Campus Times
March 28, 2005
If you thought that running a 5k or a 10k race was difficult, think again. Ultramarathons are 100-mile races that take place on numerous courses throughout the world. These races require months of dedication, training and discipline.
Andrew Roth, professor of sociology at Pomona College hosted a lecture in which he explained the competitiveness, commitment and training that it takes to participate in an “ultra.”
The focus needed to train for such a race consumes the lives of many runners in the United States. The dedication that it takes to compete at such a level can really change an athlete.
“Running long distances transforms people into competitors,” Roth told a group of roughly 50 Pomona College students at his March 22 lecture.
Ultramarathons are the ultimate test for runners. These races are 100 miles long and stretch across long paths, many which include numerous climbs and different types of running surfaces.
“Just finishing itself is an accomplishment,” Roth said. “Usually, on average, about 75 percent of the people that run ultras actually finish.”
Usually 100 to 300 runners will participate in an average ultramarathon.
Roth talked about the various ultramarathon courses in the United States. The Angeles Crest course in North Los Angeles, he said, is considered one of the easier courses due to its consistent terrain.
Roth also noted that a course called HURT, or the Hawaiian Ultra Running Team in Oahu, was one of the most difficult courses in the world.
“The Hawaii course has very difficult climbs and descents, which make it much tougher to maintain a regular pace,” Roth said.
While many might consider it impossible for the human body to run 100 continuous miles, with proper training it can be done.
“It would take runs of 15 to 20 miles every day and one long run of around 40 miles per week,” said Pat Widolff, cross country coach at the University of La Verne.
Katie Stanley, a cross country runner from Alta Loma attended the lecture because of her interest in the sport.
“It is crazy that someone can run that far at one time,” Stanley said. “It’s amazing.”
Roth explained that “ultras can be a contemporary form of ritual” to those who compete consistently.
“There was a race on the HURT course in Hawaii where the conditions were unidealistic because of heavy rains and winds,” Roth said. “Someone broke their arm, stopped temporarily to have the bone set into position by doctors, and then continued the race.”
Awards are given to those runners who complete the race. Anyone who finishes under 30 hours receives a bronze buckle and anyone under 24 hours receives a sterling silver buckle.
“These become status markers in the ultramarathon world,” Roth said.
Roth emphasized repeatedly that ultramarathons are extremely difficult even to the best-prepared runners.
“Even the most talented runners in the world can drop out of a race,” Roth said. “It is such a challenge that even the best can’t take it for granted.”
Roth’s talk, “Ultramarathons as Ritual Pilgrimages” was the fourth in a series of lectures on sociology in sports sponsored by Pomona College.
Steven Falls can be reached at sfalls21@msn.com.