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Ultramarathon Participants
Ultramarathon Participants
Between 1990 and 2020, ultra running in the United States has undergone a remarkable transformation. Data shows significant growth among both male and female participants, especially in the more popular race distances, such as 50km and 100km. The 50km race has shown explosive growth; what once drew only a few hundred dedicated athletes decades ago has become a mainstream endurance phenomenon, with more than 40,000 finishers in 2019. This highlights a major surge in ultra-running popularity just before the COVID-19 disruption. However, it has continued to rise in the years after COVID-19.
Participation Across the United States
Participation Across the United States
California has more ultramarathon participants than any other state in the United States by a wide margin. This is likely due to its large population, offering a substantial pool of potential runners. The state’s diverse and challenging landscapes—including mountains and deserts—also host numerous iconic races, such as the Badwater Ultramarathon, which draw both elite and amateur athletes. In addition, California has a strong culture of endurance sports and a high concentration of running clubs, further supporting its large ultramarathon community.
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