So as you train for your ultra, use every run as an opportunity to test out various products, kit choices and experiment with food, fuel and fluid. It’s only through experience, practice and experimentation that you find out what works, and what doesn’t. What works for one ultra runner doesn’t work for another. Getting the balance right is the trick to successful ultra running and your choices of kit, fuel and fluid will be very personal to you. That said you don’t need to carry the kitchen sink either. Remember the Golden Rule: When it comes to running ultras you literally cannot be too organized! We even have a printable checklist with 9 things you need to answer before the race, so make sure you download it, and use it as you are in your ultra training. So even if you feel like you stick out as the newbie, no one will notice as you have everything you need. You really do need to be prepared for all eventualities, and we want to make sure that you go to your next (or first) ultra race prepared, and confident, no matter what the race brings. You may even be expected to navigate the route and take your own map. During that time you could experience a wide range of temperatures, weather conditions and even nighttime darkness. On top of that, your typical ultra will probably take you 6 hours or (much) longer. You’re expected to be much more self-sufficient and to take a certain amount of fuel, fluid and essential kit with you.

There’ll be fewer checkpoints and feed stations and much less support.

Unlike a normal marathon or road race, most ultras tend to be on the trail and in more remote locations. You may not be starting with the hardcore ultra runners who are racing Death Valley, Cowtown or Badwater, but you have signed up for your first ultra, and the ultra marathon training so far is going well.Īs race day suddenly comes into view, it is time to get those final preparations into place to be ready, and packing your kit for your first ultra can be a mind-boggling task. We go from the comfort of our marathon training schedule to a whole new world of races. Know you know which ultra race you would like to do, and you are all signed up for your first ultramarathon. You have looked up “what is an ultra marathon”, you have converted 50k to miles to figure out just how much further an ultra is than a traditional marathon, and you have decided you would like to take up ultra running as a new challenge. Your eyes have been opened to the ultramarathon world.

Download female ultra runners