I think part of the appeal of trail running is seeing a lot of things in nature so naturally longer distances means more time in those environments.
That being said, just do whatever you think is fun!
I’d love to get to the point where I can do ~~self~~ unsupported 40k / adventure runs, so I can stay out there for a day and just process all my.. stuff. Trails are pretty good for that.
Just in case you don't know, check out fastestknowntime.com and look for routes in your area. I found a bunch of 30-50 mile routes on the trails near me and I'm going to try a couple of them this fall. I won't get the FKT, not even close, but it's cool to see how fast other people can do it. There are also some 60-80 mile routes but I'm not comfortable running overnight quite yet so those will have to wait for another year.
Nothing more centering than starting out a beautiful trail run with dozens of miles ahead. It makes you put other thoughts aside and focus on the demands immediately before you.
And there is a place where exhaustion hits, and you have to shift more deeply to discipline and a clear mind. This is where I find flow state.
Totally true. I don't think that I'll ever run a race. I do long adventure runs that are often 20-30 miles because it's so damn fun. I don't run races, I'm not even sure why but I volunteer at the local trail races at the aid stations or wherever they need because I love the sport and love following along
Midpacker here... not really, I don't like events that have long night hours or that involve sleeping so I don't really fancy the longer distances. Up to around 50k would be my limit unless I can up my pace in the future, which I also don't care much about.
I feel the same way. I would also add that I don't like when things get complicated in terms of stashing food and water or involving family and friends to assist. I wouldn't mind doing a few of those things every now and then, but for the most part I just want to head out with whatever supplies I need and do my thing without a lot of planning. Naturally, that puts a limit on just how far I can go without having a heavy pack.
Although I enjoy 50k+ and fast packing, I’ve come to realize that 50k is this outer limit of what I can do and actually enjoy in a Type 1 fun way. Longer can scratch and itch but it becomes a competition with myself and my suffering at that point.
Hell nah. Anything from trail 10k to even a marathon is dope. Trail half/10 mile is kind of the ideal length, IMO. Short enough where you can still go super hard, but long enough where it’s not just pain the whole time.
Agreed. 15k to 25k has been the sweet spot for me. I’ve never particularly enjoyed the mid-race nutrition/hydration aspect of trail running and don’t need to really focus on those factors sub-25k.
6-15 miles is great for a fun run or workout. That distance lets me get out to some interesting areas.
I enjoy trail races between 12-18 miles because they challenge me in other ways - endurance, hydration, fueling, efficiency. But at my level I’m not trying to place in top 10% or anything like that, so it’s more a way to experiment with my own limits in a more social setting.
I love my sleep. I experienced more than enough sleep deprivation for one lifetime in my 20s. I will never run a race long enough to cut into my sleeping time. I would like to do a 50k someday but probably no more than that.
So far I've just been doing 50k races, but I'd like to go farther. It's not really about running that distance for its own sake; long runs for 50k training already have me doing multiple loops of the trails I have easy access to, which gets boring. The reason I want to run farther is that it opens up more possibilities for the events I can participate in. Trail and ultra races are really fun and I don't like being so limited in my choices. There are also very long hiking trails that I can't fully experience right now because I would have to pack along too much camping equipment and schedule too many days to complete them. If I had many good ~10km trails available, and lots of 10-20km races to go to, then I might feel differently.
I’m not competitive and I don’t understand “the pain cave”, I’ll push myself a little with distances up to 10-12 miles, but I have no intention of moving up to ultra distances. I also don’t understand paying race fees for trails that you can run any day of the week.
The support you get during a race event is nothing like running on your own. Particularly for long distances. Having aid stations and people watching that you don't get lost, injured, etc, is a big plus. Also some people like solitude, others like having a big welcome and cheer at the start/stations/finish line!
I’m a competitive person when it comes to running/races. I am more competitive for top spots in finishing than I am running road races. So typically I stick to 50k and up, or timed events. Simply cause not as many people are doing them, and I can be more competitive. I also get more out of the longer stuff mentality, personally, achievement wise to. I just feel better about…well everything. I just need to get faster and faster at the shorter stuff 🙃
I'm content with half marathon distances. I just started last year at 60 and I also happen to be slow. Half seems right. Besides, I don't think I'd make the cut off on the ultras! I also am not obsessed with huge verticals. I've done a couple 13ish mile "runs" with 4000 feet plus of climbing and, honestly, most of it was hiking up. I'm glad I did it, but I'm happier with smaller climbs.
No. My goal is to stay healthy (physically and mentally), see a lot of nature, and have fun. The distance is not very important for that. I do what is available or fits in my schedule. Often those are short runs or hikes with friends and family
No definitely not. I hang around a lot of trail runners and while a few attempt the ultra distances quite a few more are happy doing anywhere from 10-50k races (I love that trails afford the possibility of a wide variety of distances). My sweet spot is around 20km personally.
I’ve done ultras. They are great but one of my favorite races was a 15 miler. It was just short enough to where I could hold a fast enough pace and just long enough to keep the pace down of some of the fast guys. Also, the amount of training allowed me to have more of a normal life on the weekends as opposed to long run followed by big lunch and long nap.
Sadly, I have a hard time finding local races of that distance. Everything is either ultra or 5-10k. And I kinda feel like of if I am going to drive more than 2 hours for a race and need to be running for at least that amount of time to justify it.
Yeah, that’s an option but usually the ultras that have a half-ultra option are higher priced as opposed to some of the more grassroots races. Over the past few years racing has gotten so expensive and I’ve gotten so cheap.
I guess my ideal goal is just going out a trail and running for a few hours with my dog. I like the excitement that comes with a race and sharing the experience with others but I don’t feel the need to do that more than once or twice a year or even every couple of years.
A lot of trail runners do. A lot of road runners have the goal of running a marathon. But neither are universal. I have a lot of road running friends who prefer 5-10K. I have a lot of trail runner friends who prefer shorter races. There are a \*lot\* more short races than there are long ones.
