An ultra marathon is any race over 26.2 miles. There are two types of ultras:
Fixed distance – These races can be 50 miles, 100 miles, or even 150 miles. Racers try to finish the fixed distance within the shortest amount of time.
Fixed time – Racers run as far as possible within a certain amount of time. A race can last 24 hours or even a week.
Not only are these races long, they are also difficult. While marathons are usually road races, ultra marathons can be run on tough terrain in grueling temperatures. They are run in deserts, in mountains, and everywhere in between. In spite of, or perhaps because of these challenges, the sport of ultra running is growing rapidly in popularity. The Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run, which takes place in the Sierra and is one of the most popular ultras, got 1,350 applicants for the 2008 race. Hundreds of other races are popping up across the US.
As the sport gains respect and notoriety, so do the racers. Some people label them crazy masochists and others call them heroes. But in the world of ultra racing, Scott Jurek is considered ultra gifted. Named the UltraRunning Magazine’s 2007 runner of the year, Jurek won his first ultra in 1994. He went onto win many more races including:
The Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run – seven times
The Badwater Ultramarathon, aka the “toughest foot race on earth,” a 135 mile run in temperatures over 100 degree – twice
The Spartathlon, a race from Athens to Sparta – twice
Believe it or not, Jurek also has a day job. He is a physical therapist and owns his own private practice in Seattle, specializing in rehabilitating runners using a holistic approach to therapy. He fuels his long days by eating a vegan diet, which means he consumes no animal products, not even diary or eggs. Although skeptics wonder how he can consume enough calories and protein to train for and compete in 100 mile plus races, Jurek contributes much of his success to his vegan diet.
Jurek wasn’t always a vegan. In fact, he wasn’t always a runner. He started running in high school to train for Nordic skiing, his passion at the time. At 20, he ran his first ultra and came in second. After that he began winning and setting course records. Today, at 33, he is one of the most recognized runners in the sport.
Ultra marathoner. Vegan. Physical Therapist. To some he is eccentric. To others he is an idol. No matter how he is labeled, he is certainly one of the most elite athletes of our time.
