Multiday races
Encyclopedia
Multiday races are ultramarathon
running events which are typically either segmented into daily events of a specified distance or time, or staged so that runners can run as far as they want, at their own discretion, over a set course or over a set number of days. Multiday races can range from continuous 48 hour track events to staged transcontinental treks.
, the ultramarathon, defined as any event longer than the marathon, and true multiday events, which begin with the 48 hour event and can stretch out almost indefinitely, often ranging from six days
to 3000 miles (4,828 km) or longer.
Ultramarathons, of which multiday races are a subset, include events of any distance beyond the traditional marathon
distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 mi). Common ultra events include 100 miles (160.9 km) and 100 kilometer races. Ultras are usually considered to include all events of 50 kilometers or longer, although the 50 miles (80.5 km) race is regarded as the shortest true ultra. Depending on the degree of terrain difficulty, up to 30 hours or more is generally allowed for runners to complete typical ultras, for example the Badwater Ultramarathon
.
, which traverse the North America
n continent coast to coast, and the Gobi March, a seven day journey across the Gobi desert, the Kalahari Augrabies Extreme Marathon, a 7-day, 250 km trail event in the Kalahari Desert, and the Yukon Arctic Ultra
, a 430/300/100/26 mile challenge crossing Yukon
in the dead of winter.
Longer multiday races include the Trans-Europe race
, which ran from Lisbon
to Moscow
in 2003, a distance of about 5,100 kilometers. These events take the runner to a different level, where the race becomes a way of life and where nutrition
, sleep
, energy and psychological states have to be carefully managed. The Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race
is the longest certified footrace in the world.
, Robert Barclay Allardice
, better known as Captain Barclay, ran/walked one mile (1.6 km) for each consecutive hour, each consecutive day, totalling 1000 miles (1,609.3 km).
The most common multiday race of the era was the six day race, which ran from Monday to Saturday with Sunday being observed as a rest day. In 1878, Sir John Dugdale Astley was inspired to create a series of five international six day races, in which competitors vied for the Astley Belt. Two early competitors were the American Edward Payson Weston
, who covered 500 miles (804.7 km) in 6 days. The Englishman Charles Rowell covered 241 km in the first day of a 6 day races in the 1880s.
By the early 1890s, public enthusiasm for such events had moved into bicycle racing, and the multiday running craze came to an end. Interest grew again in the late 1920s, with the advent of Trans-America races. These events were transcontinental stage races that inspired a new generation to challenge the huge distance. There was little reward for these races in the long run, and it was not until 1980s that interest re-awoke in true multi-day races. In 1980, San Francisco
postal delivery worker Don Choi organized the first modern era six day race, on a track in Woodside, California
.
n Westfield Sydney
to Melbourne
races, which were run from 1983–1991, and the Colac
(1983–2005) race, recently (2004) re-named the Cliff Young six day race.
Sri Chinmoy
Races hosts several multi-day events annually in the US: six- and ten-day races
, a 3100 miles (4,989 km) race, 700-, 1,000- and 1300 miles (2,092.1 km) races, and several 24- and 48-hour events in Europe
, Asia
, Australia
and New Zealand
. Trans-Gaule, Trans-Germany
- the Deutschlandlauf, Trans-Korea
as well as occasional Trans-Am and Trans-Australia races plus several 6 day events in Europe and South Africa
form part of the pioneering edge of multi-day running.
Ultramarathon
An ultramarathon is any sporting event involving running longer than the traditional marathon length of .There are two types of ultramarathon events: those that cover a specified distance, and events that take place during specified time...
running events which are typically either segmented into daily events of a specified distance or time, or staged so that runners can run as far as they want, at their own discretion, over a set course or over a set number of days. Multiday races can range from continuous 48 hour track events to staged transcontinental treks.
Beyond the marathon
Very long endurance running events can be divided into three broad categories: the traditional 26.2 miles (42.2 km) marathonMarathon
The marathon is a long-distance running event with an official distance of 42.195 kilometres , that is usually run as a road race...
, the ultramarathon, defined as any event longer than the marathon, and true multiday events, which begin with the 48 hour event and can stretch out almost indefinitely, often ranging from six days
6 Day Race
For the bicycle race see Six-day racingThe 6 Day Race became a standard distance in the 1870s and was a popular form of entertainment where up to 70,000 paying visitors, in 1877, came to watch the Pedestrians battle it out.-History:...
to 3000 miles (4,828 km) or longer.
