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The logistics of creating and setting up an ultramarathon course can often result in some creative course design for race directors. After all, it can be difficult trying to find a 50- 100 mile, uninterrupted trail for runners to traverse. Add in permitting for land use, aid stations, and other logistics, and it’s no surprise that there are so many different styles of ultras. In this post, we discuss 7 different ultramarathon race formats, including:
- Point to Point (A to B)
- Out and Back
- Single Loop
- Multiple Loops
- Lollipop
- Distance vs. Timed
- Backyard Elimination Style
We’ll talk about the pros and cons of each style of ultramarathon race course. Lastly, we’ll hear from some ultra runners as to why they love – or hate – these formats.
Types of Ultramarathon Race Formats:
Point to Point (A to B)
A point to point course is an ultramarathon that starts in one location and ends in another location. The course never doubles back upon itself. An example of a famous point to point course would be the Western States Endurance Run 100 miler.
“I like the sense of getting closer to the actual finish line with each step. There is also a greater sense of accomplishment to know that you spanned that great distance, instead of the same distance over and over again. I also enjoy the change in scenery, in trail type, and just other experience that comes along in a long point to point.” – David Pharr
Point to point courses are perfect for those who get bored seeing the same scenery. However, point to point courses certainly require more logistics. Where will your crew meet you? Will you need to leave drop bags at various aid stations to have access to your gear? If you’ve left your car at the starting line, how will you get back to it? Of course, most races and race directors have these logistics somewhat worked out for you, but it is still something to consider.
Related post: Preparing your Crew for an Ultramarathon – 9 Steps to Take
Out and Back (A to B to A)
An out and back course runs from the start, to a halfway point, then turns around and comes back to the start/finish on the same course. Some race directors will utilize a shorter out and back course for multiple distances. For example, a 25 mile out / 25 mile back course could be run once for 50 mile participants, and twice (out, back, out, back) for 100 mile participants.
From a psychological stand point, out and backs can be a blessing or a curse. The good news: once you hit the turn around, you have visual cues to let you know exactly where you’ve been and how much further you have left to go. The bad news: once you hit the turn around, you have visual cues to let you know exactly where you’ve been and how much further you have left to go.
” Mentally if I make it to the halfway point, I’ve GOT to make it back to the start. I use that (out and backs) for training runs to force myself to do a set distance too.” – Eric Goodwin
My favorite thing about an out and back course is that I get to see – and cheer on – both the runners ahead of me and the runners behind me.
Single Loop
A single loop course starts and finishes at the same location. However, the course covers one giant loop, giving it the same “never see the same thing twice” appeal as a point to point race.
” If I can’t see my car I’m less likely to want to get in .” – Andrea Webb
The great thing about a looped course is that you don’t have to worry about the same start/finish logistics as a point to point. You start and finish in the same location.
Multiple / Short Looped Course
Multiple Loop courses can vary greatly in distance. I’ve run a looped 100 miler that consisted of 16 (ish) mile loops, and I’ve run looped ultra courses that consisted of 1.9 mile loops.
The benefits of shorter distance looped courses include:
- Not having to carry a bunch of stuff
- Seeing your crew frequently
- Rarely is there any isolation, you’re almost never alone
- Ability to change gear frequently if necessary
The cons of shorter distance looped courses include:
- Monotony
- The potential to waste a ton of time
- The temptation to stop often (especially when you see other people relaxing!)
“On the one hand, I liked being able to count down how many loops were left. Plus you could leave your stuff and have whatever you needed on hand every few miles. On the other hand, if you don’t like your course then you’re screwed for however many loops long. ” – Rachel Frutkin-Beachler
Of all of the ultramarathon race formats, short looped courses are my favorite…though they aren’t for everyone, especially if you get bored easily. Looped courses are great for newer ultra runners who may want to push their current barriers, but are timid about being “out there” for too long. Or for those, like me, who thrive on the energy of the start/finish line and your crew. A short looped course also gives you the opportunity to stop often, which can be both a blessing and a curse.
Related post: 6 Tips for Running Short Looped Ultramarathon Courses
Lollipop Course
A lollipop course is a combination of an out and back and a loop. Essentially, creating the shape of a lollipop. You run out on the “stick”, around the loop of the “lollipop” then back to the start/finish on the “stick”. These can be run once or multiple times, depending on the course distance and the race total distance.
Distance vs. Timed
Traditional distance ultramarathon courses are typically the following distances:
- 50K
- 50 mile
- 100K
- 100 mile
Of course, you may find ultramarathons of other distances, but these are the most common. In these races, you finish the race once you’ve completed the set distance/course.
On the other hand, timed courses are quite popular in the ultra running world. The premise of a timed race is this: you are given a certain amount of time to complete as much distance as you can. Typically, timed courses are on short distance looped courses, or a short distance out and back. While the time provided can vary, you often see them offered in 6, 12, and 24 hour options.
” Timed loop events challenge you mentally but allow you to run light and do a lot of experimenting with food and hydration as a means to train for another event. Plus if you really want to bail you can just join your friends drinking beer and heckling from the start/finish . ” – Jennifer Raby
Timed, short loops or short out-and-backs are a great opportunity to push yourself to see what you are capable of. As there is no specific finishing distance, each runner can decide how hard they want to push themselves to achieve specific goals. Some runners use timed, short loops to achieve a new distance goal with a huge time buffer (for example, 50 miles in 24 hours). Others will use it to squeeze absolutely as much distance as they can out of the entire time provided.
Backyard Elimination Style
This style of race is inspired by the infamous “Big’s Backyard Ultra“. The concept is this: the race has no set distance or set time. However, every hour, ON the hour, runners must run a specified distance (to be a true “backyard” ultra, it must be 4.167 miles) in less than one hour. You MUST be present to start the next loop at the top of the next hour. If not, you are eliminated. If you finish your loop well before the hour is up, you can spend that time resting, eating, etc., but you cannot start running again until the top of the hour.
This continues for as long as it takes until there is only one runner left standing (the current record is 68 hours/ 283.335 miles, set by Johan Steene in 2018).
This type of race is perfect for those who are competitive, and are not swayed by the idea that there isn’t a set finishing distance. You could be running for 20 miles or you could be running for 200 miles!
Now, while an official “Backyard” ultra must be 4.167 miles on the hour, this time vs. loop concept is used for other races as well. For example, the Carolina Reaper Challenge in Greenville, SC offers a 50K, marathon, and half marathon, where you run a 2.62 mile loop every 40 minutes. It’s not elimination style, the race is finished once you reach the specified distance (of course, if you miss the start of a loop, you are out). Winners of this style race are determined by the least cumulative running time for the specified distance.
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While these 7 types of ultramarathon race formats are the more common types, there are certainly other formats available. Ultrarunners and ultramarathon race directors are constantly looking for new ways to push the limits of human running potential.
If you’ve run any of these ultramarathon race formats, share your pros, cons, and favorites in a comment below!
Lex says
Great post, Heather! I had never heard of the lollipop format, and I only knew of the backyard style from you! This was really informative.