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Ultra-marathon race routes

The routes of ultra-marathon races make a great choice for fastpacking trips and their route maps and GPX files are usually available on event organiser websites. Often competitors will use fastpacking as a way of training and doing a route ‘recce’. An advantage of these is that the race route is likely to be very runnable – although there won’t necessarily be much accommodation available along the way.

Top tip

Whether designing your own route or following an existing trail, choose a schedule that leaves room for adventure and taking in the views. It’s not a race!

Key considerations when choosing a route

Distance

What is the total distance of this route? What daily mileage is realistic and achievable? How long do you want to be out for each day? Some people like to start early and finish in the early afternoon, giving them plenty of time to refuel, recover and perhaps wash their gear. You might simply choose to run a standard walking stage each day, giving you more time to stop at cafés, enjoy the views and explore in comparison to walking; while more experienced runners may opt for full 12-hour days in the mountains. It’s a personal choice, to be decided by factoring in all information about the route.