Which UK Ultramarathon events should you consider participating in?

An ultramarathon is a long-distance race that is longer than the traditional marathon distance of 26.2 miles (42.195km). The exact distance of an ultramarathon can vary, but they typically range from 30 miles to 100 miles or more.

Ultramarathons can take place on roads, trails, or a combination of both, and they often take place in remote or challenging environments.

Ultramarathons require a high level of physical and mental preparation, and they are considered to be one of the most physically demanding endurance events. They often require participants to carry their own supplies, navigate unfamiliar terrain, and deal with extreme weather conditions. They are also considered a test of endurance, not just for the runners but also for the support teams.

Perhaps you've completed a few marathons and you want to attempt a longer distance.  Here is a list of 10 UK Ultramarathons to explore, and for some inspiration and motivation for training for such an event, take a look at David Googin's New York Times Besteller book:

1. The Spine Race: The Spine Race is a challenging endurance event that covers 268 miles along the Pennine Way, one of the UK's most iconic long-distance trails. The race is considered one of the toughest ultramarathons in the world and takes place in the winter, adding to the difficulty.

2. The Ultra Tour of the Lake District: This event covers a distance of 100 miles through the beautiful Lake District, passing through some of the most stunning landscapes in the UK. The race is known for its challenging terrain, which includes steep climbs and rocky descents.

3. The Dragon's Back Race: The Dragon's Back Race is a gruelling five-day event that covers 315km across the mountains of Wales. The race is known for its challenging terrain, which includes steep climbs and rocky descents.

4. The Thames Path 100: The Thames Path 100 is a 100-mile ultramarathon that follows the Thames Path from London to Oxford. The race is known for its scenic route and relatively flat terrain, making it a popular choice for runners looking for a more manageable ultramarathon.

5. The South Downs Way 100: The South Downs Way 100 is a challenging ultramarathon that covers 100 miles along the South Downs Way, passing through some of the most beautiful landscapes in southern England. The race is known for its hilly terrain and technical sections, making it a challenging event.

6. The Cotswold Way 100: The Cotswold Way 100 is a challenging ultramarathon that covers 100 miles through the picturesque Cotswold Hills. The race is known for its challenging terrain and beautiful scenery, making it a popular choice for runners looking for a test of endurance.

7. The Jurassic Coast Challenge: The Jurassic Coast Challenge is a challenging ultramarathon that covers 100 miles along the Jurassic Coast, passing through some of the most beautiful and unique landscapes in the UK. The race is known for its challenging terrain and stunning coastal views.

8. The North Downs Way 100: The North Downs Way 100 is a challenging ultramarathon that covers 100 miles along the North Downs Way, passing through some of the most beautiful landscapes in southern England. The race is known for its hilly terrain and technical sections, making it a challenging event.

9. The Pennine Way Challenge: The Pennine Way Challenge is a challenging ultramarathon that covers 268 miles along the Pennine Way, one of the UK's most iconic long-distance trails. The race is known for its challenging terrain and beautiful scenery, making it a popular choice for runners looking for a test of endurance.

10. The Yorkshire Dales Ultra: The Yorkshire Dales Ultra is a challenging ultramarathon that covers 50 miles through the stunning landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales. The race is known for its challenging terrain, which includes steep climbs and rocky descents, making it a popular choice for runners looking for a test of endurance.

All of the mentioned events are considered some of the most challenging and toughest ultramarathons in the UK, with varying terrains and landscapes, and all of them are known for the beauty of the natural surroundings, the test of endurance and the camaraderie of the participants.