ULTRARUNNING
BEYOND 26.2
Anything past the marathon is an ultra: 50K, 50 miles, 100 miles and beyond. Most ultras in the Northeast are on trails, so if you're just starting out, build your base in our Trail Running section first.
TRAIL ULTRAS WITHIN 150 MILES OF NYC
Next six months · NYC as the epicenter
Dates are approximate and unofficial. Always confirm on the official race site before you plan or register.
Febapple Frozen Fifty
South Mountain Reservation, Maplewood, NJ · ~40 mi from NYC
NJ Ultra Festival
Blairstown, NJ · ~70 mi from NYC
ULTRA BASICS
Fuel early, fuel often
Aim for 200–300 calories per hour, starting in the first hour.
Time on feet > mileage
Back-to-back long runs teach your body to keep going when tired.
Practice race day
Test shoes, vest, food, and night running in training, never on race day.
Respect recovery
Big mileage means bigger injury risk. Build slowly and listen to niggles.
TRAIL VS. ULTRA
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?
Trail running is about where you run. Ultrarunning is about how far. You can do one without the other, but most people who fall for one end up doing both.
| TRAIL | ULTRA | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Running on dirt, rock, and roots, at any distance | Any race longer than a marathon (26.2 mi), road or trail |
| Defined by | Surface & terrain | Distance & time on feet |
| Typical distances | 5K to marathon (and beyond) | 50K, 50 mi, 100K, 100 mi, timed events |
| Key skills | Footwork, climbing, descending, navigation | Pacing, fueling, sleep & mental endurance |
| Gear | Grippy trail shoes, maybe poles | Hydration vest, nutrition, lights, drop bags |
| Overlap | Most ultras are on trails | Trail running is the gateway to most ultras |