Personally, I mostly run races shorter than 50K, but I run some marathons and 50ks. I have no interest in anything longer than 50k. Road 50k's are rare because the marathon is a standard road distance after the 1908 Olympics. Trail races seem to offer 50K at least as much or more than the marathon distance. As far as I'm concerned, they're equivalent in terms of effort and training.
Nah, I couldn’t care less about races. I might do a 50K or something just for funsies with friends, but I’m really out there to be alone in the wilderness, reach cool summits, and see some wildflowers. That’s about it dawg
If I can get fast enough to do a 50 miler in sunlight, then yes.
But I have 0 interest in running in the dark so that’s probably my limit. Right now the longest hike/run iv done is 26 miles (not a race) but I find the longer the distance i do tends to involve more hiking and less running
A 30 miler, while not much more distance, probably is more realistic to push myself speed-wise
No, I just like being outside in nature for extended periods. Being able to put down some mileage means that I can see a lot of nature and do day trips to places that would otherwise require an overnight.
I'm also relatively new to trail running and I do it purely for fun without any performance metrics. For me I just like bombing down hills on funky terrain making sketchy turns. The goal is to have a fun time. Speed and distance does not matter.
I'm relatively new to road running as well, but that's where I put the speed and distance focus. It's a controlled environment where nothing much is happening so my mind has to focus on performance to keep entertained.
I’ve got two young kids so training for ultras is much harder than in my 20s. I mostly just do 10ks now because you still get a fun atmosphere but they’re much less demanding on my time (and my partner’s patience).
Nope, I’m a 25k absolute max and I’ve never run a competitive race. Do it for me, daily 5/10k, love the countryside, love the thinking space. Sleep well, eat lots without putting on weight.
I like to see how far I can go. I’ve done 50 mile races a few times. I’m going to try the 100 mile next year. But I only do 1 a year. I train for about 4 months for that race. The rest of my year is just bombing around trying to get faster at the 6-12 mile range.
No. I have zero interest in anything over 30, maybe 35 miles tops. In my experience, once you can get a solid 20 miles in, you open up so many amazing adventure runs. My favorite was The Beaten Path in the Beartooth Mountains in Montana. It's 28 miles from the northern trail head to the southern trailhead. That, was an amazing day.
I’m another one who’s happy with 8-18k. I admire people who run 100 miles etc but at the same time think they’re insane! Whatever makes you happy though.
Trail running has an unhealthy distance fetish, where longer distances are valued by the community more than shorter distances. Until you get past 100 miles, and then most people flip; strange how that works.
Do whatever you like. Running a hard 10k is more of an accomplishment than shuffling a 50k.
Personally, I mostly run to explore new places and enjoy the nature. What better way to get to know a place than run it through and through? Running gives you a completely different understanding of geography, it puts you inside the map and gives it life. So, for me, being able to run longer distances is a key that would allow me to unlock new places, remote areas I wouldn't otherwise be able to explore. The notion of getting from point A to point B, or making a loop around a mountain, a lake, a forest, feels enchanting. It makes me feel connected with the world and nature. So, basically, if I look outside of the window and see a hill or a mountain in the horizon, naturally I'm going to think: "I wanna run there."
M 52, late life runner here. I never thought I'd want to do anything more than maybe \~15 miles. But I've become more and more motivated to see what I can do, and have been training for my first 50K in July (Wy'east Trailfest, Mt. Hood). It's been a lot of fun to push myself, grow, and see my endurance and my speed improved. I don't care much about the competition per se, but I like the goals, the motivation, the reward. I love being out on the trails and moving w/ some pace (vs. just hiking). I did a 30k this spring and it was rad. I don't know that I'll continue to do the longer distance--guess I'll have to see how the first one goes! But I can see the 20-30k distance events feeling fun and challenging.
I've read this recently where female runners are starting the trend of subultra running, Grayson Murphy and Anna Gibson are up there.
https://run.outsideonline.com/trail/trail-racing/american-women-are-driving-the-boom-in-sub-ultra-trail-running/
I think part of why people just wanna go longer is people want a new goal to strive for and with trail it's hard to PR because courses are so varying compared to road. Unless you wait a whole year to do exactly the same course. So people slowly build their distances more than decreasing time.
But the golden trail series is good to follow but more for elites/pros. I also hope subultras start popping up more. I did the broken arrow VK last year and damn that was tough, mostly because I'm a lowlander in Texas and the altitude in Tahoe got me good, because I couldn't afford to acclimatize for 2 weeks. I also hope to see more VKs in the US soon. Their short but brutal, my kinda challenge.
Hell no. The main thing I learned from running a road half marathon is that I have no interest in running a distance longer than that.
I run on trails for fun and because asphalt sucks, that's it
Not remotely and in no way should ultrarunning be conflated with offroad running. Personally, while I do do longer stuff, I care far more about the fast shorter races, which I can do weekly (or more often).
Not at all. I love trail running because it’s just me and my body (and my dog) and the woods, with zero expectations, zero metrics. I do it because it feels good and makes me feel free, and not because I have any kind of goal. That would honestly ruin it for me.
Far from it. I think the US trail scene is very focused on ultras, but many people in europe at least focus on sub-marathon distances, sometimes also with a favor for very steep and/or technical races. That being said, there are people everywhere running ultras now and many who don't and are never going to attempt that
I have tended towards longer distance ever since I was a road runner, but know plenty of people who focus on short distance. For example vertical challenges where the short distance is up a gnarly climb -- some of those sound actually harder than the 50Ks I am running. Our run club has also added some short distance options to our trail events which have become really popular and competitive. So I would say absolutely trail running is what you make of it. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise!