Ultramarathons, of which multiday races are a subset, include events of any distance beyond the traditional marathon
Marathon
The marathon is a long-distance running event with an official distance of 42.195 kilometres , that is usually run as a road race...
distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 mi). Common ultra events include 100 miles (160.9 km) and 100 kilometer races. Ultras are usually considered to include all events of 50 kilometers or longer, although the 50 miles (80.5 km) race is regarded as the shortest true ultra. Depending on the degree of terrain difficulty, up to 30 hours or more is generally allowed for runners to complete typical ultras, for example the Badwater Ultramarathon
Badwater Ultramarathon
The Badwater Ultramarathon describes itself as "the world's toughest foot race". It is a course starting at below sea level in the Badwater Basin, in California's Death Valley, and ending at an elevation of 8360 feet at Whitney Portal, the trailhead to Mount Whitney...
.
Types of courses
Many multiday races are held on tracks or measured loops, which eases provision of aid station support for runners. Stage races are the alternative; these include point to point races such as the Trans-American racesTrans-American Footrace
One of the earliest twentieth century multiday races was the inaugural Trans-American footrace which took place in 1928 starting at Ascot Speedway in Los Angeles and finishing in New York City in Madison Square Garden....
, which traverse the North America
North America
North America is a continent wholly within the Northern Hemisphere and almost wholly within the Western Hemisphere. It is also considered a northern subcontinent of the Americas...
n continent coast to coast, and the Gobi March, a seven day journey across the Gobi desert, the Kalahari Augrabies Extreme Marathon, a 7-day, 250 km trail event in the Kalahari Desert, and the Yukon Arctic Ultra
Yukon Arctic Ultra
The Yukon Arctic Ultra is a series of non-stop multiday races that take place concurrently beginning in Whitehorse, Yukon at the beginning of February each year. The marathon, 100/300/430 mile races follow the course of the Yukon Quest...
, a 430/300/100/26 mile challenge crossing Yukon
Yukon
Yukon is the westernmost and smallest of Canada's three federal territories. It was named after the Yukon River. The word Yukon means "Great River" in Gwich’in....
in the dead of winter.
Longer multiday races include the Trans-Europe race
Trans-Europe race
The Trans Europe Foot Race is a multiday long-distance ultramarathon that consists of crossing Europe on foot.-2003 race:The 2003 Trans Europe Foot Race was organized by Ingo Schultze. It ran from Lisbon to Moscow in 64 days and covered approximately . Out of 44 starters, there were 22 finishers...
, which ran from Lisbon
Lisbon
Lisbon is the capital city and largest city of Portugal with a population of 545,245 within its administrative limits on a land area of . The urban area of Lisbon extends beyond the administrative city limits with a population of 3 million on an area of , making it the 9th most populous urban...
to Moscow
Moscow
Moscow is the capital, the most populous city, and the most populous federal subject of Russia. The city is a major political, economic, cultural, scientific, religious, financial, educational, and transportation centre of Russia and the continent...
in 2003, a distance of about 5,100 kilometers. These events take the runner to a different level, where the race becomes a way of life and where nutrition
Nutrition
Nutrition is the provision, to cells and organisms, of the materials necessary to support life. Many common health problems can be prevented or alleviated with a healthy diet....
, sleep
Sleep
Sleep is a naturally recurring state characterized by reduced or absent consciousness, relatively suspended sensory activity, and inactivity of nearly all voluntary muscles. It is distinguished from quiet wakefulness by a decreased ability to react to stimuli, and is more easily reversible than...
, energy and psychological states have to be carefully managed. The Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race
Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race
The Self-Transcendence 3100 mile race is the world's longest certified footrace according to its organizers.This multiday race is hosted by the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team and takes place in Queens, New York in the USA from June-August every year. The course is 3,100 miles long...
is the longest certified footrace in the world.
The Past
The golden era of multiday races stretches back to the 1870s and 1880s, when they were held on indoor tracks and offered substantial prizes. Known as pedestrians, these athletes established records which in some cases have stood until recently. In summer 1809 in Newmarket, EnglandEngland
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
, Robert Barclay Allardice
Robert Barclay Allardice
Robert Barclay Allardice , the 6th Laird of Ury, generally known as Captain Barclay, was a notable Scottish walker of the early 19th century, known as the celebrated pedestrian. His most famous feat was the walking of in 1000 hours for 1000 guineas in 1809...
