Endurance: How far is too far?
From running 1000 miles around a track to non-stop swimming marathons, endurance athletes have redefined human limits. But as these extreme challenges grow in popularity- and the risks loom larger - it begs the question: where do we draw the line?
By Ellë Bolland
In 2020, 172 men and women prepared to take on the Gansu ultramarathon; a 100 kilometre trail race held in the Yellow River Stone Forest in Jingtai County, Gansu, China. Like much of the western world, China was experiencing a marathon craze which saw the number of events skyrocketing from 134 in 2015 to 1,828 in 2019 – and it was seen as an incredibly positive thing. Local governments were seeing a rise in tourism, in health and the alleviation of poverty. One of the brave competitors to take on the challenge, Liang Jing, discovered he could make more money from running, and decided to quit his 9-to-5, supporting his family of three by running these extreme distances. He’d won several ultramarathons including the Ultra-Gobi, a 400 kilometre race through the Gobi Desert just three years prior.
Extreme events like the Gansu ultramarathon were meritocratic in this sense; an opportunity for average joes to be rewarded solely based on their talent. But the race took a deadly turn when the winds changed at the 20 kilometre mark. After being pelted with rain, hail, gale-force winds, and temperatures into the minuses, 21 runners were lost to the course – including Liang Jing. Following this, the government banned extreme sports events and it took another two years to resolve the bureaucratic conflicts of this case. From 2023, the Chinese government allowed extreme sporting events to take place once again.
There are of course, so many success stories overriding the tragedies. Take Jasmin Paris, the British mother of two, a vet and research scientist etching her name into the history books as the first woman to complete the backyard challenge, the Barkley Marathon – also known as ‘the race that eats its young’ (read more about it in this Glorious story). Nedd Brockmann, the ex-Sparky (for the non-antipodean’s among us; an electrician) who has just completed 1000 miles in 12 days around an athletics track, raising $2.3 AUD for people experiencing homelessness.
Let’s not forget it isn’t always about breaking records. In the last ten years, there has been a 345% increase in global participation in ultramarathons, with 23% of these as women – a 9% increase from the 11 years prior *1 . If we’re to continue at this rate, in 33 years (2053), 50% of ultramarathon participants will be women. It can’t be that we’ve all of a sudden decided we want to take on the trails and take on extreme distances. Where are these endurance alchemists coming from?
From the same study, it was found that since 2015, we have seen a decline in participation in 5K events. This suggests that as running becomes more popular and marathons become more mainstream than extreme, the most dedicated runners are seeking bigger challenges. It raises the question of why.
According to sports and exercise psychologist at The University of Amsterdam, Dr Carla Meijen, physical challenges like this are becoming increasingly more accessible, and she doesn’t mean the sheer number of events and locations these are being held in. Log onto Instagram and within seconds there’s a twenty-something year old reposting their Strava stats alongside a 0.5 wide-angle image of them chipping away at their training run, and don’t forget the bio which declares the challenge at hand, “Next challenge: running 300 km across the desert”. How does it make you feel? Motivated? Inadequate? I personally feel conflicted. Part of me thinks, “Well if they can do it, I can,” while the irrational, almost sadistic part of my brain gets excited at the prospect of putting myself through torture like that. At the same time, my rational mind questions whether I would be doing it for the right reasons, feeling somewhat driven by external validation and the desire to prove myself to others.
Dr. Meijen notes that many people find themselves positively motivated after seeing others like them – ordinary individuals with typical 9 to 5 jobs, engaging in activities once thought to be reserved for the elite. She emphasises that taking on these challenges can create a sense of belonging to an exclusive club of non-elite athletes. “People are reading about these events and seeing social media posts, which increases their awareness. They see others like them participating and want to join in, to be part of that culture,” Dr. Meijen tells The Guardian *2. Not only that, but we have a lot more access to support. Leading apps like Runna offer bespoke training programmes for a small fee of just £15 per month, alongside online nutritionists, physiotherapists, and even sports psychologists available at our fingertips. This democratisation of information has made challenges like ultra marathons and Ironman races suddenly feel much more attainable.
individual
You could argue, the rise of fitness trackers such as Garmin watches and Whoop has also played a role (read our recent story on how your algorithm is shaping your workout, here). These devices give people actionable data and the opportunity to understand their bodies, as well as the knowledge of how to prepare for these events without the need for a professional coach. We’re now understanding how much sleep we should be getting, which exercises we should be completing to prevent our knees from burning out from the training load, how much protein and carbohydrates we need to be consuming, and even how to tie our nutrition to our menstrual cycle. We’re being given access to all the information for enhancing our physical preparedness for extreme events which previously, we’d have had to go into blind.
