Marathon
Asia's 5 toughest ultramarathons
These'll put even the toughest runners to the test.
When plain running just isn’t enough
© Mt. Rinjani Ultra
There’s people who enjoy running, and others who just want to push life’s limits to the edge, and for that, there’s ultramarathons. But how much is too much? If extreme temperatures aren’t enough to kill, some ultramarathons scale insane altitudes and transverse thick jungles. Many combine all of the above and put even the toughest runners to the test.
“Tough” does mean different things to different people. Some find scaling mountains a walk in the park. Some find running under extreme temperatures a breeze. So we’ve put together a list of some of the toughest ultramarathons in Asia well-catered to the extremist in each of you.
1. Ultra-Trail Mt. Fuji, Japan
Runners wore “bear bells” to keep bears away
© Pertex
The Mt. Fuji Ultra-Trailis part of the Ultra Trail World Tour, and is a hit with well-known ultra-runners like Sébastien Chaigneau, Julien Chorier, and the team from Salomon. Starting out at Ohike Kouen, the race covers the entire circumference of Mt. Fuji through undulating mountain trails, local footpaths, and forest roads. In order to complete the race, runners head counter-clockwise into Kawaguchiko, Fujikawaguchiko-cho, and then into Yamanashi Prefecture.
The race accommodates 1,400 runners. However, back in 2015, as testament to how tough the trail is, only 1,363 runners started the race, and only 564 strong runners managed to complete the race. The muddy grounds and time limit of 46 hours didn’t make it any easier.
The saving grace for those who didn’t complete the race? A 360-degree view of world heritage site, Mt. Fuji.
Where: Yagisaki Kouen, Japan Distance: 165km (cumulative altitude gain = 7500m) The challenge: Slippery trails, Long descent, Time limit
2. Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon, Nepal
Some braved freezing temperatures in shorts
© Everest Marathon
The world’s highest marathonwill have you conquering not only distance, but high altitudes and extreme cold. By extreme cold, I do mean below freezing temperatures consistently throughout the course.
Before even embarking on the race, runners need to arrive in Nepal at least three weeks before to acclimatize to the high altitude and extremely low temperature. A 14-day, 24.14016km ascent, then begins to the starting point – the Everest Base Camp (Altitude: 5364m).
Almost everything goes downhill from here (literally). From the starting point, runners descend a 42.195km course of icy trails and rough mountain terrain to reach the finishing line at Namche Bazaar (3446m). Due to the extreme conditions of the race, runners need to be put on medical supervision prior to the race to make sure their bodies are able to withstand what the race has in store for them.
For those who make it that far, they'll be greeted by the best views of Everest from the climb to Kalapatthar. This is the highest point of the course at 5545m.
Where: Everest Base Camp, Nepal Distance: 42.195km (cumulative altitude gain = 5184m) The challenge: Subzero temperatures, High altitude, Long descent, Icy trails, Pre-race trek
3. Gobi March, India
Layered up to brave the snow
© Gobi March
Stripped down to brave the heat
© Gobi March
The Gobi March is just one of the 4 legs in the Deserts Series, which is undisputedly listed as one of the world’s top 10 endurance competitions. In order to compete in the 4 Desert series, the Gobi March is just one of four ticks on a 4 Desert series runner’s to-do list. But this by no way means it’s an easy feat.
The 7-day footrace covers a whopping 250km across the world’s largest and most dangerous desert. It is also said to be the windiest desert around. If that’s not enough to get your heart pumping out of excitement (or fear), runners have to deal with extreme temperature fluctuations, braving the heat of the desert as well as extreme cold, wind, and even snow – all on the same route!
Point to note: Organizers only provide water, so if you’re crazy enough to attempt the Gobi March, make sure you know how much fuel to pack.
Where: Gobi Desert, Eastern Xinjiang Province, China Distance: 250km Challenge: Long distance, Intense winds, Extreme temperature fluctuation
4. Mt. Rinjani Ultra, Indonesia
Rocky roads
© Mt. Rinjani Ultra
If ultramarathons are your thing, and you’re familiar with the 52km Mt. Rinjani Ultra course (now known as Rinjani100) that takes you through terrains along Senaru to Segara Anak Lake before making the ascent to Mt. Rinjani’s Summit, we’re here to tell you that the route has gotten even tougher.
One of Asia’s toughest ultramarathons has expanded it’s route to include new tracks that crest multiple Sembalun hills, transversing ridges and valleys to a total of 100km. Making it even harder on your body, the course has an elevation gain of 9166m which you have to complete within 36 hours.
The humidity, fog, and intense winds makes the course even harder to scale. But as a consolation to your breathlessness, the view from the summit looking over vast grasslands is equally breathtaking.
Where: Lombok, Indonesia Distance: 100/60/36/27km Challenge: High altitude, Winds, Humidity, Time limit
5. Thailand Ultramarathon
One of the 13 stream crossings
© Thailand Ultramarathon
Thailand’s toughest marathon, split into The Beast TU100 (100km) and The Beauty TU50 (50km), doesn’t always end up with a fairytale ending for all runners. The TUis a 50km circular course. Which means 100km runners have to conquer the loop twice. Well, afterall, ultramarathons are about testing endurance right?
The TU starts out with an uphill climb of “Heart Attack Hill” (yes, you read that right) that leads to a trek through a teak forest to the ridgeline and then a valley drop. Runners are taken through 13 stream crossings, old 4WD dirt tracks, and about 3km of concrete roads, scaling a total of 2500m.
With the change in altitude, the climate can quickly switch from hot and dry to hot and humid. But weather isn’t the only concern, the forest route is home to deadly cobras and vipers that runners need to take extra caution of. But other than that, the culture of the Ban Tham tribal village, limestone cliffs, and less dangerous wildlife, are a welcome respite post-race.
Where: Mae Hong Son province, Thailand Distance: 100/50km (cumulative elevation gain = 2500m) Challenge: Repeating the same route twice, Steep ascents, Deadly wildlife, Unpredictable weather
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