, better known as Captain Barclay, ran/walked one mile (1.6 km) for each consecutive hour, each consecutive day, totalling 1000 miles (1,609.3 km).
The most common multiday race of the era was the six day race, which ran from Monday to Saturday with Sunday being observed as a rest day. In 1878, Sir John Dugdale Astley was inspired to create a series of five international six day races, in which competitors vied for the Astley Belt. Two early competitors were the American Edward Payson Weston
Edward Payson Weston
Edward Payson Weston was a notable pedestrian, who was largely responsible for the rise in popularity of the sport in the 1860s and 1870s.-Biography:...
, who covered 500 miles (804.7 km) in 6 days. The Englishman Charles Rowell covered 241 km in the first day of a 6 day races in the 1880s.
By the early 1890s, public enthusiasm for such events had moved into bicycle racing, and the multiday running craze came to an end. Interest grew again in the late 1920s, with the advent of Trans-America races. These events were transcontinental stage races that inspired a new generation to challenge the huge distance. There was little reward for these races in the long run, and it was not until 1980s that interest re-awoke in true multi-day races. In 1980, San Francisco
San Francisco, California
San Francisco , officially the City and County of San Francisco, is the financial, cultural, and transportation center of the San Francisco Bay Area, a region of 7.15 million people which includes San Jose and Oakland...
postal delivery worker Don Choi organized the first modern era six day race, on a track in Woodside, California
Woodside, California
Woodside is a small incorporated town in San Mateo County, California, United States, on the San Francisco Peninsula. It uses a council-manager system of government. The U.S. Census estimated the population of the town to be 5,287 in 2010....
.
The Present
In recent years, several multi-day races have stood out, among them the AustraliaAustralia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
n Westfield Sydney
Sydney
Sydney is the most populous city in Australia and the state capital of New South Wales. Sydney is located on Australia's south-east coast of the Tasman Sea. As of June 2010, the greater metropolitan area had an approximate population of 4.6 million people...
to Melbourne
Melbourne
Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia. The Melbourne City Centre is the hub of the greater metropolitan area and the Census statistical division—of which "Melbourne" is the common name. As of June 2009, the greater...
races, which were run from 1983–1991, and the Colac
Colac, Victoria
Colac is a small city located in the Western District of Victoria, Australia, situated approximately 150 kilometres south-west of Melbourne on the southern shore of Lake Colac and the surrounding volcanic plains, approximately 40 km inland from Bass Strait. Colac is the largest city in and...
(1983–2005) race, recently (2004) re-named the Cliff Young six day race.
Sri Chinmoy
Sri Chinmoy
Chinmoy Kumar Ghose, also known as Sri Chinmoy was an Indian spiritual teacher, poet, artist and athlete who immigrated to the U.S. in 1964., the founder of the religious organization "Sri Chinmoy Centre Church, Inc." better known as "Sri Chinmoy Centre"...
Races hosts several multi-day events annually in the US: six- and ten-day races
Self-Transcendence 6 & 10 day
-History:The Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team held a 1000 mile race in the spring of 1985, and later in the year held the first Sri Chinmoy Five Day Race at Flushing Meadow Park in Queens, which lasted for three consecutive years and led to the Seven Day Race, the forerunner of today's Ten Day event. The...
, a 3100 miles (4,989 km) race, 700-, 1,000- and 1300 miles (2,092.1 km) races, and several 24- and 48-hour events in Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
, Asia
Asia
Asia is the world's largest and most populous continent, located primarily in the eastern and northern hemispheres. It covers 8.7% of the Earth's total surface area and with approximately 3.879 billion people, it hosts 60% of the world's current human population...
, Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
and New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
. Trans-Gaule, Trans-Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
- the Deutschlandlauf, Trans-Korea
Korea
Korea ) is an East Asian geographic region that is currently divided into two separate sovereign states — North Korea and South Korea. Located on the Korean Peninsula, Korea is bordered by the People's Republic of China to the northwest, Russia to the northeast, and is separated from Japan to the...
as well as occasional Trans-Am and Trans-Australia races plus several 6 day events in Europe and South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
form part of the pioneering edge of multi-day running.
Notable Pedestrians
- Edward Payson WestonEdward Payson WestonEdward Payson Weston was a notable pedestrian, who was largely responsible for the rise in popularity of the sport in the 1860s and 1870s.-Biography:...
