What does ultramarathoner mean?
An ultramarathoner is a competitor who runs races longer than the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres. Ultramarathons have no single fixed length; they may cover 50 kilometres, 100 kilometres, 100 miles, or substantially greater distances, often on road, trail, track, or mixed terrain. The term consequently emphasizes both exceptional endurance and a specialized form of distance running rather than a particular course. Because such races can involve extreme heat, cold, elevation, or remoteness, ultramarathoners commonly develop extensive training plans, pacing strategies, nutrition routines, and provisions for medical support. In contemporary British and American English, “ultra runner” is also widely used and may sound more informal or conversational. “Ultramarathoner” is most useful when identifying the athlete directly and distinguishing this discipline from ordinary marathon and long-distance running.
nounA person who competes in ultramarathons, races longer than the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26 miles 385 yards).
- A competitor in an ultramarathon, especially an athlete who specializes in races exceeding the standard marathon distance.
"The ultramarathoner spent six months preparing for the race across the desert."
"After finishing fourth, the ultramarathoner began training for a 100-kilometre event."
"Her work as a nurse makes life as a professional ultramarathoner especially demanding."
The regular plural is used for multiple competitors.
"Several ultramarathoners completed the race despite the severe heat."
An ultramarathoner might tackle a 50-kilometre race one weekend and a course of hundreds of miles the next.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of ultramarathoner
The word combines ultra-, from Latin ultra meaning “beyond,” with marathon and the English agentive suffix -er. “Marathon” comes through the Greek name for the place Marathon and was adopted for long-distance running races in the nineteenth century. The compounds “ultramarathon” and “ultramarathoner” developed later to designate races exceeding the standard marathon distance and the competitors who entered them.
How ultramarathoner is actually used
The term is neutral and established in endurance-sport reporting in both British and American English. “Ultra runner” is a common alternative, while the hyphenated form “ultra-marathoner” is also encountered in older or less standardized usage.
Easily confused with ultramarathoner
A marathoner competes over the standard 42.195-kilometre marathon distance, whereas an ultramarathoner competes in a longer race.