If you’re an endurance racer who has been unable to participate in running events due to the pandemic, there’s good news. Today, half marathons, marathons, and ultramarathons are back. And now, there is a new development in ultramarathons: the luxury ultramarathon. Read on to learn more about this extravagant event that is sure to please.
What is an ultramarathon?
According to UltraRunning, an ultramarathon is any running event that is longer than 26.2 miles. As the magazine explains, most ultramarathons come in standard lengths of 50 and 100 miles and 50 and 100 kilometers. Other ultrarunning events go on for specified lengths of time, such as 6, 12, 24, or 48 hours, or even six days.
What are typical ultramarathons like?
Ultramarathons are typically run on off-road trails. Point-to-point routes are popular as well, but races run over a specific length of time often use a loop course. Sometimes, qualifying times are required to enter these ultrarunning events.
Those planning to run an ultramarathon should be prepared for the physical and mental effects of the event. Some of these effects include increased risk of blisters, muscle cramps, stress fractures, and even hallucinations. These races tend to be held in isolated areas without many amenities, so usually, participants should be prepared to carry their own food and drink, effectively roughing it.
About the first luxury ultramarathon
Recently, outdoor adventure company Primal Adventures announced a new twist on ultrarunning: the first-ever luxury ultramarathon. The 120-mile Highland Kings Ultra is slated for April 2022 in Scotland. The race is expected to take place over four stages of roughly 30 miles each and will be limited to 40 participants.
What makes this event luxurious?
Several features make the Highland Kings Ultra a luxury race. First, each participant will be given seven months of personalized training before the race. This training goes beyond what the average runner might receive from a typical personal trainer. Instead, these participants will receive a specialized analysis of their sweat by local universities to determine their individualized requirements for food and drink before, during, and after the race. Additionally, they will have access to psychologists via Zoom as well as coaching from an ultrarunning world champion.
During the race, participants will camp in the lap of luxury. As the BBC describes, the nightly stopovers will include whirlpool spas and world-class chefs, who are sure to prepare not only delicious but also nutritious meals. Speedboats will also be involved, as they will provide transportation to the one leg of the race that occurs on an island.
Another luxury aspect of the race is the remote yet beautiful location. As one of the organizers explained, this race will be held “off the beaten path, in the wild, and not in the typical places people explore.” As such, this race features lochs, mountains, and hilly forests in its route.
A focus on recovery
Race organizers are also focused on post-race recovery. While most of us know about the importance of rest and recovery in our fitness routines, the participants in this race will have the benefit of athlete lounges serviced by butlers.
What does it cost?
Participating in this race comes at no small cost. As MSN has reported, the total fee per participant is $21,500. This cost includes a gala dinner that will feature Sir Ranulph Fiennes, a distant cousin of Ralph Fiennes and the only living person to have traveled from pole to pole.
Will there be more luxury ultramarathons in the future?
One of the race organizers noted in a BBC interview that the roots of this new luxury ultramarathon started in 2018 when a group from France requested a custom-created running trip. Inspired by the success of that trip, the organizers suspected there might be interest in similar opportunities if they offered them. Perhaps if this event is a hit, more like it will come.