There’s something to be said about the conditioning of our mindset as a result of seeing this content day in and day out. With professional athletes, influencers, and even Jo from the marketing team telling you why you should read Robin Sharma’s ‘5am Club’ (more info and buy here), eventually this information can get into our heads and make us believe that perhaps we too can take on these challenges. There are several things that come into play here; the increasing number of role models and people we can relate to, an increasing number of people we can share lived experiences with, and equally, a deeper understanding of mindset training.
It’s unsurprising that the topic around the mental resilience of ultramarathon runners has piqued the interest of academic researchers, with recent studies finding ultra-runners to have a high threshold for mental toughness *3. Take this; you’re running against debilitating muscle cramps, gastrointestinal pain, and total body fatigue. When your body is saying stop, what is your anchor keeping you grounded and focused on the goal?
If we follow the Central Governor theory *4, your brain is the ultimate arbiter of your body’s limits, and therefore you heavily rely on mental toughness and self-efficacy to complete these extreme events, as advocated by professional psychologist at University of Pennsylvania, Angela Lee (you can watch her TED talk here)*5. As Lee alludes to, you can train your mind just like you train a muscle. You may decide to gradually expose yourself to more challenging situations, which in turn develops your resilience and adaptability. You might decide to take a more nuanced approach, practising mindfulness and visualisation to reduce anxiety and intensify your focus, further enabling you to maintain a positive mindset under pressure. Over time, these practices contribute to a robust mental framework that helps you navigate the demands of the sport. Sounds easy enough, right? But is this really the reality?
Physical limitations are an undeniable reality for even the most seasoned athletes. The Race Across America (RAAM), an ultra-endurance cycling event spanning 3,000 miles, pushes participants through extreme conditions, testing the very limits of human capability. Herman Pontzer, an evolutionary biologist at Duke University, has studied the constraints of human metabolism, explaining that our bodies are bound by fixed ceilings on energy expenditure.
Pontzer highlights that endurance is limited by how efficiently we oxidise carbohydrates and fats over prolonged periods. Even elite athletes, despite their remarkable endurance, cannot surpass these biological boundaries. Fatigue acts as a critical safeguard, and thermoregulation—dissipating heat to maintain a safe core temperature—diverts energy away from performance during sustained exertion.
These physiological limits serve as a reminder that while we can strive for more, our biology is hardwired with constraints, making ultra-endurance feats an intricate balance of preparation, resilience, and respect for the body’s natural boundaries.
Before we segway onto a debate of where we draw the line, one interesting learning from the study, which is that pregnant women are the ultimate endurance athletes. Why? Because we can sustain this rate for nine months! Pontzer himself says, “When I was wondering what are some of the hardest, longest things that humans do, as a biologist, pregnancy came right to mind because we know that’s a huge energy cost for mums. We’ve mapped out this envelope of human capability and on the high intensity short end you’ve got ultra marathons and Iron Mans. In the middle length you’ve got the Tour-de-France. And out there on the other anchor holding down the other end of the envelope is nine months of pregnancy.” *6
Our Glorious friend, UN Human Rights Lawyer and ultrarunner, Stephanie Case (who has just given birth!) has experience with juggling multiple endurance events (read Stephanie’s Glorious story here). She shares her perspective on working on the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc while 7.5 months pregnant, “I’m grateful for every moment I have in the mountains, immersed in this ridiculous sport of ours.” Has it all been a bit too much at 7.5 months pregnant? On the one hand, yes. After pulling an all-nighter while working on the UTMB weekend I definitely paid a physical price.
