Best beginner ultra marathons near London in 2022
Are you tempted by the idea of entering your first ultra marathon in 2022 but unsure where to begin when it comes to deciding exactly which event to enter?
There are so many events popping up in the ultra running calendar now, it’s making your decision to choose even harder every year.
The one consideration you need to make when it comes to choosing your first ultra marathon, is the time limit available for you to complete the distance. Many events are well suited to beginners with generous cut off times (sometimes none at all!) and different starting times for those who prefer to start earlier for a less pressured race.
But whilst many cater for the beginner ultra runner, there are many who do not and so it’s important to do the research beforehand to make sure you can really enjoy and soak up the experience come race day.
Aside from cut off times some of the other things you might want to consider are distance and elevation. Many people I see stepping up to ultra distances for the first time, will naturally choose a 50km event as it’s the next logical step up from a marathon and it’s not much further.
In theory anything longer than a marathon is consider an ultra marathon but the shortest ultra distance event you tend to see is usually a 50km.
And that’s not to say you can’t jump straight up to the 50 mile or 100km distance, I absolutely believe this is possible and you can do this.
Just keep in mind that the longer the distance, the more time you will be on your feet for and the more likely it is you will be out there in the dark.
Once you’ve chosen your distance one of the final considerations to make is the elevation gain or how much climbing you want to do.
Unless you’re a mountain goat you probably don’t want to choose an event with more than 1,000m of total climbing.
The reality is most beginner friendly ultra marathons won’t have a huge amount of elevation, but some might have significantly more than others and training for a flatish ultra marathon compared to a very hilly one is totally different and has wildly different demands on your body.
Now that we’ve looked at a handful of the considerations to make when it comes to choosing your first ultra marathon, I wanted to share a few of my top picks for the…
Best beginner ultra marathons near London in 2022
1. Race to the Stones
Race to the Stones is a one or two-day challenge covering 100km of the Ridgeway, Britain’s oldest path. It can be completed in two days with an overnight camping stop at the midway point, or in a single day for the hardcore. This was my first ultra marathon back in 2014 so I can’t not mention it (you can read about the mistakes I made here).
2. Spring Trail Series by Ultra X
The Spring trail Series by Ultra X takes place on the Serpent Trail, a stunning route that weaves through the heart of the South Downs. Offering three race distances: 100km, 50km and half marathons these events are a great choice for beginner trail and ultra runners alike. I’m yet to complete any of the Ultra X events but the Scotland 50 and Mexico event are both on my list!
3. Humanity Direct Tring Ultra
The Humanity Direct Tring Ultra is a one-day ultra marathon within easy reach of London through the picturesque Chilterns. The best thing about XNRG events is they have no cut off times. Yes, you heard me, they will wait until the last person has finished walking or running! Even better, it’s FREE to run, if you commit to raising funds for Humanity Direct.
4. Stour Valley Path 50km
The Stour Valley Path offers two distances, the SVP100 and SVP50. One of the longest point to point races in East Anglia. Notable for the beauty and scenery on route, the landscape of the Stour Valley was inspired by English writer and illustrator Beatrix Potter. Whilst the cut off times for SVP50 isn’t as generous as some of the other events we have looked at, there is considerably less climbing on route.
5. The Salomon Serpent Trail
The 50k is part of the Golden Trail National Series UK, of four races throughout England, Scotland and Wales. A beautiful long distances route within the South Downs National Park, from Haslemere to Petersfield. If you are not yet ready to step up to the 50k distance, there are 20k and 10k options that take place on the second half of the Serpent Trail which has smaller hills and lower-level sandy trails.
6. Sidley London Revolution Trails
Whether you want to take on a half, full or ultra marathon through the Chilterns, Sidley London Revolution is the event for you. No matter if you are new to the trails or a seasoned pro there is a distance for everyone. Your journey will take you through leafy woodland, rolling hills and the famous Thames riverside, what’s not to love.
So which event are you going to be signing up for in 2022?
You can read more about my top tips on how to get started with ultra running here.
Let me know what you think. Is this helpful? Has it made your decision easier? Or maybe there is an event you think I’ve missed that deserves to be on the list? Let me know in the comments below or drop me a message on social media.