- Daniel O'leary
- Charles Rowell
- Fred Hitchborn
- George Littlewood
- Robert Barclay AllardiceRobert Barclay AllardiceRobert Barclay Allardice , the 6th Laird of Ury, generally known as Captain Barclay, was a notable Scottish walker of the early 19th century, known as the celebrated pedestrian. His most famous feat was the walking of in 1000 hours for 1000 guineas in 1809...
Notable Multiday Runners
- Asprihanal Pekka AaltoAsprihanal Pekka AaltoAshprihanal Pekka Aalto is a Finnish ultramarathon runner who began running as a hobby at age 25.One of the best multiday runners in the world ranked second all-time for 3100 miles 2006. For three straight years he ran all three yearly Self-Transcendence multidays in New York - a feat...
- Suprabha BeckjordSuprabha BeckjordSuprabha Beckjord is an ultramarathon runner. The only person to have completed every edition of the Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race, she is one of the most enduring multiday athletes in the world...
- Sandy BarwickSandy BarwickSandra Barwick is New Zealands most famous female ultramarathon runner who shot to fame in 1990 by setting a new 6 day track world record in Campbelltown, Australia Nov.18-24, 1990...
- Don Choi
- Dipali CunninghamDipali CunninghamDipali Cunningham from Melbourne, Australia is one of the world's best women ultramarathon runners. She began multiday running in 1991 with the Sri Chinmoy 7 Day race in Flushing Meadow, Queens, New York. Cunningham has won every edition of the Self-Transcendence 6 Day Race since it began in 1998...
- Serge GirardSerge GirardSerge Girard is a French ultramarathon runner born in 1953. He fulfilled the challenge of running across the 5 continents without a single day off.He's not related to Patricia Girard-Léno.- Runs achieved so far :...
, trans-USA (1997), trans-South America (2001), trans-Africa (2003/2004) and trans-Eurasia (2005/2006) record holder - Al HowieAl HowieAl Howie is a Canadian long-distance runner who has won more than fifty marathons, ultramarathons and multiday races in over two decades, including the 1991 Trans Canada Highway run in the record time of 72 days and 10 hours...
- Rimas JakelaitisRimas JakelaitisLithuanian runner born in 1955. In 2000, Rimas astounded everyone with a world record of 16 days 00 hours in the Sri Chinmoy 1300 mile race on Wards Island in New York, taking over 15 hours off the record as well as gaining the 2000 km world best....
- Yiannis KourosYiannis KourosYiannis Kouros is a Greek ultramarathon runner based in Melbourne. He is sometimes called the "Running God" or the "Pheidippides Successor". He holds every men's outdoor road world record from 100 to 1,000 miles and every road and track record from 12 hours to 6 days...
- Achim Heukemes, trans-Australia record holder
- Paula Mairer
- Lorna Michael, first woman to complete trans-USA (1993)
- Stu MittlemanStu MittlemanStu Mittleman is an ultradistance running champion, as well as a fitness/running coach and author.Mittleman set three consecutive American 100-Mile Road Race records in the US National Championships 1980-1982. His fastest 100-Mile Run was 12 hours 56 minutes...
, US record holder for six day race (578 miles) - Wolfgang SchwerkWolfgang SchwerkMadhupran Wolfgang Schwerk is an ultra-marathon runner, born July 28, 1955 and now living in Solingen, Germany. He was a trained retail-salesman, baritone opera singer, farmer, carpenter, and poultry breeder before becoming a house-husband in 1984...
- William SichelWilliam SichelWilliam Morley Sichel was born 1 October 1953 in Welford, Northamptonshire, UK where he lived for the first 10 years of his life. He is a science graduate of the University of London . He is now an International ultra distance runner and has the distinction of having won his debut races at...
, World #1 for 6-day race in 2009, World M55 record holder - Samuel Thompson, Ran 1310 miles (2,108.2 km) in 50 consecutive marathon races (August 19, 2006)
Well Known Multiday races
- 4 Deserts4 DesertsThe 4 Deserts is recognised as the world's leading endurance footrace series as named by TIME magazine in 2009 and 2010, and by others as the "Ultimate test of human endurance"...
Atacama Crossing, Gobi March,Sahara Race,The Last Desert - Antibes 6 Day
- Across The YearsAcross The YearsAcross The Years is a series of timed multi-day ultramarathons held from December 28-January 1 each year outside Phoenix, Arizona. It consists of a 24-hour race, a 48-hour race, and a 72-hour race....
