It is difficult to determine the top five toughest ultra-marathons in the world because different people have different opinions on what constitutes a tough ultra-marathon. Factors that may be considered include the distance of the race, the terrain and climate of the course, and the physical and mental demands of the race. That being said, here are five ultra-marathons that are often cited as being particularly challenging:
Marathon des Sables (Morocco): This is a 6-day, 156-mile (251 km) race through the Sahara desert. The high temperatures and rough terrain make this a very physically demanding race.
Badwater Ultramarathon (California, USA): This 135-mile (217 km) race takes place in Death Valley, California, which is known for its extreme heat. The race starts at 282 feet (86 m) below sea level and finishes at an elevation of 8,360 feet (2,542 m).
Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (France, Italy, Switzerland): This 103-mile (166 km) race takes place in the Alps and includes over 31,000 feet (9,400 m) of ascent and descent. The race takes place at high altitude and can be affected by extreme weather conditions.
The Barkley Marathons (Tennessee, USA): The Barkley Marathons stands as an unparalleled ultra marathon, infamous for its cryptic course, grueling terrain, and selective entry process. Aptly nicknamed the "race that eats its young," this event challenges participants to navigate five undisclosed loops of harsh landscapes,
The Jungle Ultra (Peru): This race is a 143-mile (230 km) race through the Amazon rainforest in Peru. The humid and muddy conditions make this a physically challenging race, and runners must also deal with the mental challenges of being in a remote location with limited support.
The Marathon des Sables
Also known as the "Marathon of the Sands," the Marathon des Sables is an annual ultra-marathon that takes place in the Sahara desert in Morocco. It is a 6-day, 156-mile (251 km) race that is considered one of the toughest foot races in the world.
The race is self-supported, meaning that participants must carry all of their own supplies, including food, water, and shelter. Each day, runners must complete a stage of the race, ranging from about 20 to 50 miles (32 to 80 km). The race takes place in the desert, and temperatures can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) during the day. The terrain is also challenging, with sand dunes, rocky trails, and other obstacles to navigate.
The Marathon des Sables attracts a diverse group of participants from all over the world, including professional runners and amateur enthusiasts. It is known for being a physically and mentally demanding race, and it requires a high level of endurance and determination to complete.
Badwater Ultra
The Badwater Ultramarathon is an annual race that takes place in Death Valley, California, USA. It is considered one of the toughest foot races in the world and is often referred to as the "world's toughest foot race." The race is 135 miles (217 km) long and starts at 282 feet (86 m) below sea level, making it the lowest elevation race in the world. The course finishes at an elevation of 8,360 feet (2,542 m) at Whitney Portal, the trailhead to Mount Whitney.
The race takes place in July, when temperatures in Death Valley can reach over 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius). The heat and the challenging course make the Badwater Ultramarathon a physically demanding race. Participants must also be self-supported, carrying their own supplies and navigation equipment.
Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc
UTMB is an annual ultra-marathon that takes place in the Alps, in France, Italy, and Switzerland. It is a 103-mile (166 km) race that includes over 31,000 feet (9,400 m) of ascent and descent. The race follows the route of the Mont-Blanc massif, which includes some of the highest peaks in Europe.
The UTMB is considered one of the toughest ultra-marathons in the world due to its distance, elevation gain and loss, and the high altitude of the course. The race takes place at elevations ranging from about 2,500 feet (762 m) to over 8,000 feet (2,438 m), and the weather can be unpredictable, with extreme cold and heat possible.
In addition to the main UTMB race, there are also several other races of varying distances that take place as part of the UTMB event.
The Barkley Marathons
Nestled deep within the unforgiving terrain of Frozen Head State Park in Tennessee, USA, lies one of the most enigmatic and gruelling ultra marathons on the planet – The Barkley Marathons. Often referred to as the "race that eats its young," this event is a true test of human endurance, mental fortitude, and navigational prowess. Since its inception in 1986 by Gary "Lazarus Lake" Cantrell, the Barkley Marathons has gained an almost mythical reputation among endurance athletes.
The Barkley Marathons isn't your typical ultra marathon. It doesn't have a fixed distance; in fact, participants are expected to cover approximately 100 miles of treacherous trails and steep elevation gains, spread over five loops, within a strict time limit of 60 hours. Each loop is supposed to be around 20 miles, but the exact route remains a closely guarded secret until shortly before the race begins. Competitors must find their way through dense forests, thorny thickets, and rugged mountainous terrain, relying on map and compass skills rather than GPS devices.
What truly sets the Barkley Marathons apart is its unyielding brutality. The course is deliberately designed to push participants to their limits. Runners encounter obstacles like the notorious "Rat Jaw," a near-vertical climb that epitomises the race's relentless elevation changes. The terrain is further dotted with references to the race's cryptic history, like books hidden along the route that runners must tear out pages from to prove they've reached specific points. With unpredictable weather, navigation challenges, and strenuous climbs, it's no wonder that the Barkley Marathons has seen only a handful of finishers in its decades-long existence.
The race's extreme toughness isn't limited to the course alone. The Barkley Marathons operates with a distinct air of mystique. Entry is granted through a complicated process that involves submitting an essay, a nominal entry fee, and a prerequisite that prospective participants must complete another challenging race designed by Laz himself – the "Big Backyard Ultra." This stringent selection process ensures that only the most determined and experienced runners toe the starting line.
The Jungle Ultra
The Jungle Ultra is an annual ultra-marathon that takes place in the Amazon rainforest in Peru. It is a 143-mile (230 km) race that is known for being physically and mentally challenging.
The Jungle Ultra is a self-supported race, meaning that participants must carry all of their own supplies, including food, water, and shelter. The race takes place in the humid and muddy conditions of the Amazon rainforest, which can make it physically demanding. Additionally, the remote location of the race means that participants must be self-sufficient and able to navigate the course with limited support.
The Jungle Ultra attracts a mix of professional runners and amateur enthusiasts from around the world. It is known for being a physically and mentally demanding race, and it requires a high level of endurance and determination to complete. In addition to the main Jungle Ultra race, there are also shorter distance options available.
Again, these are just a few examples of ultra-marathons that are known for being particularly tough. There are many other ultra-marathons around the world that could also be considered challenging.
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