Editing Ultramarathon (section)

==Overview==
There are two main types of ultramarathon events: those that cover a specified distance or route, and those that last for a predetermined period (with the winner covering the most distance in that time). The most common distances are {{convert|50|km|mi|2}}, 50 miles (80.47 km), {{convert|100|km|mi|2}}, {{convert|100|mi|km|2}}, and continue up to the longest certified race distance of 3100 miles.<ref name=":4" /> Timed events range from 6, 12, and 24 hours to 3, 6, and 10 days (known as [[Multiday race]]s). Timed events are generally run on a track or a short road course, often one mile (1.6&nbsp;km) or less.<ref name="IAAF Ultra Running">{{cite web |title=Ultra Running |url=http://www.iaaf.org/disciplines/ultra-running/ultra-running |access-date=23 November 2016 |website=Iaaf.org}}</ref>

The format of ultramarathons and the courses vary, ranging from single loops (some as short as a {{convert|400|m|adj=on}} track),<ref name=":0">If the loop is less than {{convert|1|km}}<nowiki>, run direction changes every 2–4 (sometimes 6) hours [Citation Needed~~~~Mark Halsey]</nowiki></ref> to point-to-point road or trail races, to cross-country [[rogaining|rogaines]]. Many ultramarathons have significant obstacles, such as inclement weather, elevation change, or rugged terrain. Usually, there are [[aid station]]s, whether every lap of a track, small road or trail loop courses, or extending up to perhaps {{convert|20|to|35|km}}, where runners can replenish food and drink or take a short break.

There are some self-supported ultramarathon stage races in which each competitor has to carry all their supplies including food to survive the length of the race, typically a week long. The [[Marathon des Sables]] 6-day stage race in Morocco and the Grand to Grand Ultra in the U.S. are examples.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The race story {{!}} MARATHON DES SABLES - Site officiel |url=https://www.marathondessables.com/en/marathon-des-sables/race-story |access-date=2023-10-23 |website=www.marathondessables.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=About the race |url=https://g2gultra.com/g2g-registration/about-the-race |website=Grand to Grand Ultra}}</ref>

The [[International Association of Ultrarunners]] (IAU) organises the World Championships for various ultramarathon distances, including {{convert|50|km}}, {{convert|100|km}}, 24 hours, and ultra [[trail running]], which are also recognized by [[World Athletics]]. Many countries around the world have their own ultrarunning organizations, often the national athletics federation of the country, or are sanctioned by such national athletics organizations.

50-kilometer and 100-kilometer races are recognized as World Records by [[World Athletics]], the world governing body of track and field.<ref name="IAAF 100 km Records">{{cite web|url=http://www.iaaf.org/records/toplists/road-running/100-kilometres/outdoor/men/senior |title=– 100 Kilometres Records |publisher=Iaaf.org |access-date=5 October 2013}}</ref> The [[International Association of Ultrarunners]] recognizes IAU World Records for 50-kilometers, 100-kilometers, 6 hours, 12 hours, 100 miles, 24 hours, 48 hours, and 6 days.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bedkowski |first=Jacek |title=Rankings & Records |url=https://iau-ultramarathon.org/rankings/ |access-date=2023-10-22 |website=IAU - International Association of Ultrarunners |language=en}}</ref>

There are ultramarathon [[racewalking]] events that are usually 50&nbsp;km, although [[100 kilometres race walk|100 km]] and [[Centurion (racewalking)|100-mile]] (160&nbsp;km) "Centurion" races are also organized. Furthermore, the non-competitive [[International Marching League]] event [[International Four Days Marches Nijmegen|Nijmegen Four Days March]] has a regulation distance of 4 × 50&nbsp;km over four days for those aged 19 to 49.<ref name=":1">{{cite web |url=http://www.4daagse.nl/en/register/distance-rewards.html |title=Vierdaagse – Distance & Rewards |website=4daagse.nl |access-date=23 November 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107120104/http://www.4daagse.nl/en/register/distance-rewards.html |archive-date=7 November 2016 }}</ref>

In 2021, concerns were raised about planning and medical care available for ultramarathons in China, after [[Gansu ultramarathon disaster|21 racers died from hypothermia]] while competing in an ultramarathon in the [[Yellow River Stone Forest]]. The government later announced a ban on "extreme" competitions.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kanthor |first=Rebecca |date=9 June 2021 |title=Systemic problems in ultramarathon racing in China |work=[[The World (radio program)|The World]] |url=https://theworld.org/media/2021-06-09/systemic-problems-ultramarathon-racing-china |access-date=12 December 2023}}</ref>

In August 2023, a partnership between [[Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc]] (UTMB) and [[Ironman Triathlon]] was announced and the new formation of the UTMB World Series, an ultra-distance circuit that culminates with UTMB held in August. Concerns have been raised{{vague|date=April 2025}} about rising entry fees, homogenization of racing experiences, and bulldozing of smaller events.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chase |first=Adam |date=2021-05-07 |title=UTMB is Teaming up with IRONMAN. Will It Be the Ultra-Starbuckization? |url=https://www.outsideonline.com/running/training/trail/utmb-is-teaming-up-with-ironman-will-it-be-the-ultra-starbuckization/ |access-date=2023-10-28 |website=Outside Online |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-26 |title=What Really Went Down in Whistler with the WAM Races |url=http://garyrobbinsrun.com/blog/2023/10/what-really-went-down-in-whistler |access-date=2023-10-28 |website=Gary Robbins |language=en-US}}</ref>