At some point, for many runners, the marathon stops feeling like he final word. It becomes, instead, a quiet question: what happens if I go a little further? For a growing number of people, the answer is surprisingly straightforward: you keep running. Welcome to the world of ultra marathons, where the finish line doesn’t arrive at 42 kilometres, but somewhere far beyond it.
In the simplest terms, an ultra marathon is any race longer than a standard marathon. That can mean 50 kilometres, 80 kilometres, or even 100 miles. Some events aren’t tied to distance at all, but to time. Runners see how far they can go in six, twelve or twenty-four hours. But what defines an ultra isn’t just its length. It’s the way it unfolds. Many take place on trails rather than roads, winding through forests, climbing mountains, or cutting across open landscapes. You’re not just running; you’re adapting—to terrain, to weather, and occasionally, to your own wavering motivation.
ITS BEEN A LONG HISTORY OF RUNNING
Long-distance running has always existed, though not always as sport. In ancient times, people ran because they had to—carrying messages, trading goods, moving between places before modern transport existed. The legend of Pheidippides is often linked to the marathon, but in reality, runners like him likely covered even longer distances as part of daily life.
Organised ultra-distance racing began to take shape much later. The Comrades Marathon, first held in 1921, remains one of the earliest and most enduring examples, stretching roughly 90 kilometres. Decades later, events like the Western States Endurance Run helped define the modern trail ultra, eventually inspiring global races such as the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc.
Still, history doesn’t quite answer the most pressing question: why would anyone choose to do this now? The answer, like the races themselves, is layered. For some, it is about testing limits, finding out what the body and mind can actually handle when pushed beyond familiar boundaries. For others, it is the environment that draws them in. Ultra marathons often take place in striking locations, where the experience of moving through nature becomes as important as the act of running itself.
There is also something quietly compelling about the pace. Unlike marathons, where speed often defines success, ultras unfold more slowly. Walking is expected. Stopping is normal. Finishing, regardless of time, is what matters.
THE ONES WHO RUN TO GO FURTHER
While elite athletes certainly exist within the sport, many participants are ordinary runners who discovered, almost by accident, that they preferred going long over going fast. What they tend to share is not exceptional speed, but a particular mindset: patience, resilience, and a willingness to sit with discomfort for extended periods of time. Ultra running, in that sense, is less about athletic ability and more about temperament.
THE MECHANICS OF GOING LONG
Of course, covering such distances requires more than determination alone. Running an ultra is as much about management as it is about movement. Fuel becomes essential. Runners eat throughout the race, relying on everything from energy gels to real food to keep going. Pacing is critical; starting too fast almost guarantees a difficult second half, while a steady, controlled effort is often the key to finishing strong.
Equipment plays a role too. Depending on the race, runners may carry hydration packs, extra clothing, headlamps for night sections, and other essentials needed to navigate changing conditions. And then there is the mental side of it all, the ability to stay present, break the race into smaller segments, and keep moving even when motivation dips.
THE LESS ROMANTIC TRUTH
For all its appeal, ultra running is not without its trade-offs. Training takes time, often requiring long runs that stretch across hours rather than minutes. Recovery can be slower, and the risk of injury is something runners must manage carefully.
There are also moments during the race itself that are far from romantic. Fatigue, discomfort, stretches of monotony where the finish line feels impossibly distant. The satisfaction of completing an ultra rarely comes from ease. It comes from persistence.
YET IT CONTINUES TO GO FURTHER
Despite everything, the sport continues to grow. Part of that growth reflects a broader shift in how people think about fitness. There is an increasing desire for experiences that feel meaningful, even transformative. Ultra running offers exactly that. In a world that often prioritises speed and efficiency, it asks for the opposite. Time, patience, and a willingness to move slowly towards something that cannot be rushed.
Perhaps that is the real appeal. Ultra marathons are not about replacing shorter distances or proving something to others. They are about redefining what is possible on a personal level. They turn running into something less about performance and more about experience, less about competing and more about continuing.
Because somewhere along those extra kilometres, something shifts. Not just in how far you can run, but in how far you believe you can go.
MOHD FAZLIE ROSLI
What was your first ultra, and what made you sign up?
My first ultra was the 84km category at the UiTM Ultra back in 2023. The main reason I signed up was because of my running family, Kaki Outdoor Malaysia (KOMY). They really pushed me to go for it because they saw my potential for longdistance running.
What’s something about ultra running that people always misunderstand?
Most people assume we run non-stop for the entire ultra distance. In reality, you can walk, take breaks, rest, eat, and even sleep during the race, as long as you cross the finish line before the cut-off time. It's about endurance, problemsolving, and pacing, not just continuous running.
What’s the most unexpected thing you’ve learned about yourself through ultras?
I've learned that we are inherently stronger than we think, capable of enduring far more than we ever believed possible. There are physical limitations, of course, but at the end of the day, your mind is the only true limit.
What does finishing an ultra feel like, really?
It feels like a massive weight you’ve been carrying for hours has finally been lifted. There's this immense wave of relief knowing you can finally rest and stop moving forward. But more than that, when you look back, you feel an overwhelming sense of pride. You realize how many times your body screamed at you to quit, yet you kept fighting until you crossed that finish line.
NG KAR SOON
“I didn’t sign up to prove I’m strong. I signed up to find out how far I can go.”
At what point did you realise you could actually go “beyond 42.195”?
It wasn’t a single moment; it was a series of small breakthroughs. The real shift came when I understood that endurance is not about speed—it’s about staying present, managing yourself, and continuing forward even when everything tells you to stop.
How does running in Malaysia, with the heat, humidity, and terrain, shape your training?
Malaysia is not an easy place to train, but that’s actually an advantage. The heat and humidity force you to slow down and respect your body. You learn how to manage hydration, electrolytes, and pacing very carefully. When you can run consistently in Malaysian conditions, you’re mentally tougher and more prepared for raceday uncertainties anywhere.
Your go-to strategy when things get really tough mid-race?
I simplify everything. I don’t think about the remaining distance. I just focus on the next checkpoint, or even the next few steps. Sometimes I remind myself: “You chose to be here.” That shifts my mindset from suffering to purpose.
What does finishing an ultra feel like, really?
It’s not just joy, it’s a mix of relief, gratitude, and quiet satisfaction. There’s no loud celebration inside. Instead, there’s a deep sense of peace. You know you’ve gone through something difficult, something meaningful—and you came out stronger.
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