Are you thinking about your next adventure and curious about the idea of an ultra?
Here are our top 10 ultras for beginners.
We know too well that entering the world of ultras can feel pretty daunting. Most of us would agree that a marathon is a huge undertaking that takes guts, determination and commitment, so what sort of person takes on an ultra?
Well let’s get a few things straight about the world of ultra running.
Ultra running (an ‘ultramarathon’ or ‘ultra’) is officially classed as any footrace event or challenge that exceeds 26.2 miles. Popular distances for ultramarathons include 50k (31 miles), 50 miles, 100k (62 miles) and 100 miles.
Don’t be put off by the big mileage numbers. Unless you’re Kilian Jornet, ultra racing and ultra running is not all racing and certainly not all running. This means they are way more fun than they sound! The nature of them being longer means no-one really cares about your time. This takes the pressure off and they are often more relaxed than a 10K, half marathon or marathon where other runners can relate to how long they take.
Most ultras have generous cut-off times and they usually involve lots of hiking, picnics, cake, conversations, camaraderie and sometimes even camping and sleeping!For example a typical 50k event might give you 12 hours to complete it, that’s 4.1 kmph which is generally regarded as below average walking pace.We would prefer to call them ‘ultra adventures’ rather than races or runs. Yes they might push your boundaries and challenge you physically, but they also bring so many new and exciting experiences. They will give you numerous opportunities to draw on different strengths, to discover new skills, to learn about yourself and to meet new people. There are lots of different styles and formats to choose from. They can be on road, on trail, over mountains or even around a track. They can be on one day, over multiple days non-stop, over multiple days with stops. They can be marked courses or self navigated. They can be a circuit, an out and back, an A to B and even looped events.
We’ve been lucky enough to follow our community on many an ultra and support their journeys from the impossible to the possible.Here’s our Top 10 UK events, as recommended by the PMC community, for anyone looking to tackle their first ultra adventure.
Where: Mid Wales
When: May 3rd 2025
Distance: 30 miles / 48 km
Elevation: 4400 ft / 1341 m
Cut-offs: None
Terrain: Off road / tracks
Price: £55 Earlybird
This 30 mile loop takes participants along 4 spectacular trails (the Sarn, Glyndwr's Way, Severn Way and Wye Walk) with some breathtaking scenery in the heartland of Wales. The ascent makes this route a good challenge but very doable - this event had a finish rate of 100% last year and female runners outnumbered male runners. This husband and wife race director team really know how to put on a safe, welcoming and supportive event, their approach to cut-offs is testament to that.“We do not have time limits, you’ve trained and paid to enter this race… We owe it to each participant to provide the help, support and time to get you to the finish line. Although we want our participants to challenge themselves, we don’t believe you have to run your heart out to do so. Take in the scenery, have a chat with a local, but most of all… enjoy the adventure!”
Atmosphere: Personal and super supportive
Bonus: Hot drinks, chargers and music at aid stations
Where: East London
When: Oct 2025
Distance: 31 miles / 50 km
Elevation: 1420 ft / 1341 m
Cut-offs: 9hrs
Terrain: Mainly path
Price: £59
Starting in Wanstead Flats this is a well marked out and back route, through all the green spaces of East London and Epping Forest, mainly parks and woodland with the odd bit of road or underpass to connect them.Three well stocked aid stations and the very best of the Camino support crew - their events always attract a super mix of positive, joyful runners“I love the Camino vibe, they are a truly people and purpose led team, 100% committed to each and every participant. You will never feel alone on this event and whether first or last will get a warm welcome home with lots of hugs! I couldn’t tear myself away from cheering on fellow runners, helped by the awesome takeaway toasted sandwich and pint from the pub at the finish” Nina
Atmosphere: Buzzy, upbeat and friendly
Bonus: A pub at the start & finish for civilised pre-race loo stops and post-race refreshments
Where: Wiltshire
When: 12-13th July 2025
Distance: 50K or 100k
Elevation: Max 1340m
Cut-offs: 25+ hours
Terrain: Off road / trail
Price: From £40