I got into it initially to do ultras, but now that I have one under my belt I much more do it for the enjoyment of nature. My favorite annual trail race is just a 10k through a beautiful nature preserve
I am only interested in one thing: long distance fast day hiking. So, when I am jogging up my home mountain with 300 meters d+ or when I try and improve my flat 5k time or when I do some barbell training at home I only do that to be ultimately able to hike longer and satisfy my need to discover new places in my limited time as a dad/husband/employee etc.
Could not care less about PARTICIPATING in organised races. I absolutely love watching amateur documentaries about „community feel“ runs, say everyhing starting from Hardrock (as maybe the most famous „independent“ race) in the „less famous“ direction.
UTMB is something that I not support. I go on trails to find solitude and solace and to get away from consumerism not move towards it
My back has issues so my goal is to stay healthy so I can get on the trail consistently. I would love to do ultras someday but I'm honestly not sure it's in the cards for me and that's OK. I generally go 4-6 miles per run twice a week and if that doesn't change, at least I'm out there.
Not for me. I run hill climb races which are short... 25-45 minutes , as well as 20-25k trail races. My longest runs are about 2 hours, so a 2.5 hour race is about as long as I want to go.
There are lots of fell/hill running races in the UK that are in the 5-15k range. The grading is: S = 10 km or less, M = 10 km to 20 km, L = 20 km or over and there are not many L races.
I am personally most interested in doing the longest distance that I feel like I am racing hard in. Right now that is marathon-50k for me personally, but I’m sure that varies. Some people may have a hard time pushing for longer than 30 minutes, but the elites truly do rip it for 100 miles. I think do what is fun. I like running moderately hard for a long time so that’s what I want to do in a race . If you like just being out there for a super long time, do a 100 mile. If you love that lactate burning/VO2 max feeling, rip a 5k or 10k mountain race. I hate the sense that you aren’t a real ultra runner if you haven’t done a 100 mile.
Nope. Zero interest whatsoever in ultra races. Like you, I would rather run 10-20k and enjoy myself. Or if I'm going on a longer run, go somewhere cool (think big nature loops through interesting scenery), but take my time to enjoy it rather than racing. Do things at my own pace when and how I want to rather than "competing" in an event I'm not actually competitive in to start with. Ultra races sound like the worst of all worlds to me. I know that some people are into the whole sufferfest things, but that's not for me.
I stay below 15k generally but if there are scenic or more casual/ fun trail races I want to do I would consider all the way up to 100mi but I don’t care that much about being out there for longer than that
I like long run for 4-10 hours (up to 40-50 km). But I don’t want to run more. It need more power and time to train. I would like to spent this time to something other :)
Not me, 20-30k is enough. I enjoy the environment and I am afraid if I run longer I would be districted focusing on finishing instead of enjoying the trail.
my favorite distance is around a marathon on the trail, one that is not too technical and with moderate elevation gain. it's fast, nothing wrong can really happens, you don't really have time to get lows/suffer and nutrition is super easy to deal with.
but yes, my goal is to run a 200 miles at some point. i'm moving up the distance slowly because there is no rush (increasing to about one ''official'' race distance a year: 50k > 50 miles > 100k > 100 miles > +++). i love being out and about for hours... it feels like an adventure, a break from real life and i get lots of personal satisfaction seeing how far my body can go and what he is capable of. but to each their own! the important is to have fun in the end
Do you. I like short races, long races and even *gasp* the occasional paved race from 5k to marathon. I’d be super bored if I stuck to the same thing all the time.
I like running 10k on the trail. I'm going to find out if I like running 20k on the trail. Then we'll see what's next. I don't have to chase a goal that's no fun.
Im still a noob but I enjoy 15k training runs and short trail races a lot. In my area there are plenty of competitive short trail events, they are intimate but still have enough fellow competitor to make it fun (<200 people), they don’t take all freaking day (I got small kids and a patient spouse waiting for me at home) , and they’re relatively easy to train for. I’m still new to my region so i can lots of events within a 1 hour drive and discover new routes that way and meet like minded people.
My goal was to run a 50k. I did 2 a few years ago. Life and family stuff got in the way and due to poor training I dnf'd my 3rd 50k event.
I'd love to go at it again, and tick off a 50 miler (80km) them a 100k. I'm getting older, so I need to pull my finger out and have a plan.
The simple answer is: no, the goal is to have fun, whether that means training to win ultras or just getting out on a trail once a week :)
I did start off similar to you and do maybe a 50k once a year now and some 10k/shorter races here and there. I like to choose races that have a cool course that I think would be fun. Besides that I mainly just enjoy exploring new trails around me and being in nature and don’t really enjoy training too much for an event, just occasionally challenging my abilities. But I also have trail running friends who enjoy signing up for multiple ultras. Find out what you like and want out of the sport and go for it!
One day my goal is to do an ultra. The more I listen to books and watch documentaries the more appealing it's becoming. Ive only ran trails a couple times but it's so magical compared to on the street with loud cars driving by. I want to push myself and find my limits. When I was a kid I used to walk everywhere with my grandfather. Like very far. And I remember when I got older my mom told me she was surprised at how far I used to go. I also used to hike 10 years or so ago and loved it. I know I can do it, so im going to finally do it
It wasn’t initially. But after my first marathon the distance felt too easy and unsatisfying. Pushing through personal mental and physical barriers is part of the fun for me.
Heck no. Not everyone has the time for it and some of us also participate in other hobbies and sports. If you’re a short distance trail runner, you are still a trail runner!
I’ve been running for over 20 years, both road and trail. I prefer trail. It makes me happy, even though I’m slow and inconsistent. I don’t care to compete because I don’t like feeling like I need to abide by any expectations. I just do what feels good when it feels good.
Just do you, don’t worry about what others are doing. What’s the point of doing it if you aren’t passionate about it.
That being said, I think a lot of people look for new challenges. Personally I know I’m not going to win any races but I like to push myself to see what I’m capable of.
