Are you looking for an epic challenge? Then we have something for you. The 12 longest ultra-marathons — made for the most dedicated and enduring people in the world! Do you consider yourself to be like that? Let’s go down the list!
1. Desert Rats Kokopelli 150 Stage Race
Desert Rats Kokopelli 150 Stage Race is a six-day, 150 M trial run that begins in Colorado. The route passes through the most beautiful deserts in America and ends in Moab, Utah. Every day, participants in the camp are spoiled with breakfast and hot food, and you can swim and relax after each stage.
Don’t count on personal bests on this track. Part of the challenge is enduring the heat, which can reach 113℉!
2. Pikes Peak Marathon
The Pikes Peak Marathon is located in Colorado and is known as America’s hardest marathon. It is a very challenging race that includes a 7,800 ft vertical climb.
This run has a narrow, winding route with steep hills, gravel, rock, dirt, and turns.
The World Golden Trail Series selected this Marathon as the North American race for the Champion Series.
3. Equinox Trail Marathon
The Equinox Trail Marathon is located in Fairbanks, Alaska. It is one of the toughest races in America, consisting of trails and a steep climb up the Ester Dome, twice! All total, the race includes an elevation gain of 3,300 feet on very difficult terrain.
There is a 10-hour cutoff time for the run, which allows plenty of time to complete the race.
4. Kauai Marathon
The Kauai Marathon is situated on the island of Kauai, Hawaii, and is considered one of the most scenic marathons. And since the race finishes on the beach, it is an excellent destination race!
The beauty of this race course is breathtaking, and hula dancers and drums greet you as race entertainment! But it is also challenging because of the hilly terrain and the humid island temperatures.
5. Black Mountain Marathon
The Black Mountain Marathon is located in Black Mountain, North Carolina. This race starts at dawn at the foot of the Black Mountain.
The Black Mountain Marathon is an extreme race over rugged mountain terrain, and the weather conditions are potentially life-threatening.
On The Black Mountain Marathon website, you will find the warning “DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THE DANGERS OR THE DIFFICULTIES INHERENT IN THIS EVENT!”
Only the bravest marathoners will join this race!
6. Whiskey Row Marathon
The Whiskey Row Marathon is located in Prescott, Arizona. The slogan for the run is “Are YOU Tough Enough?”. So, you can expect one of the hardest marathons in the US.
The race course starts with an ascent followed by a rough run, which includes high altitudes and steep hills.
Severe weather can also be a formidable obstacle to the Whiskey Row Marathon.
7. Twisted Branch Trail Run
Twisted Branch 100k can offer everything you are looking for in an ultramarathon. It is an old-school point-to-point route located in the Finger Lakes region.
You’ll run through some of the most brutal and scenic places around. The course is surrounded by state parks, wineries, breweries & lakes.
8. Hatfield McCoy Marathon
“Runners come from everywhere to experience Hatfield McCoy Marathon and the extreme conditions that follow. This race has no time limit, but we do have the best water stop volunteers in the world to keep you hydrated and motivated towards the finish line. Once you experience this journey, you will come back each year.” – Alexis Batausa, Race Director, Hatfield McCoy Marathon.
The Weather Channel ranked the Hatfield McCoy Marathon as one of the toughest marathons. The race starts in Kentucky and finishes in West Virginia, passing through beautiful historic sites, including the location of the notorious Hatfield McCoy feud.
The difficulty is not the terrain but the weather conditions you will endure throughout the race. You’ll need to have the right running attire for the weather. This race is very hot and humid.
9. Grandfather Mountain Marathon
Grandfather Mountain Marathon is considered to be One of America’s Toughest Marathons. The race starts in the mountains of Boone, North Carolina.
The course is very beautiful and mountainous. The elevation gain gives this run its reputation as one of the toughest marathons.
You will cross the finish line in front of 10,000+ cheerful spectators!
10. Blue Ridge Marathon
Blue Ridge Marathon is considered to be America’s most challenging road marathon.
The race is located in Roanoke, Virginia, and includes over 7,430 ft. in elevation change.
The run goes along the famously beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway, and all proceeds will benefit the parkway and local charities. The full, half, and 10k are all on the mountainous course, and all finishers will receive custom medals, a tech-tee, live music, and local craft beer.
11. HURT 100 Trail Run
The HURT 100 Trail Run is a 100-mile marathon located on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. The HURT 100 Trail Run is an ultramarathon designed for endurance and well-prepared ultra-runners.
Limited slots are open each year. It is a technical trail that includes mud, rocks, roots, hairpin turns, and incredibly steep inclines.
12. The Barkley Marathons
The Barkley Marathons is a 100-mile race located in Frozen Head State Park in Tennessee. This race is called “the craziest and hardest ultra race in the world.” Its history includes a jailbreak and manhunt.
In 1977, the man that killed Martin Luther King, Jr. escaped from the Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary in Morgan County, Tennessee. The killer only made it about 8 miles deep into the woods surrounding the penitentiary.
Gary Cantrell, the founder, believed he could make it 100 miles around the penitentiary, and so the race was born in 1986.
The race’s total elevation is 60,000 feet, and finishing all 5 loops of the course is like climbing Mt. Everest.