As the UK’s biggest ultramarathon from tried and trusted event organiser Threshold, we had to include this. It traverses Britain’s oldest footpath from Lewknor to the 5000-year-old Avebury Standing Stones.There are numerous course options: 100km Non-Stop, 100km over two days, 50km Day One and 50km Day Two. The generous cutoffs, undulating elevation, well trodden paths and super organisation make for a top class experience from start to finish. You are without doubt in safe hands here with brilliantly marked routes, live tracking and fully loaded aid stations to top it off.“This was the perfect first 100km ultra for me and I’d highly recommend it. The event is open to walkers and runners alike and there are no official cut off times so that removes any time pressures from the off. So well organised, communication is excellent and the atmosphere is inclusive, friendly and supportive throughout. The terrain is varied but not too technical. Do prepare for all weathers though and make sure you take a waterproof and headtorch!” Sarah
Atmosphere: Well organised, supportive and friendly
Bonus: Loos at every checkpoint
Where: South East
When: Early July 2025
Distance: 31 miles / 50 km
Elevation: 640 metres
Cut-offs: 16 hours
Terrain: Off road / trail
Price: From £80
The Serpent Trail by Freedom Racing is a long distance trail through some of the most breathtaking countryside in the South East, starting just outside Petworth and finishing in Petersfield via a mix of paths and tracks on generally sandy trails that dry well, plus short sections of road. With 5 well generously stocked aid stations you are never far from supplies and support. The course is fully marked both with extra signs from the event team as well as trail signs.“It’s a relatively flat route too so all in all it’s a great first ultra or a good long distance walking challenge” Fabienne
Atmosphere: Relaxed and friendly
Bonus: showers and camping, Kids races and a choice of two start times.
Where: South East
When: Early Nov 2025
Distance: 50 miles / 81 km
Elevation: 10,000 ft / 3000m
Cut-offs: 15 hours
Terrain: Of road / trail
Price: £105
The Centurion WW50 is a 50 mile event consisting of 5 x 10 mile loops on forest trails entirely within the Wendover Woods.
It is at the tougher and pricier end of the scale but if you’re looking for an event to explore pushing your boundaries this could be it. Because of the time of year you may be running in the dark, but on safe and familiar trails by that point and the looped nature means there are a whopping 9 well stocked aid stations so you are neer far from an encouraging friendly face. full medical support and a brilliantly marked course and lots of helpful marshalls.
“I found the race tough with a total of 10,000ft of elevation but still enjoyable, great for spectators as they can stand at the top of the named hills and see you numerous times make the epic climbs. The trails are proper forest trails with a lot being very runnable. As always the Centurion team were great and you get to pass through the finish (check point) after each loop so you can visit a drop bag if you would like” Lindsey
Atmosphere: professional, organised and inspiring
Bonus: surprisingly you are never more than a few miles from base camp at any point on the course so feels very safe.
Where: Nottinghamshire
When: Oct 2025
Distance: You choose!
Elevation: TBA
Cut-offs: 6 hours
Terrain: Of road / trail
Price: £39.50
Rasselbock design events that revolve around you, your experience and the environment, and this one is a goodie. A six-hour challenge on a looped course around the beautiful forest which is looked after by the UK Forestry Commission. You may attempt to complete as many laps as possible over the full six hours, or you may choose to finish just one, either way, you will be a finisher and receive your bespoke medal and goody bag.
Each lap is exactly 5.79km long which means if you complete 4 laps you have done a half marathon, 8 laps, a full marathon, and 9 laps or more will be classed as an Ultra. You can finish your event at any time within the six hours, and as long as you have completed one lap then you will be classed as a finisher.“I recommend the 6 hours loop events. Here you run with supportive and experienced ultra runners as well as less experienced runners – usually about 100 participants. As you see each other during the loops it is very easy to get that extra boost of encouragement. There is a family atmosphere, and the food station is legendary. I love this format for benchmarking my fitness and for trying out new strategies or gear - beside the great fun. I value their focus on sustainability, community and inclusivity” Helga
Atmosphere: Intimate and inclusive
Bonus: Unique medals and a goody bag well stocked with “recovery chocolate”
Where: Yorkshire
When: 26th July 2025
Distance: 34 miles / 55 km
Elevation: 4,100 ft / 1250 m
Cut-offs: 12 hours
Terrain: Of road / trail
Price: From £45
The Yorkshire Wolds Ultra is a 55 km circular route, starting and ending on the edge of Pocklington. It has been designed by us so that you get to discover the best parts of the Wolds, through some of the lesser trodden trails. You’ll visit the picturesque villages of Givendale, Bishop Wilton, Kirby Underdale, Thixendale, Huggate and Fridaythorpe. It’s on the hilly side but worth it as you are rewarded with incredible views and grassy meadows.
