What Happens To Your Body During An Ultramarathon

Summary

Ultramarathons, races longer than a standard marathon, have gained popularity, with over 108,000 participants in the U.S. alone in 2018. These extreme races, ranging from 50 to over 4,000 kilometers, challenge runners both mentally and physically, often causing nausea, sleepiness, and even hallucinations. Events like the Badwater Ultramarathon and Barkley Marathons push runners to endure harsh conditions, from scorching heat to sleep deprivation. Despite the risks, ultrarunners are often driven by a love for nature and a sense of purpose rather than competition. The sport continues to grow, attracting those seeking a true test of endurance.

Takeaways

• 😀 Over 108,000 people in the US completed ultramarathons in 2018 alone.
• 😀 An ultramarathon is any race longer than 42 kilometers, with some races exceeding 4,000 kilometers.
• 😀 The most common ultramarathon distance is 100 kilometers, taking an average of 17 hours to finish.
• 😀 In longer ultramarathons, many runners fail to finish, with half of them not completing the race.
• 😀 Ultrarunning challenges both the mind and body, with significant physical tolls such as nausea, fatigue, and hallucinations.
• 😀 The Badwater Ultramarathon is one of the toughest races, set in Death Valley with temperatures reaching up to 47°C.
• 😀 Nausea and vomiting affect about 37% of ultrarunners and is the leading cause of non-completion.
• 😀 Running disrupts digestion, diverting blood away from the stomach, causing food to remain undigested and lead to discomfort.
• 😀 Windy conditions can damage the eyes, leading to swelling and blurred vision, a common issue in races like the Hellgate 100K.
• 😀 Sleepiness and hallucinations are common in longer races, with runners sometimes experiencing extreme mental fatigue, such as believing they are someone's garbage man during the Barkley Marathons.
• 😀 Despite the physical and mental challenges, ultrarunning is a growing sport, with participants often motivated by nature and a sense of purpose rather than competition.

Q & A

What defines an ultramarathon?

An ultramarathon is any race longer than the standard 42 kilometers of a marathon, with distances ranging from 50 kilometers to over 4,000 kilometers.

What is the most common distance for an ultramarathon, and how long does it typically take to complete?

A common ultramarathon distance is 100 kilometers, and it typically takes around 17 hours to finish.

Why do many ultramarathon runners not finish the race?

Many runners don't finish because ultramarathons are physically and mentally demanding, with health issues like nausea, dehydration, and exhaustion often preventing them from completing the race.

What is the Badwater Ultramarathon, and what challenges do participants face?

The Badwater Ultramarathon is one of the most extreme ultramarathons, covering 4,000 meters of elevation in Death Valley during July. The extreme heat, with temperatures reaching 47°C, can cause headaches, dizziness, and other issues.

What is a common health issue that affects ultramarathon runners, and why does it happen?

Nausea or vomiting is a common issue for ultramarathon runners, affecting about 37% of participants. It happens because running redirects blood from the stomach to the muscles, disrupting digestion, especially when consuming carb-loaded meals during the race.

How can windy conditions impact ultramarathon runners?

Windy conditions can dry out or damage the cells that protect the cornea, leading to swelling and blurred vision. This condition is referred to as 'Hellgate Eyes' in races like the Hellgate 100K.

What is the main challenge faced by ultramarathon runners in terms of sleep?

Sleepiness is a major challenge, especially in races lasting over 24 hours. Fatigue increases the risk of accidents, like trips and falls, and can even lead to hallucinations, as seen in races like the Barkley Marathons.

What is the Barkley Marathons, and how does it test ultramarathon runners?

The Barkley Marathons is a notorious ultramarathon where participants have 60 hours to complete 161 kilometers. The race is infamous for its difficulty, with some runners experiencing hallucinations due to sleep deprivation.

What motivates many ultrarunners to participate in these extreme races?

Many ultrarunners are driven by a love for nature and a sense of purpose, rather than the competitive aspect. Studies show they are more likely to participate for the experience of being outdoors.

How does participating in ultramarathons offer a unique experience compared to regular marathons?

Ultramarathons often take place on trails through natural areas, providing runners with stunning views during the race. Even if runners experience hallucinations, they are still surrounded by beautiful scenery.