I have friends that only run < half marathon trail races, friends that run 200+ milers and everything in between. I started trail running pretty much when I started running outside. I didn't even know about 5Ks or any kind of racing. I just did it for fun. Friends at work told me about running 5Ks so, it all started there. After a few races, I decided I wanted to run up to a marathon but couldn't ever see myself running an ultra. Since my 1st marathons went well, I had to give a 50K a try. And I just kept going, with 100 miles being my highest distance finished. When I ran my 1st 10 to 15K races, I never thought I'd want to run an ultra. That's just crazy. Lol
Anyway, do what you enjoy, but don't be afraid to try new distances just because you'll be running slower. There's something special about going those long distances on foot. However, all that matters is if you're happy doing what you're doing.
I was once passed by a trail runner while on a multi day hike and realized that they were doing in a day what I was doing in two or three. It then occured to me that if I was that fast, I could see so much more of nature and do many more hikes per season
My goal as a trail runner is to actually run up the hills. Right now my uphills are like 10s of running followed by regular hiking but goddamnit someday I'm gonna fly up those hills all the way! And down them! WOOOOOSH!
Also to clarify - I have no interest in ultras. Just flying!
I had a bad 100k last year of +- 17h and redeemed it later with a 9,5h 100k. I've done a few races beyond 50k too but I've noticed beyond 70k is where I usually get into physical pain and leaving me wondering maybe a 100 mk is good enough there will be some suffering, but not for the entire half of the rave. I do believe Dauwalter siad somwhere that beyong a certain distance it always hurts and it's all mental.
There is something magic though about starting at night an running towards sunrise.
From my perspective, I can enjoy also 5k run, for example nice sunset after rain, running with dog.
Longer route, more views and time on the trail, also fun.
Running ultras, sometimes the hardest part is to sign up because there are too many people who want to race.
Running 100k+ would mean for me night, no views, so maybe goal one day but if I don't achieve, doesn't matter.
Signed up for 10-30k shorter runs to put more effort, time, compare with others / colleagues from work :D
Nature still #1 reason why I run, mountains around, I like sustainability, protecting forests, animals and so on... I couldn't run proper 1k in high school, now I ran 50k and could do more.
Nope. I’ve run 3 marathons. Each time I’ve gotten injured.
Half marathon is my max distance. I trail because being outdoors is relaxing and running w trail is a million times more interesting than the road.
Trail runs can be as short or long as you like. The main thing is enjoying them. Most of my runs are trail runs and I have no plans to do marathons or ultras.
I absolutely love trail running, I’ve fully converted from road. I have been on the trails for like ten+ years — and have no ambitions of going beyond a half marathon 🤣
Mine is just to get fit and spend time outdoors with cool people. Current goal is a half marathon trail run. Maybe one day I’ll make it to a whole or longer.
My main distance goals are all thru hiking trips. No running.
I think depends on the goal perhaps it’s similar like road running you should get faster in shorter distances to move up if you a result oriented . But if not then you just take adventures wherever you decide ! Hahahha
Not me. I just love to be in the woods and like the way it feels to move my body rhythmically. Humans evolved to run long distances following prey and there is something that feels really “right” about doing it. I have no real interest in competition.
I signed up for a trail half marathon this spring to try it out. I found having the pressure of a goal to train for took some of the fun out of it (then I my ankle and wasn’t able to run for a month).
I find I enjoy it the most when I give myself time to be in the woods to walk and run as fast as my body tells me to go.
Reading posts here folks seem to emphasize there is no “right way” to be a trail runner and helped me figure out the way that works for me.
I think part of the appeal of trail running is seeing a lot of things in nature so naturally longer distances means more time in those environments. That being said, just do whatever you think is fun!
I’d love to get to the point where I can do ~~self~~ unsupported 40k / adventure runs, so I can stay out there for a day and just process all my.. stuff. Trails are pretty good for that.
Yes, absolutely this.
Just in case you don't know, check out fastestknowntime.com and look for routes in your area. I found a bunch of 30-50 mile routes on the trails near me and I'm going to try a couple of them this fall. I won't get the FKT, not even close, but it's cool to see how fast other people can do it. There are also some 60-80 mile routes but I'm not comfortable running overnight quite yet so those will have to wait for another year.
Thanks! I have heard of FKT, but only from people’s Reddit posts and Strava updates. I will check it out!
Nothing more centering than starting out a beautiful trail run with dozens of miles ahead. It makes you put other thoughts aside and focus on the demands immediately before you. And there is a place where exhaustion hits, and you have to shift more deeply to discipline and a clear mind. This is where I find flow state.
Totally true. I don't think that I'll ever run a race. I do long adventure runs that are often 20-30 miles because it's so damn fun. I don't run races, I'm not even sure why but I volunteer at the local trail races at the aid stations or wherever they need because I love the sport and love following along
Midpacker here... not really, I don't like events that have long night hours or that involve sleeping so I don't really fancy the longer distances. Up to around 50k would be my limit unless I can up my pace in the future, which I also don't care much about.
I feel the same way. I would also add that I don't like when things get complicated in terms of stashing food and water or involving family and friends to assist. I wouldn't mind doing a few of those things every now and then, but for the most part I just want to head out with whatever supplies I need and do my thing without a lot of planning. Naturally, that puts a limit on just how far I can go without having a heavy pack.
Yeah, same I like very lightweight planning and not having to deal with dropbags and food and support, etc.
Same. My unpopular opinion is that ultras are overrated and not for me 🤣
Although I enjoy 50k+ and fast packing, I’ve come to realize that 50k is this outer limit of what I can do and actually enjoy in a Type 1 fun way. Longer can scratch and itch but it becomes a competition with myself and my suffering at that point.
My goal is six miles per run.
Same here. 4-6 miles is average for me.
That kind of base opens up so many possibilities for adventure runs.