Fatigue triggers nausea big time and I had to run in between work meetings too. But mentally, I couldn’t be happier, and the importance of that can’t be ignored. Yes, having a baby will change things (already has!), but I don’t want it to change the things that make me whole.”
Steph shares her thoughts on the rise of the new challenges we’re seeing today. “Extreme challenges have always been around, but they are becoming less ‘fringe’, and what we used to classify as ‘extreme’ is now becoming more mainstream. I think it is perfectly healthy for people to look for non-conventional ways to push themselves outside of their comfort zone. Even if there were people who were motivated by external factors rather than intrinsic ones, I would think that they would be humbled pretty quickly in the face of extreme challenges! It isn’t possible to succeed at ultramarathons or other types of ‘extreme’ events without having a very strong ‘why’ in mind. The enormity of the challenge would take over – when you are out alone on the trail, in the mountains, or on the road, hours or days or even weeks into a challenge, you only have yourself to rely on. There are too many reasons to quit endurance events without a strong sense of purpose,” she tells me.
inclusivity
The Speed Project finisher and first Black woman to complete the solo mission, Tamra Green (read Tamra’s story here), exemplifies strong intrinsic motivation in taking on challenges. Initially unaccustomed to long distances, she embraced the 340-mile challenge from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, choosing to run it solo rather than as a team relay, to rediscover her strength. This experience catalysed her confrontation with past trauma, particularly from a toxic relationship. She reflects, “After finishing the race, my entire self has cracked wide open physically, mentally, and emotionally. Doubts arose, but my capability always lived inside me. I’ve seen what my body can do and now sit with that confirmation, free of fears and limiting beliefs. I represent other women, especially Black women, in our shared trials and tribulations, bearing witness to this self-discovery unfolding,” demonstrating that athletic achievements can be an essential milestone in one’s journey to healing, freeing oneself of limiting beliefs and even playing a role societally.
Documenting her experience from the sidelines, Tamra’s friend and photographer, Tracey Mammolito, notes the treacherous conditions Tamra endured to get to the finish line, “Amidst all the preparing, planning, and packing there’s a juxtaposition which exists against the unpredicted chaos that can occur during The Speed Project. Not only the mix of terrain, the odd hours of night, or the potential for wild animals, but this year’s event dealt with some of the most drastic weather conditions in its history; from heat and scorching sun to extreme winds to pouring rain and even snow in some areas,” she tells us.
Founder of SheRaces, world-record holder, GB ultrarunner, AND mum of three, Sophie Power (the clue is in the name), shares how her views on safety and extreme events have evolved, especially after a life-changing experience during a race and since having children. “For the sake of my three children, I won’t take unnecessary risks on the roads. While I’d love to run JOGLE (an 860 mile challenge from John O’Groats to Lands End), it feels too risky for me. Before having children, I experienced a life-threatening situation during an ultramarathon in Cambodia, where I went into a coma with a 50% chance of survival due to hypernatremia – where your salts are so diluted from water intake and your body struggles to thermoregulate any more. As a novice, I followed the race officials’ advice to drink at every checkpoint, without realising that my hydration needs were different from those of the larger male competitors. This led to severe dehydration and I was flown to Bangkok via helicopter for emergency treatment.”
She expands on her learnings and why those considering these challenges need to be clued-up on their safety. “Everyone has their own personal view of safety, and only you can determine what that means. So many ultramarathon participants underestimate the difficulty after seeing others succeed on social media. It’s vital to understand your body, basic first aid, and the associated risks. If something goes wrong, you not only put yourself in danger but also become a liability for rescue teams! Many people try to minimise their safety gear, but in an emergency, it’s important to consider the safety of others as well. Changes are needed – not just for your own sake, but for everyone around you”.
Brazil’s Fernanda Maciel, one of the world’s top ultrarunners, has secured four podiums in UTMB races and holds records on some of the world’s highest peaks, including Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Vinson in Antarctica. Just weeks ago, she added another accolade, setting a new fastest known time on Oceania’s highest peak, Carstensz Pyramid, completing the round trip from Base Camp to the summit and back in a record 1 hour and 48 minutes.
