Can running an ultramarathon be easier than running a… marathon? The short answer is: definitely NO! Like it’s a very obvious answer, but I am conflicted in how many morons state the opposite, on social media, and many tend to follow or to have a second thought. An ultra is something beyond a marathon, from 42.195 km can be categorized as ultra. It is not that important if its 45 kilometers or 290. The category is the same: ultramarathon. Then, how can some state it is easier, in any form, to run an ultramarathon? I know why, and I will explain below, with clear arguments that dismantle their poor judgement.
Running should not have double standard of measurement!
Usually, creeps say that it is far easier to go for a 100 kilometers, let’s say, in nature, mostly in the mountain side, where you can take it much easier, comparing to a marathon, usually on asphalt. If that is the case, their statement can be partially covered with logic. It is not entirely, though, because they are comparing an almost all-in marathon on flat surface, with a easy going – but not too easy, of course, because there are also cut-off times – 100 kilometer with, let’s say, 3000 meters of ascent. Under condition you can perceive this easier: using two different measures of dedicated effort, which, of course, it is not accurate.
As an example, if I decide to run a city marathon in around 3:57, this would be rather easy for me, considering I have a PB of 3:13:37, with some mistakes on board, which could have bring me a 3-4 minute further cut. But if I am going to run Primavera Trail in Șuncuiuș in July, which I’ve did in 2021, a hill forest race of 54 kilometers, even with a smaller push, because by default I don’t press the envelope as much on trail, comparing to asphalt, I’ve clocked 8:48, and it was one of the hardest experiences I had. Then, I am telling you: it is not easier!
Valencia, Oslo, or Lavaredo?
OK, but was it easier comparing to Valencia Marathon, in December 2023, when I’ve clocked my personal best? Not really… Because back then I had a solid preparation for the race, and I didn’t perceive it as hard as I have perceived the Primavera Trail, I was talking about. And one year after, at the Oslo Marathon, around 3:21:04, I felt even better, and I will go beyond and say I can feel OK after a marathon run under 3:30. I felt good also in 2024, after finishing Lavaredo Ultra Trail, the 48 kilometer race from Cortina d’Ampezzo, but for sure it was not easier!
I have a lot of experience in running, adding almost 30.000 kilometers to my account, then I can make objective statements. To me, a trail marathon, with ascent, looks easier comparing to an asphalt marathon. This is because when I run an asphalt marathon, there is no excuse. Either you have speed, or you don’t. On uneven terrain, I prefer to go slower, especially on descents. The excuses we can make up there are infinite, and they are, the mountain marathons, that is, benchmarks for me, as an amateur runner.
Do your math, so running and influencers don’t defeat your body!
This is maybe the core reason of the message. But if you go beyond a marathon, mainly beyond 100 kilometers, the principle can’t apply. The effort put on your body is growing exponentially, and here comes the problem. The guys who state that a trail ultramarathon is easier comparing to a marathon in a city are real morons. It can only be if you go for a 2:04 marathon, let’s say, and then go for a 100 kilometers with 1500 meters ascent span for 15 hours. And I am not even sure about that.
Bottom line, my main advise to every follower of running influencers is to first look at them how they look. Preferable without a top on. Then, activate common sense: you can’t, by any means, think of it mathematically. 42.195 is in any case smaller than 43, 57, 100, 149, 180 etc. Then, how can a 100 km activity be easier than a 42 km activity? Maybe only if you are purely delusional! Don’t believe me, ask Kilian Jornet, Jim Walmsley or Francois D’Haene how easy is running a 100 km or 100 M comparing to 42.195 km.