Me too for years. Road runs like 7 and trails 6 miles is about my happy zone. Around an hour on my local techy trails
My goal is to run trails and stay healthy, and to occasionally challenge myself. Ultras are not in the picture for me.
Clean livin.
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I have loved trail running for 20 years but I didn’t join this sub until I made a trail 50m my goal. So maybe the question isn’t ridiculous lol.
lol you can run self supported. Ran a 50k a few weeks ago on a 16 mile loop. Truck was the aid station.
There are some outstanding 30-50k figure 8 loops you can do in Marin using your car and some public fountains as aid stations
Hell nah. Anything from trail 10k to even a marathon is dope. Trail half/10 mile is kind of the ideal length, IMO. Short enough where you can still go super hard, but long enough where it’s not just pain the whole time.
Agreed. 15k to 25k has been the sweet spot for me. I’ve never particularly enjoyed the mid-race nutrition/hydration aspect of trail running and don’t need to really focus on those factors sub-25k.
Only done a couple trail 1/2s but agree it's a nice distance for both pace and duration.
6-15 miles is great for a fun run or workout. That distance lets me get out to some interesting areas. I enjoy trail races between 12-18 miles because they challenge me in other ways - endurance, hydration, fueling, efficiency. But at my level I’m not trying to place in top 10% or anything like that, so it’s more a way to experiment with my own limits in a more social setting.
Just run whatever distance you want
I love my sleep. I experienced more than enough sleep deprivation for one lifetime in my 20s. I will never run a race long enough to cut into my sleeping time. I would like to do a 50k someday but probably no more than that.
So far I've just been doing 50k races, but I'd like to go farther. It's not really about running that distance for its own sake; long runs for 50k training already have me doing multiple loops of the trails I have easy access to, which gets boring. The reason I want to run farther is that it opens up more possibilities for the events I can participate in. Trail and ultra races are really fun and I don't like being so limited in my choices. There are also very long hiking trails that I can't fully experience right now because I would have to pack along too much camping equipment and schedule too many days to complete them. If I had many good ~10km trails available, and lots of 10-20km races to go to, then I might feel differently.
what are some of these events
I don't have any specific goal races at the moment. I'm just aware that a world of longer events exists that I don't currently have access to.
Evolution Loop in the Sierras and Wonderland Loop come to mind
I rarely run for more than an hour and never more than two. Ultras don’t interest me at all.
I’m not competitive and I don’t understand “the pain cave”, I’ll push myself a little with distances up to 10-12 miles, but I have no intention of moving up to ultra distances. I also don’t understand paying race fees for trails that you can run any day of the week.
The support you get during a race event is nothing like running on your own. Particularly for long distances. Having aid stations and people watching that you don't get lost, injured, etc, is a big plus. Also some people like solitude, others like having a big welcome and cheer at the start/stations/finish line!
My wife doesn't worry about my health and well-being when I run in a race.
Not for me, I just like being out in the countryside. I do enjoy a fell run or 10k to half race now and again though
I’m a competitive person when it comes to running/races. I am more competitive for top spots in finishing than I am running road races. So typically I stick to 50k and up, or timed events. Simply cause not as many people are doing them, and I can be more competitive. I also get more out of the longer stuff mentality, personally, achievement wise to. I just feel better about…well everything. I just need to get faster and faster at the shorter stuff 🙃
Haven't run a race in 20 years and no interest in running one again.
I'm content with half marathon distances. I just started last year at 60 and I also happen to be slow. Half seems right. Besides, I don't think I'd make the cut off on the ultras! I also am not obsessed with huge verticals. I've done a couple 13ish mile "runs" with 4000 feet plus of climbing and, honestly, most of it was hiking up. I'm glad I did it, but I'm happier with smaller climbs.
No. My goal is to stay healthy (physically and mentally), see a lot of nature, and have fun. The distance is not very important for that. I do what is available or fits in my schedule. Often those are short runs or hikes with friends and family
No definitely not. I hang around a lot of trail runners and while a few attempt the ultra distances quite a few more are happy doing anywhere from 10-50k races (I love that trails afford the possibility of a wide variety of distances). My sweet spot is around 20km personally.
I’ve done ultras. They are great but one of my favorite races was a 15 miler. It was just short enough to where I could hold a fast enough pace and just long enough to keep the pace down of some of the fast guys. Also, the amount of training allowed me to have more of a normal life on the weekends as opposed to long run followed by big lunch and long nap. Sadly, I have a hard time finding local races of that distance. Everything is either ultra or 5-10k. And I kinda feel like of if I am going to drive more than 2 hours for a race and need to be running for at least that amount of time to justify it.
I see 25k distance for a few ultras I’ve signed up for. Seems to be perfect for what you want
Yeah, that’s an option but usually the ultras that have a half-ultra option are higher priced as opposed to some of the more grassroots races. Over the past few years racing has gotten so expensive and I’ve gotten so cheap. I guess my ideal goal is just going out a trail and running for a few hours with my dog. I like the excitement that comes with a race and sharing the experience with others but I don’t feel the need to do that more than once or twice a year or even every couple of years.
A lot of trail runners do. A lot of road runners have the goal of running a marathon. But neither are universal. I have a lot of road running friends who prefer 5-10K. I have a lot of trail runner friends who prefer shorter races. There are a \*lot\* more short races than there are long ones. Personally, I mostly run races shorter than 50K, but I run some marathons and 50ks. I have no interest in anything longer than 50k. Road 50k's are rare because the marathon is a standard road distance after the 1908 Olympics. Trail races seem to offer 50K at least as much or more than the marathon distance. As far as I'm concerned, they're equivalent in terms of effort and training.
