Ultramarathon Accessibility: It’s Easier Than You Think

Many people assume ultramarathons are only for elite athletes who can run vast distances effortlessly. However, the reality is that ultramarathon accessibility is greater than you might think. Ultramarathons, generally defined as any race longer than a traditional 42.2 km marathon, are more achievable than they may seem.

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Beyond the Finish Line: Exploring ultramarathon accessibility for all abilities

Peter Pham, a self-described non-runner who had only completed one half-marathon in the past, decided to take on the 100km Race to the Quy Nhon Ultra Trail, a coastal ultramarathon in central Vietnam’s Binh Dinh province through mountainous, rural landscapes. This decision highlighted the growing ultramarathon accessibility, demonstrating that even those with limited running experience can embrace these challenging events.

What he found was that ultramarathons welcome runners and hikers of all abilities. “We’d never done anything like that before,” said Michael Dinh, another first-time runner. When he and his friends first trialed the Marathon 2021, none of Michael’s team had any ultramarathon experience. However, they found that as long as participants had a spirit of adventure and determination, they could complete the course.

Ultramarathons tend to be less competitive than traditional marathons, with a greater emphasis on personal challenge rather than finishing time. The pace is generally slower, with runners walking uphill sections to conserve energy. This makes them more accessible for beginners.

Ultramarathon accessibility: Pushing limits, finding resilience in the ultra trail

“A phrase people sometimes use is that ultras are about the finish line, not the finish time,” Michael explains. “The defining language of marathons is around the time you complete it. But with ultras, especially if you’re doing them on trails, the landscape has a massive impact on completion time. It’s less about who’s won and more about the personal challenge.”

This personal challenge is often more mental than physical, highlighting a key aspect of ultramarathon accessibility. Ultrarunners have to learn to manage the ebbs and flows of energy and motivation throughout the long event. “A piece of advice I was given is: however you feel now, that will change within the next hour,” says Michael. “So, if you’re struggling, it won’t last. 

The flip side of that is that, even if you’re feeling good now, you will probably have a low point somewhere further ahead.” This emphasizes that anyone can overcome mental hurdles with the right mindset, making ultramarathons more accessible to a broader range of individuals.

While races like the Vietnam Mountain Marathon, Ho Chi Minh Ultra Trail, and Quy Nhon offer relatively accessible terrain compared to some ultramarathons, they still present significant physical and mental challenges. 

This underscores the importance of ultramarathon accessibility not just in terms of distance and terrain but also in terms of adequate preparation. Michael emphasizes the importance of proper training, gear, hydration, and fuelling strategy to prepare the body for these demanding events.

Conquering the ultramarathon: Accessibility and the power of mindset

Ultimately, Michael’s experience underscores the expanding ultramarathon accessibility, proving that ultramarathons are much more attainable for average fitness enthusiasts than the common perception. With the right mindset and preparation, anyone with determination can take on the personal challenge of an ultramarathon.

“I genuinely believe anyone can do it— but it’s not easy,” says Michael. The reward of crossing that finish line, however, makes the effort worthwhile for those seeking a true test of their physical and mental limits. 

In the ExoTrails App, anyone can test or run top marathons across Vietnam anytime instead of waiting for the yearly event. The marathon routes on ExoTrails are verified and updated to ensure a safe and unforgettable experience. 

Conclusion

While ultramarathons might seem daunting, the reality is that ultramarathon accessibility is expanding, opening doors to a wider range of individuals. So, whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting, don’t let the distance intimidate you. With the right preparation and a determined spirit, you too can conquer the ultramarathon challenge and experience the immense sense of accomplishment that comes with it. Follow our official Facebook page now to receive more interesting information.