additional time reserved for essential preparation, a Greenlandic church service (a traditional part of starting major events), and a celebratory gala party.
6. Antarctic Ice Marathon
On December 12th, 2010, the sixth Antarctic Ice Marathon will take place at 80 Degrees South, only a few hundred miles from the South Pole, nestled at the base of the Ellsworth Mountains. This race offers a true Antarctic challenge, with runners facing snow and ice underfoot, an average wind chill of –20°C, and the potential for fierce Katabatic winds. The event is held at an altitude of 3,000 feet, making it a formidable test of endurance.
5. North Pole Marathon
By running in the world’s most extreme marathon, the North Pole Marathon, you will join a select group of athletes who have raced at the pinnacle of the planet – the Geographic North Pole. Conquering the frigid temperatures to complete 26.2 miles in one of the world’s most remote locations will leave you feeling on top of the world. But first, ask yourself if you have the courage and determination to reach the North Pole and run across Arctic ice floes, where there’s just 6 to 12 feet between you and the frigid depths of the Arctic Ocean. Can you handle the bitter cold? Are you fit enough for the challenge? Do you have the will to push yourself to the limits? If so, then you’re prepared for the North Pole Marathon. Join race director Richard Donovan, the first person to run marathons at both the North and South Poles, for the adventure of a lifetime. Remember, this marathon is not run on land – it’s run ‘on’ frozen water, in the high Arctic Ocean.
4. Antarctic 100k Ultra Race
The Antarctic 100k ultra race will take place on December 15th. Known as 'the world’s coldest 100,' this ultramarathon is designed for the most resilient endurance athletes. Runners will face a challenging 100k (62.1 miles) route under a sun that never sets, surrounded by endless ice fields, mountains, and vast frozen expanses. This event offers the unique chance to complete a 100k race on the frozen continent, creating the possibility of joining the 100k Seven Continents Club for ultra runners around the globe.
3. Spartathlon
The race begins at 7:00 am, typically on the final Friday of September, at the base of the Acropolis. The course starts in Athens, heading towards the coast and continuing along the shoreline towards Corinth, passing through Elefsis, Megara, and Kineta. The race reaches the Corinth Canal at 78.5 kilometers, with the first of six major checkpoints at 81 kilometers.
After passing Corinth, the route proceeds towards Ancient Corinth, Nemea, Lyrkia, and at 159 kilometers, it reaches the summit of Mount Parthenio. From there, the course heads south to Nestani and Tegea before joining the main Sparta highway just before the 200 kilometer mark. Participants must navigate 75 checkpoints along the course, each with a set cut-off time. Those who fall behind the cut-off times may be removed from the race, though leniency is typically given during the first half. However, after sunset, this leniency decreases, and in the final third of the race, runners who exceed the time limits or show signs of extreme fatigue may be pulled out.
To participate in this race, an individual must meet at least one of the following criteria:
1. The participant has completed a race of no less than 100 km in under 10 hours and 30 minutes. 2. The participant has taken part in a race exceeding 200 kilometers and successfully finished it. 3. The participant has previously competed in the Spartathlon and reached the 'Nestani' checkpoint (172 km) in under 24 hours and 30 minutes.
Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. Text is derived from Wikipedia.
2. Badwater Ultramarathon
The Badwater Ultramarathon is widely regarded as ‘the world’s toughest foot race’. The event spans 135 miles (215 km), starting at 282 feet (85 m) below sea level in the Badwater Basin in California’s Death Valley, and finishes at an altitude of 8360 feet (2548 m) at the Whitney Portal, the base of Mount Whitney. This race takes place each year in mid-July, at the peak of extreme weather conditions, with temperatures often exceeding 120 °F (49 °C), even in the shade. As a result, only a small number of participants, even seasoned ultramarathoners, are able to complete this punishing race.
1. Namibian 24h Ultra Marathon
The Namibian 24h Ultra Marathon is a challenging 24-hour race set in one of the oldest deserts in the world, the Namib Desert. Covering a distance of 126 km, equivalent to three marathons, participants must navigate the harsh desert terrain while being entirely self-sufficient, carrying their own supplies such as food, water, clothing, GPS, and maps. During the day, temperatures can soar above 45°C, and at night, they can plummet to as low as 0°C. This grueling event was first held in April 2008 and is set to be an annual challenge.