Fernanda’s achievement highlights Sophie’s point about safety and equipment. Reflecting on the Marathon des Sables—a gruelling 250km race in the Sahara Desert—Fernanda notes, “It was definitely the most challenging because, aside from being given water, you have to carry all your essentials for the 7-day race.” Despite her extensive experience and knowledge of safety protocols, she admits to still feeling fear when facing certain challenges. “I usually run 95% solo in the mountains. While I do feel fear at times, it’s part of why I love what I do. Those wild solo runs can be scary, but that fear keeps me respectful of the environment and more aware of my steps.”
As records are being broken by top athletes every season, all athletes are seeking the “next-next” thing, or “the thing to beat” and subsequently pushing themselves to further extremes. Simultaneously there’s an (almost alarming) huge rate of novice and inexperienced participants as well as unsanctioned events in all of these sports, begging the question around event design, safety, and protocol. But does the shortcomings of event organisers and overconfident novices mean that those in the know should cap their abilities?
Reflecting on the insights from these seasoned athletes and the future of endurance sports, I realise my perspective has shifted. While I believe we’re living in an age where social media can misguide our motivations, this shouldn’t deter us from pushing our limits. Of course there are physiological limits (as confirmed by experts like Herman Pontzer) but if we navigate these challenges with a real understanding of ourselves and our safety, we can push the needle further and go beyond what our mind tells us we can do. Tracey’s insight resonates: there’s always another kilometer to run or mountain to climb, and it’s exhilarating to see people from all walks of life discovering their strengths. However, this growth brings a vital reminder about safety. Sophie and Fernanda’s experiences highlight that even the most seasoned athletes face real risks. It’s not just about pushing boundaries; it’s about understanding our bodies and respecting the environments we explore.
Furthermore, Tamra’s story underscores a very important point. As endurance sports become more mainstream, they also become more inclusive. The idea that anyone can join this community is empowering. By sharing our stories, we foster a culture of resilience and support, embracing both the thrill of the challenge and the necessity of safety. Ultimately, the journey is just as valuable as the finish line, and it’s through this shared experience that we find true connection to one another.
Want to know about some of the most bizarre or gruelling races and marathons in the world? From ancient routes steeped in history, to races where you’ll need to finish a set number of doughnuts along the way (our kind of race!), there’s something out there for every kind of runner, click here to read our handy guide.
* Sources:
1 RunRepeat, “State of Ultra Running 2024,” RunRepeat, 2024. Available at: https://runrepeat.com/state-of-ultra-running
2 McFarlane, “Ultra-Endurance Sports: The New Frontier of Long-Distance Running, Skiing, and Swimming,” The Guardian, March 22, 2024. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2024/mar/22/ultra-endurance-sports-long-distance-running-skiing-swimming
3 W. S. P. A. Kuipers, A. E. J. W. van Riel, “The Psychological Indicators of Success in Ultrarunning: A Review of the Current Psychological Predictors in Ultrarunning,” Annals of Medical and Health Sciences Research, vol. 9, no. 3, 2019, pp. 180-186. Available at: https://www.amhsr.org/articles/the-psychological-indicators-of-success-in-ultrarunninga-review-of-the-current-psychological-predictors-in-ultrarunning-12405.html
4 J. M. H. C. Stöckel, T. A. Schlenker, “The Role of Motivation in Endurance Running Performance,” Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, vol. 39, no.6, 2007, pp. 1073-1080. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17465612/
5 A. L. Duckworth, “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance,” TED, 2013. Available at: https://www.ted.com/talks/angela_lee_duckworth_grit_the_power_of_passion_and_perseverance?subtitle=en
6 Sullivan, D. (2019, October 19). “The Limits of Human Endurance.” SBNation. Retrieved from https://www.sbnation.com/2019/10/19/20880063/human-endurance-limits
Title Image: Fernanda Maciel climbs Mount Vinson during the project 7 Summits in the Antarctica on December 20, 2022, via Red Bull.
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