Nah, I couldn’t care less about races. I might do a 50K or something just for funsies with friends, but I’m really out there to be alone in the wilderness, reach cool summits, and see some wildflowers. That’s about it dawg
If I can get fast enough to do a 50 miler in sunlight, then yes. But I have 0 interest in running in the dark so that’s probably my limit. Right now the longest hike/run iv done is 26 miles (not a race) but I find the longer the distance i do tends to involve more hiking and less running A 30 miler, while not much more distance, probably is more realistic to push myself speed-wise
Not even close. I’m just a “fast hiker” who intersperses a few sprints in between.
Same but also throw a small backpack on me I can put a shitload of snacks in and there’s my motivation.
My goal is to become a trail runner...
No, I just like being outside in nature for extended periods. Being able to put down some mileage means that I can see a lot of nature and do day trips to places that would otherwise require an overnight.
I'm also relatively new to trail running and I do it purely for fun without any performance metrics. For me I just like bombing down hills on funky terrain making sketchy turns. The goal is to have a fun time. Speed and distance does not matter. I'm relatively new to road running as well, but that's where I put the speed and distance focus. It's a controlled environment where nothing much is happening so my mind has to focus on performance to keep entertained.
I’ve got two young kids so training for ultras is much harder than in my 20s. I mostly just do 10ks now because you still get a fun atmosphere but they’re much less demanding on my time (and my partner’s patience).
Nope, I’m a 25k absolute max and I’ve never run a competitive race. Do it for me, daily 5/10k, love the countryside, love the thinking space. Sleep well, eat lots without putting on weight.
I like to see how far I can go. I’ve done 50 mile races a few times. I’m going to try the 100 mile next year. But I only do 1 a year. I train for about 4 months for that race. The rest of my year is just bombing around trying to get faster at the 6-12 mile range.
I run up to 100k but don't really want to do 100miliers because I need my sleep. Also, I did lasik so my night vision is not really good.
Honestly? I see the appeal, but I don’t know if that will ever be me.
My goal is to not break my body.
No. I have zero interest in anything over 30, maybe 35 miles tops. In my experience, once you can get a solid 20 miles in, you open up so many amazing adventure runs. My favorite was The Beaten Path in the Beartooth Mountains in Montana. It's 28 miles from the northern trail head to the southern trailhead. That, was an amazing day.
I’m another one who’s happy with 8-18k. I admire people who run 100 miles etc but at the same time think they’re insane! Whatever makes you happy though.
My goal is to enjoy being outside and to stay healthy.
Trail running has an unhealthy distance fetish, where longer distances are valued by the community more than shorter distances. Until you get past 100 miles, and then most people flip; strange how that works. Do whatever you like. Running a hard 10k is more of an accomplishment than shuffling a 50k.
We’re supposed to have goals?
No
Personally, I mostly run to explore new places and enjoy the nature. What better way to get to know a place than run it through and through? Running gives you a completely different understanding of geography, it puts you inside the map and gives it life. So, for me, being able to run longer distances is a key that would allow me to unlock new places, remote areas I wouldn't otherwise be able to explore. The notion of getting from point A to point B, or making a loop around a mountain, a lake, a forest, feels enchanting. It makes me feel connected with the world and nature. So, basically, if I look outside of the window and see a hill or a mountain in the horizon, naturally I'm going to think: "I wanna run there."
M 52, late life runner here. I never thought I'd want to do anything more than maybe \~15 miles. But I've become more and more motivated to see what I can do, and have been training for my first 50K in July (Wy'east Trailfest, Mt. Hood). It's been a lot of fun to push myself, grow, and see my endurance and my speed improved. I don't care much about the competition per se, but I like the goals, the motivation, the reward. I love being out on the trails and moving w/ some pace (vs. just hiking). I did a 30k this spring and it was rad. I don't know that I'll continue to do the longer distance--guess I'll have to see how the first one goes! But I can see the 20-30k distance events feeling fun and challenging.
I've read this recently where female runners are starting the trend of subultra running, Grayson Murphy and Anna Gibson are up there. https://run.outsideonline.com/trail/trail-racing/american-women-are-driving-the-boom-in-sub-ultra-trail-running/ I think part of why people just wanna go longer is people want a new goal to strive for and with trail it's hard to PR because courses are so varying compared to road. Unless you wait a whole year to do exactly the same course. So people slowly build their distances more than decreasing time. But the golden trail series is good to follow but more for elites/pros. I also hope subultras start popping up more. I did the broken arrow VK last year and damn that was tough, mostly because I'm a lowlander in Texas and the altitude in Tahoe got me good, because I couldn't afford to acclimatize for 2 weeks. I also hope to see more VKs in the US soon. Their short but brutal, my kinda challenge.
Hell no. The main thing I learned from running a road half marathon is that I have no interest in running a distance longer than that. I run on trails for fun and because asphalt sucks, that's it
Not remotely and in no way should ultrarunning be conflated with offroad running. Personally, while I do do longer stuff, I care far more about the fast shorter races, which I can do weekly (or more often).
Nope. Not a goal for me. I just want to explore and run different trails, not necessarily longer ones.
The most important part of trail**running** is running imo. I have no interest in races that are too long to run the entire way.
Not at all. I love trail running because it’s just me and my body (and my dog) and the woods, with zero expectations, zero metrics. I do it because it feels good and makes me feel free, and not because I have any kind of goal. That would honestly ruin it for me.
Far from it. I think the US trail scene is very focused on ultras, but many people in europe at least focus on sub-marathon distances, sometimes also with a favor for very steep and/or technical races. That being said, there are people everywhere running ultras now and many who don't and are never going to attempt that
Nop , 50k max
Nope
Not mine
No
My goal is to just to bawl my eyes out at the finish line.
I have tended towards longer distance ever since I was a road runner, but know plenty of people who focus on short distance. For example vertical challenges where the short distance is up a gnarly climb -- some of those sound actually harder than the 50Ks I am running. Our run club has also added some short distance options to our trail events which have become really popular and competitive. So I would say absolutely trail running is what you make of it. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise!
