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trend: ULTRA
The term ultra-distance is normally reserved for
events that are longer than the established race
distances. For example, an ultra-run can be anything
longer than a normal marathon (42.195 kilometers),
whether it spans 50 or 5,000 kilometers.
In many other sports, the prefix is used somewhat
more freely. In cycling, swimming, skiing or triathlon,
for example, the minimum duration or distance of ultraevents
is not defined in detail.
In long races, participants must either cover a specific
distance or progress as far as possible within a given time
limit. Round figures or easily interpreted time limits are
favored by ultra-athletes. Some of the most typical race
distances or durations, depending on the discipline, are
100 km, 200 km, 1,000 km, 12 hours, 24 hours or 48 hours.
The toughest running or
cycling challenges can be
as long as 5,000 kilometers.
t Chris Sweda/Getty Images
Zach Gingerich (center)
is cooled with water
from supersoakers used
by his crew members
as he runs through
Death Valley, California
during the Badwater
ultramarathon.
18 || 3.2010
The toughest running or cycling challenges, for
example, can be as long as 5,000 kilometers.
In addition to long duration, many events seek added
challenge from environmental conditions. Running races
are arranged in hot and arid deserts, cycling routes are
drawn up to tour the highest mountains in the region and
skiing contests are held in freezing temperatures.
Versatile race offering
It is impossible to give an exhaustive presentation of the
world’s most demanding and fascinating ultra-races.
However, the following list contains a few examples of the
type of challenges available to those bold enough to take
them up.
The Badwater Ultramarathon (www.badwaterultra.com),
which covers 135 miles, or 217 kilometers, in Death Valley,
is not the longest of its kind, but definitely one of the
toughest. Temperatures above 50 degrees centigrade,
a 2,600-meter vertical difference between the start and
finish line, as well as the burning hot asphalt make for
an arduous trek. Despite the grueling conditions, nearly