The Ultra Marathon Boom: How Extreme Distance Running Is Redefining Endurance Sport

The Rise of Ultra Marathon Running

Ultra marathons—any footrace exceeding the traditional 26.2-mile marathon distance—have exploded in popularity, transforming from a niche pursuit into a global phenomenon. Participation in ultra marathons has surged by 345% from 2010 to 2020, bringing worldwide participation to approximately 600,000 runners. This remarkable growth outpaces traditional distance running, as ultra-running participation has surpassed marathon growth rates since 2009 and 5K growth rates since 2015.

The sport encompasses diverse challenges, from 50-kilometre races to 100-mile courses typically completed within 24 hours, and even longer multi-day events sometimes spanning 200 miles or more. December 2025 alone saw 55 ultra marathon events scheduled across the United States, illustrating the packed race calendar that now characterises the sport.

Breaking Barriers: Women and Diversity in Ultra Running

One of the most significant developments in ultra marathon running is the increasing participation of women. Female participation has grown from just 14% in 1996 to nearly one-quarter of ultra participants today. Remarkably, women outperform men at distances exceeding 195 miles, challenging conventional assumptions about gender and endurance.

The demographics are also evolving, with more women, individuals under 40, and those over 60 participating at higher rates, creating a more diverse and inclusive running community.

Media Exposure Fuels the Ultra Marathon Movement

The sport’s visibility has grown substantially through various media channels. Christopher McDougall’s bestselling book ‘Born to Run’ (2009) and the 2014 Barkley Marathons documentary introduced mainstream audiences to prestigious ultra events. Live streaming has proved the most influential tool for popularising ultra marathons, allowing fans worldwide to follow runners through remote terrain in real-time.

The number of US-based ultra marathons rose to 2,904 in 2024, nearly one-third of the 8,974 global total, reflecting America’s growing enthusiasm for extreme endurance challenges.

The Future of Ultra Marathon Running

As ultra marathon running continues its upward trajectory, the sport faces both opportunities and challenges. The vibrant, supportive community that defines ultra running remains its greatest asset, yet questions persist about sustainability and professionalisation. For now, ultra marathons represent more than athletic competition—they embody the human drive to push beyond perceived limits, attracting runners who seek not just finish lines, but personal transformation through extreme endurance challenges.