- Athens International Ultramarathon FestivalAthens International Ultramarathon FestivalThe Athens Ultra Festival is a Multiday race which began as the 24 Hour Loutraki International Race in Greece in 2005. The event, directed by Costas Baxevanis, took place at Theodin Stadium on March 11th and was won by Hungarian ultrarunner Edit Berces....
- Cliff Young Australian 6-day raceCliff Young Australian 6-day raceThe Cliff Young Australian 6 Day Race is an ultramarathon race that takes place in Colac, Victoria. One of a small handful of Six Day races around the world, the Cliff Young has had many fine performances culminating in November 2005 with Yiannis Kouros, arguably the best multiday runner in the...
(discontinued since 2006 and is not expected to return.) - George Archer 6 dayGeorge Archer 6 dayCreated in 1995, the current edition of this multiday race, The George Archer 6 day race, was formerly known as the Toyota Dealers circuit race and is the only such event held in the Southern hemisphere with the Cliff Young/Colac event being discontinued at this time....
- Marathon of Ontario Summer Edition (Moose) - www.runthemoose.com
- Marathon des SablesMarathon des SablesThe Marathon des Sables is a six-day, ultramarathon, which is the equivalent of six regular marathons. The longest single stage is long....
- Self-Transcendence 6 & 10 daySelf-Transcendence 6 & 10 day-History:The Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team held a 1000 mile race in the spring of 1985, and later in the year held the first Sri Chinmoy Five Day Race at Flushing Meadow Park in Queens, which lasted for three consecutive years and led to the Seven Day Race, the forerunner of today's Ten Day event. The...
- Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile RaceSelf-Transcendence 3100 Mile RaceThe Self-Transcendence 3100 mile race is the world's longest certified footrace according to its organizers.This multiday race is hosted by the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team and takes place in Queens, New York in the USA from June-August every year. The course is 3,100 miles long...
- SpartathlonSpartathlonSpartathlon is a ultramarathon race held annually in Greece since 1983 between Athens and Sparta.-Origin:The Spartathlon aims to trace the footsteps of Pheidippides, an Athenian messenger sent to Sparta in 490 BC to seek help against the Persians in the Battle of Marathon...
- Surgères 48 Hour RaceSurgères 48 Hour RaceThe Surgères 48 hour race is the most significant event in the current ultrarunning calendar in this time-frame. Begun in 1985 with the inspiration of Jean-Gilles Boussiquet it takes place in Surgères, France. An invitation only event, it has been host to many world records at the 48 hour distance....
- Trans Europe Foot Race 2009
- Vienna-Bratislava-Budapest Supermarathon
- Kalahari Augrabies Extreme MarathonKalahari Augrabies Extreme MarathonThe Kalahari Augrabies Extreme Marathon is a self-sufficient run over seven days, covering an approximate distance of . The event takes place in the Kalahari Desert in the proximity of the Augrabies Falls on the Orange River. The route traverses the Augrabies Falls National Park, private game...
- www.extrememarathons.com - UltraCentricUltraCentricThe Ultracentric 24-Hour Run in Grapevine, Texas hosted the American Ultrarunning Association's 2006 National 24-Hour Run Championship on a certified, 2.4-mile road loop on November 18, 2006. This annual event offered a $12,000 prize purse in 2006, the largest in ultramarathon national championship...
- Biegiem przez Polskę - www.biegiemprzezpolske.pl
- Day Runners - Athens International Ultramarathon Festival (24h, 48h, 72h, 6days, 1000k, 1000m) - www.dayrunners.gr
External links
- ArcticUltra.de - 'Yukon Arctic Ultra'
- 4deserts.com - '4 Deserts' (Series of four seven-day 250 km races in deserts around the world)
- AcrossTheYears.com - 'Across the Years, Decades, Centuries, and Millennia' (annual 24/48/72 hour event)
- Multidays.com - 'The Complete Resource for the Multiday Runner: Multiday and Ultrarunning News. Also has a multiday wiki'
- Sri Chinmoy Races.org - 'The worldwide home of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team' (hosts of multiday races around the world)
- TransEuropalauf.de - 'TransEurope-FootRace'
- ULTRAmarathonRunning.com Global Ultramarathon Races & Events Calendar
- Yanoo.net - 'Transe Gaule' (trans-FranceFranceThe French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
event)