Ever Considered Doing An Ultra Run?

Ultra-running has increased exponentially over the last 10 years and the RAF are looking into the sport with the aim of having it formally recognised by the UK Armed Forces Sports Board. For anyone that has never heard of ultra-running or would like to know more, then continue reading and if it sparks an interest please contact the undersigned.

Many readers may be thinking what is ultra running? Strictly speaking, an ultra run is anything longer than a marathon (26.2 miles or 42.1 km). However, most ultra runs start at the 50 km (31 miles) distance and can go up to 100’s of km over multiple days and multiple terrains. The most common distances being 50 km, 100km and 100 miles.

Having spoken to several people about my own ultra running experience I quite often get the comment of ‘There is no way I could run that far’ or ‘You are mad’ or ‘You must be super human’. Well, some of us may be mad but we are certainly not superhuman and very few ultra runners actually ‘run’ the whole route. In fact, the average pace for an ultra runner across all age groups is around 14.30 min/mile1. Depending on how long you have at rest stops this is almost walking pace. Of course, there are individuals that go a lot faster and that is the great thing about ultra running, there is an event for all abilities.

Sqn Ldr Alfred Hall talks about why he decided to take on an ultra run this year. “I’d seen Ultra runners and events but just thought they were an absolute flogging and not for me with my dodgy knees! A few years ago, I started parkrun and met people there who seemed like me and they explained more about it. At parkrun I manage 8-minute mile pace, but they do their ultras at 14-15 minute mile pace. I’ve tried that a few times and now really enjoy the pace which I manage by jogging a section then walking. Lockdown really helped and I noticed how much more I was enjoying being out at a slower pace”. of exercise are well documented and include improved physiological and psychological effects. But what makes ultra running different? As someone that has completed a variety of ultra events over the last 20 years (most recently being the 100km Thames Path Challenge last year) the biggest drive for me is the exhilaration I feel when I go over the finish line after being on my feet for over 15 hours. I personally don’t care about my time, it is the psychological challenge of finishing the event that attracts me – being able to push my body through the tiredness of the previous miles. The other plus is that I can eat chocolate without feeling guilty! The average person burns between 314-391 calories per hour at a brisk walking pace of 3.5mph and 606-755 calories per hour running at 5mph 3. So, for a 50km (31mile) event, that equates to around 2,800–3,500 and 3,700-4,600 calories respectively!

All shapes, sizes and levels of fitness participate in ultra runs and with the right training you too can complete one. To put this into perspective, 544 people competed in the 100km Thames Path Challenge I did last year, and the first person came in at 09 hours 57 mins and the last person in 36 hours 14 mins. An ultra run is also a good way of raising money for charity. Last year's Thames Path Challenge raised nearly £1.5 million!

An ultra run is a challenging event (it wouldn’t be worth doing it if it wasn’t!), but one that can give you an immense sense of achievement when you finish it whatever your ability.

If ultra-running is something you would consider trying or you have any further questions, then please get in touch!

CONTACT DETAILS:

Sgt Caroline MaynardBurrows. Caroline.maynardburrows393@mod.gov.uk

Cpl Thomas Phillips. Thomas.phillips113@ mod.gov.uk