“Super inclusive and friendly atmosphere, it almost feels like being welcome into a family. The organiser is very personable and responsive and makes you feel valued, independent of experience and abilities. Pre-race information is extremely well communicated, and the friendly checkpoint crews are most supportive. The course is well signposted, and a race tracker gives additional confidence. And finally – the course was carefully chosen to go through a truly beautiful landscape.” Helga
Atmosphere: Caring, family feel
Bonus: Brownies baked by the residents of Kirby Underdale village and a wildflower seed medal.
Where: Hampshire
When: 5th May 2025
Distance: 31 miles / 50K
Elevation: 1,800 ft / 550m
Cut-offs: 8 hours
Terrain: Trail / some road
Price: From £54
Well designed, affordable and accessible events, this Big Feat race is held in the beautiful countryside around Winchester. Starting in the heart of the city and running along the Itchen Navigation, your first big challenge awaits as you ascend past St Catherine’s Hill and head east across the beautiful undulating trails. You then have a succession of ‘Big Way’ paths; the South Downs Way, Allan King Way, St Swithun’s Way and the Itchen Way, leading you through quintessential English countryside as the trail meanders alongside the River Itchen past Avington Hall and beyond.
Renowned for fantastic aid stations, there are 4 on the ultra, and super well marked routes all the Big Feat events are popular with our community. They are trusted time and time again.
Atmosphere: Friendly and open
Bonus: It’s on a bank holiday Monday so you can make a long weekend of it!
9. The Lap
Where: Lake District
When: 13- 14th Sept 2025
Distance: 47 miles / 74Km
Elevation: 2,500 m
Cut-offs: 24 hours
Terrain: Trail / track / forest trail
Price: From £120
THE LAP is a 47 mile route around Lake Windermere, created to provide a gateway for runners and walkers to comfortably and safely step up to ULTRA distance, without the worry of navigation, food or exposure to really bad weather.Open to both runners and walkers, you have 24 hours to circumnavigate England's largest and most iconic lake but there are some checkpoint cutoff times from the halfway aid station. It is a relatively low level route Taking in beautiful views and pretty woodland paths along the way. A perfect way to explore this stunning part of the Lake District. There are 5 feed stations and the halfway aid station will also have hot food.
They say it is the BEST way-marked route in The World - maybe because you just keep the Lake on your left - although from Rob’s experience it sounds like you do still need to keep your wits about you.“The claim that the route is the best marked in the world is a bit optimistic. More than once, I joined other runners in impromptu navigation committees trying to figure out the signage. The GPX provided also included an extra 2km at the end that wasn’t actually part of the course, so we blundered through the finish arch thinking we still had a way to go!” Rob
Atmosphere: Accessible, well organised, no nonsense
Bonus: Hot food half way and bespoke wooden medals
10. Bath Beat
Where: Somerset
When: 26th April 2025
Distance: 26.5 miles / 42.5km
Elevation: 2,000 ft / 609 m
Cut-offs: None
Terrain: Footpaths / country lanes
Price: From £29
We couldn’t close this list without a local favourite for the team at Perpetual Motion Coaching. The Bath Beat was originally set up by the local police and is now run by one of the schools in Bath. It is a walking and running route that is a great entry point into the ultra world and to help build confidence with route finding. It isn’t waymarked but there is a great route description guide and GPX file and with generous cut-offs there’s plenty of time to find your way.All routes follow public footpaths and also go along a historical disused canal and across farmland with scenic views and pretty wooded paths full of wild garlic.The best thing about this event has to be the aid stations run by local residents in the villages you pass through. You literally don’t need to carry any food!“The only ultra I have finished with my tummy as full as my heart. Loved the route, low key atmosphere and delicious food” Nina
Atmosphere: Low key, relaxed and super friendly
Bonus: Any money raised from the modest entry fees go back into the school for wellbeing and educational projects
We hope this gives you plenty of food for thought. There are obviously so many events to choose from out there these are just a few that we have all enjoyed. Feel free to drop us an email or message on socials if you want to pick our brains on any others or have been inspired to take on your next adventure and would like some coaching support.
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