What is a Sub-Ultra?
You may be familiar with ultramarathons. By simple definition, an ultramarathon is any race longer than a marathon, usually starting at the 50K distance. Perhaps the most famous ultramarathon in the United States is The Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run, while the longest one is the Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence Race, a 3,100 miles long run around a single block in New York City. What, then, is a sub-ultra?
One of the best examples of a sub-ultra is the Mount Marathon 5k in Seward, Alaska. Why is it called a sub-ultra if it’s a 5k? Let’s pose a different question; in what 5k race do you run up and down “steep inclines, slippery loose rock and shale and obstacles such as ledges in a running creek and a virtual cliff” while gaining 2,675 feet in only 0.9 miles? With an average incline of 34 degrees, Mount Marathon is anything but an ordinary 5k. Despite its short and defined distance, it’s more accurately classified as a sub-ultra.
Here’s a conclusion; a sub-ultra could be defined as any other than a typical distance (shorter than a marathon) on any other surface than is typical for said distance.
Experiences from the Field
It might be hard to understand what a sub-ultra is with a definition such as that (read: slightly complicated). (Perhaps referring to the Mount Marathon 5K as a definition rather than trying to decode the written one.) Inside Trail, besides organizing ultramarathons, offers a choice of sub-ultras. (The 25K to 35K distance is a great stepping stone between the half marathon and a 50K! Try, for example, the Berkeley Adventure 35K in Tilden Regional Park or the Golden State 35K in Fort Ord.) What does the sub-ultra distance mean to two Inside Trail regulars, Sylvie Abel and Drew Macomber?
Sylvie Abel
When I started running about 8 years ago, I saw a documentary about Badwater. It’s a 135-mile-long ultramarathon, a grueling race through Death Valley in the middle of summer. At the time, I couldn’t even run a 10k without having to take walking breaks, but I was fascinated. I like adventure. I love nature. I’m great at snacking. Besides—I’m not fast, right? So it only makes sense I don’t run the “shorter stuff” like half marathons. I’m an ULTRArunner!
The only problem was that ultramarathons can be time-consuming and sometimes challenging to recover from. I want to run as often and as pain-free as possible. I also had a baby and couldn’t leave for two or three days at a time. Therefore, I tried a few of these shorter-distance races (half marathons, 30k’s) and was shocked at how much fun they were—fast and furious, with nowhere to hide. Your pace is your pace; IT’s GO TIME. Make it burn.
I have loved exploring new trails and pushing myself while still being out there with other trail runners, and surprisingly, I got a little faster in the process. The short races still felt like an adventure, but I was home for lunch (which is a huge advantage when you have a two-year-old). Having shorter races on the schedule also made me practice the race day routine and forced me to get in some quality running in preparation for more extended events. Oh, and by the way—you can snack in shorter races, too!
Drew Macomber
The sub-ultra trail distance. This can be a 5k, a 25 miler, or anything between. Racing sub-ultra-distance trail races can be a great way to have fun with training while getting ready for a bigger adventure later in the year. Sometimes, these distances get overlooked, but they offer great opportunities as training runs, especially if you are building up for a late summer or fall goal and need to get in some more strenuous efforts.
Think of it as a supported long run. Who doesn’t want cookies and soda while cranking out miles? Maybe you want to get more vert than in your typical long run. Perhaps you want to find a faster, more runnable course than your usual training ground. You can choose a course that caters to your specific needs and wants in training.
This can also get you out of your regular running routine, which can be great for getting a new stimulus in training.
A low-stakes environment such as a sub-ultra is a great place to dial in your nutrition plan, try new mantras, or practice pacing. Getting comfortable with these things can help to minimize anxious race day vibes when it’s time for your A-race.
When racing a half marathon or 30k, you can get away with running steady and not paying a massive price in recovery like you would in a 50k. Run the climbs you typically hike, or set a 5k PR in the last downhill to the finish. Surprise yourself, and don’t be afraid to open the throttle a bit.
If you are looking for a way to stay motivated for a bigger goal and to surround yourself with like-minded people while snacking on cookies (or whatever your favorite trail snack is), look for some sub-ultra trail races to do!
