UltraRunning Magazine

UltraRunning Magazine
Title	UltraRunning Magazine
Frequency	Monthly
Founded	1966
Country	United States
Language	English

UltraRunning Magazine is a North American periodical dedicated to long-distance running and endurance sport. It covers ultramarathon results, training, gear, race reports, and profiles of prominent endurance athletes. The magazine serves as a hub connecting the ultrarunning community, race directors, coaches, and media outlets.

History

The magazine traces roots to the mid-20th century endurance movement influenced by figures such as Galen Rupp, Frank Shorter, Jim Fixx, Kathrine Switzer, and institutions like Boston Marathon and Western States Endurance Run. Early coverage intersected with events including the Western States Endurance Run, Vermont 100, Leadville Trail 100 Run, Badwater Ultramarathon, and Spartathlon. Over decades the publication reported on milestone performances by athletes associated with Ultramarathon World Championships, IAU World Championships, Comrades Marathon, Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc, and growing regional series promoted by organizations such as USA Track & Field and International Association of Ultrarunners. Editorial stewardship evolved alongside the commercialization of trail running seen at Outdoor Retailer, equipment launches at Vancouver Outdoor Gear Expo, and shifts in media exemplified by outlets like Runner's World and Outside (magazine).

Editorial Focus and Content

Coverage emphasizes race coverage, training methodology, equipment reviews, and scientific commentary referencing researchers at institutions such as University of Colorado Boulder, Stanford University, University of California, Davis, University of Utah, and University of Oxford. Regular columns address pacing strategies used in events like Western States Endurance Run, nutrition plans influenced by research from Mayo Clinic and Harvard Medical School, and injury prevention drawing on expertise from clinics including Steadman Clinic and Aspen Valley Hospital. Gear reviews compare hydration systems from companies represented at Outdoor Retailer, shoe technologies released by Nike, Brooks Sports, Salomon, Hoka One One, and Altra Running, and wearable devices produced by Garmin, Suunto, and Polar Electro. Features profile elite competitors from races such as Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc, Comrades Marathon, and Spartathlon alongside grassroots organizers who run events in regions like Pacific Crest Trail, Appalachian Trail, and Sierras.

Publication and Distribution

Printed and digital editions circulate via subscriptions, specialty running stores, and race partner tables connected to events like Leadville Trail 100 Run and Western States Endurance Run. Distribution channels include conventions such as Outdoor Retailer and retailer partnerships with chains like REI. The magazine's digital presence syndicates content to platforms comparable to Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and integrates race results from databases maintained by groups like RunSignUp and Athlinks. Advertising historically came from manufacturers represented at trade shows including SIA Snow Show and industry expos tied to Outdoor Retailer.

Notable Contributors and Editors

Writers and editors have included journalists and athletes affiliated with institutions and events such as Runner's World, Outside (magazine), Trail Runner Magazine, Vanguard Athletics, Western States Endurance Run, Comrades Marathon, Spartan Race, TransRockies Run, Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc, and university-based sports science programs at University of Colorado Boulder and University of Utah. Contributors have profiled ultrarunners associated with Scott Jurek, Ann Trason, Dean Karnazes, Jasmin Paris, Courtney Dauwalter, Kilian Jornet, Yiannis Kouros, Pam Reed, Anton Krupicka, Kilian Jornet Burgada, and race directors from Western States Endurance Run and Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc.

Events, Awards, and Community Engagement

The publication partners with races, trade shows, and charities, coordinating expo presences at Western States Endurance Run and Leadville Trail 100 Run and sponsoring awards comparable to honors bestowed at Sports Illustrated features and athletic ceremonies held by USA Track & Field. Community initiatives include fundraising tied to organizations such as American Trail Running Association, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, and nonprofit events similar to Run for the Water. The magazine amplifies grassroots projects in regions like Rocky Mountains, Pacific Northwest, Sierra Nevada (U.S.), and collaborates with race sanctioning bodies including International Association of Ultrarunners and regional clubs affiliated with USA Track & Field.

Influence and Reception

The magazine influenced popularization of ultrarunning alongside coverage from Runner's World, Outside (magazine), and broadcast pieces on networks comparable to ESPN and BBC Sport. Its race reports, training plans, and gear evaluations have been cited by coaches tied to Nike teams, university sports science departments at Stanford University and University of Colorado Boulder, and event directors behind Western States Endurance Run and Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc. Reception among athletes and organizers has linked the publication with the expansion of events such as Comrades Marathon and growth in participation on trails like Appalachian Trail and Pacific Crest Trail.

Category:Running magazines