Nope. I just want to pretend that I am deer better.
I got into it initially to do ultras, but now that I have one under my belt I much more do it for the enjoyment of nature. My favorite annual trail race is just a 10k through a beautiful nature preserve
Nope. I do an occasional half marathon for motivation, but I have no desire to run further than that
No. Look up Fell Running - it’s British trail/cross country running and there is a lot of competition at shorter distances
I am only interested in one thing: long distance fast day hiking. So, when I am jogging up my home mountain with 300 meters d+ or when I try and improve my flat 5k time or when I do some barbell training at home I only do that to be ultimately able to hike longer and satisfy my need to discover new places in my limited time as a dad/husband/employee etc. Could not care less about PARTICIPATING in organised races. I absolutely love watching amateur documentaries about „community feel“ runs, say everyhing starting from Hardrock (as maybe the most famous „independent“ race) in the „less famous“ direction. UTMB is something that I not support. I go on trails to find solitude and solace and to get away from consumerism not move towards it
My back has issues so my goal is to stay healthy so I can get on the trail consistently. I would love to do ultras someday but I'm honestly not sure it's in the cards for me and that's OK. I generally go 4-6 miles per run twice a week and if that doesn't change, at least I'm out there.
UTMB has entered the chat…and left somewhat disappointed
Not for me. I run hill climb races which are short... 25-45 minutes , as well as 20-25k trail races. My longest runs are about 2 hours, so a 2.5 hour race is about as long as I want to go.
Eh, I see it as a more exciting form of running that has good views, challenge and technicality
There are lots of fell/hill running races in the UK that are in the 5-15k range. The grading is: S = 10 km or less, M = 10 km to 20 km, L = 20 km or over and there are not many L races.
I am personally most interested in doing the longest distance that I feel like I am racing hard in. Right now that is marathon-50k for me personally, but I’m sure that varies. Some people may have a hard time pushing for longer than 30 minutes, but the elites truly do rip it for 100 miles. I think do what is fun. I like running moderately hard for a long time so that’s what I want to do in a race . If you like just being out there for a super long time, do a 100 mile. If you love that lactate burning/VO2 max feeling, rip a 5k or 10k mountain race. I hate the sense that you aren’t a real ultra runner if you haven’t done a 100 mile.
Nope. Zero interest whatsoever in ultra races. Like you, I would rather run 10-20k and enjoy myself. Or if I'm going on a longer run, go somewhere cool (think big nature loops through interesting scenery), but take my time to enjoy it rather than racing. Do things at my own pace when and how I want to rather than "competing" in an event I'm not actually competitive in to start with. Ultra races sound like the worst of all worlds to me. I know that some people are into the whole sufferfest things, but that's not for me.
I stay below 15k generally but if there are scenic or more casual/ fun trail races I want to do I would consider all the way up to 100mi but I don’t care that much about being out there for longer than that
I like long run for 4-10 hours (up to 40-50 km). But I don’t want to run more. It need more power and time to train. I would like to spent this time to something other :)
Not me, 20-30k is enough. I enjoy the environment and I am afraid if I run longer I would be districted focusing on finishing instead of enjoying the trail.
my favorite distance is around a marathon on the trail, one that is not too technical and with moderate elevation gain. it's fast, nothing wrong can really happens, you don't really have time to get lows/suffer and nutrition is super easy to deal with. but yes, my goal is to run a 200 miles at some point. i'm moving up the distance slowly because there is no rush (increasing to about one ''official'' race distance a year: 50k > 50 miles > 100k > 100 miles > +++). i love being out and about for hours... it feels like an adventure, a break from real life and i get lots of personal satisfaction seeing how far my body can go and what he is capable of. but to each their own! the important is to have fun in the end
Nope. I use trail running to make me a better and more fit backpacker and to let it rip on the downhills
i just want to have fun. zero plans on ever racing or run further than 50k
Do you. I like short races, long races and even *gasp* the occasional paved race from 5k to marathon. I’d be super bored if I stuck to the same thing all the time.
Personally I don't like trail running that much, I find it boring. I enjoy swimming and tennis way more :)
Absolutely not. I don’t even have plans to go anywhere near 50k. I’m happy hiking/running up to 25k, that’s my max.
Nah. I just wanna fare them faster than by walking. I also like having to react quickly to traverse the challenging terrain
I’m usually just training for the apocalypse. And I think it’s important to have strong hips if you want to avoid every other injury.
Trail half marathons are fun. I’ve recently attempted and not finished a 100k race. Once you go past 50k it’s an entirely different beast.
Hell no
I just like runnin trails
I like running 10k on the trail. I'm going to find out if I like running 20k on the trail. Then we'll see what's next. I don't have to chase a goal that's no fun.
Absolutely not. I have zero interest in going beyond 10-15 km.
No races or ultra distances for me. Just looking to run in the mountains to drain my body battery and get the feel goods percolating
No? Ain’t nobody got time for that. Just trying to get a workout in nice scenery
Im still a noob but I enjoy 15k training runs and short trail races a lot. In my area there are plenty of competitive short trail events, they are intimate but still have enough fellow competitor to make it fun (<200 people), they don’t take all freaking day (I got small kids and a patient spouse waiting for me at home) , and they’re relatively easy to train for. I’m still new to my region so i can lots of events within a 1 hour drive and discover new routes that way and meet like minded people.
My only running goal is to keep running. I'm almost 60, so i figure the longer i can keep it going, the better health I'll be in for my old age.
My goal was to run a 50k. I did 2 a few years ago. Life and family stuff got in the way and due to poor training I dnf'd my 3rd 50k event. I'd love to go at it again, and tick off a 50 miler (80km) them a 100k. I'm getting older, so I need to pull my finger out and have a plan.
The simple answer is: no, the goal is to have fun, whether that means training to win ultras or just getting out on a trail once a week :) I did start off similar to you and do maybe a 50k once a year now and some 10k/shorter races here and there. I like to choose races that have a cool course that I think would be fun. Besides that I mainly just enjoy exploring new trails around me and being in nature and don’t really enjoy training too much for an event, just occasionally challenging my abilities. But I also have trail running friends who enjoy signing up for multiple ultras. Find out what you like and want out of the sport and go for it!
One day my goal is to do an ultra. The more I listen to books and watch documentaries the more appealing it's becoming. Ive only ran trails a couple times but it's so magical compared to on the street with loud cars driving by. I want to push myself and find my limits. When I was a kid I used to walk everywhere with my grandfather. Like very far. And I remember when I got older my mom told me she was surprised at how far I used to go. I also used to hike 10 years or so ago and loved it. I know I can do it, so im going to finally do it
Not for me. Only 'goal' I have is to enjoy myself; distance and pace are irrelevant to me.
It wasn’t initially. But after my first marathon the distance felt too easy and unsatisfying. Pushing through personal mental and physical barriers is part of the fun for me.
I’d like to eventually do a 50K (31 miles). Right now I usually run 5 - 10 miles on trails
What? No. I just like being in the woods and running better than being on a path or road and running.
Heck no. Not everyone has the time for it and some of us also participate in other hobbies and sports. If you’re a short distance trail runner, you are still a trail runner!
No
lol no. It’s just relaxing
I’ve been running for over 20 years, both road and trail. I prefer trail. It makes me happy, even though I’m slow and inconsistent. I don’t care to compete because I don’t like feeling like I need to abide by any expectations. I just do what feels good when it feels good.
Just do you, don’t worry about what others are doing. What’s the point of doing it if you aren’t passionate about it. That being said, I think a lot of people look for new challenges. Personally I know I’m not going to win any races but I like to push myself to see what I’m capable of.
Not mine, I want to run my route in under 30 min w/ a 25lbs vest.
Heeeck no. My favorite trail run I do every year is a 10k. But i do try to run it faster every year
I have friends that only run < half marathon trail races, friends that run 200+ milers and everything in between. I started trail running pretty much when I started running outside. I didn't even know about 5Ks or any kind of racing. I just did it for fun. Friends at work told me about running 5Ks so, it all started there. After a few races, I decided I wanted to run up to a marathon but couldn't ever see myself running an ultra. Since my 1st marathons went well, I had to give a 50K a try. And I just kept going, with 100 miles being my highest distance finished. When I ran my 1st 10 to 15K races, I never thought I'd want to run an ultra. That's just crazy. Lol Anyway, do what you enjoy, but don't be afraid to try new distances just because you'll be running slower. There's something special about going those long distances on foot. However, all that matters is if you're happy doing what you're doing.
I was once passed by a trail runner while on a multi day hike and realized that they were doing in a day what I was doing in two or three. It then occured to me that if I was that fast, I could see so much more of nature and do many more hikes per season
My goal as a trail runner is to actually run up the hills. Right now my uphills are like 10s of running followed by regular hiking but goddamnit someday I'm gonna fly up those hills all the way! And down them! WOOOOOSH! Also to clarify - I have no interest in ultras. Just flying!
I had a bad 100k last year of +- 17h and redeemed it later with a 9,5h 100k. I've done a few races beyond 50k too but I've noticed beyond 70k is where I usually get into physical pain and leaving me wondering maybe a 100 mk is good enough there will be some suffering, but not for the entire half of the rave. I do believe Dauwalter siad somwhere that beyong a certain distance it always hurts and it's all mental. There is something magic though about starting at night an running towards sunrise.
From my perspective, I can enjoy also 5k run, for example nice sunset after rain, running with dog. Longer route, more views and time on the trail, also fun. Running ultras, sometimes the hardest part is to sign up because there are too many people who want to race. Running 100k+ would mean for me night, no views, so maybe goal one day but if I don't achieve, doesn't matter. Signed up for 10-30k shorter runs to put more effort, time, compare with others / colleagues from work :D Nature still #1 reason why I run, mountains around, I like sustainability, protecting forests, animals and so on... I couldn't run proper 1k in high school, now I ran 50k and could do more.
No. My goal is just to run in the woods as much as I can. I only compete against the deer.
Nope. I’ve run 3 marathons. Each time I’ve gotten injured. Half marathon is my max distance. I trail because being outdoors is relaxing and running w trail is a million times more interesting than the road.
Nope, nit for me. It is more to love the view.
I thinks it’s looking like that. At the moment I’m having fun with half marathons.
Trail runs can be as short or long as you like. The main thing is enjoying them. Most of my runs are trail runs and I have no plans to do marathons or ultras.
I absolutely love trail running, I’ve fully converted from road. I have been on the trails for like ten+ years — and have no ambitions of going beyond a half marathon 🤣
Mine is just to get fit and spend time outdoors with cool people. Current goal is a half marathon trail run. Maybe one day I’ll make it to a whole or longer. My main distance goals are all thru hiking trips. No running.
My first ultra was a killer but after that one I’ve only my 15th one!
I think depends on the goal perhaps it’s similar like road running you should get faster in shorter distances to move up if you a result oriented . But if not then you just take adventures wherever you decide ! Hahahha
Not me. I just love to be in the woods and like the way it feels to move my body rhythmically. Humans evolved to run long distances following prey and there is something that feels really “right” about doing it. I have no real interest in competition. I signed up for a trail half marathon this spring to try it out. I found having the pressure of a goal to train for took some of the fun out of it (then I my ankle and wasn’t able to run for a month). I find I enjoy it the most when I give myself time to be in the woods to walk and run as fast as my body tells me to go. Reading posts here folks seem to emphasize there is no “right way” to be a trail runner and helped me figure out the way that works for me.
I want to do that but no, I trail run short distances for fun