The Toughest Ultramarathons in America

From Alabama to Wyoming, the U.S. has some of the most challenging long-distance events in the world.

The Toughest Ultramarathons in America

The HURT 100 is run in a semi-tropical rain forest in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Long-distance running is not just about marathons anymore. In recent years, ultramarathons have emerged.

Ultramarathons are for people who want to push the limits. They range from 30 miles to the last runner standing and can last up to 10 days to see who can go the longest with the least amount of breaks.

The United States has over 1,900 ultramarathons. Here are the toughest by state.

51. Virginia: 24-Hour Adventure Trail Run

Location: Triangle

Length of race: 24 hours

When it's run: April 18, 2020

Bottom line: The purpose for this race is to have experienced and inexperienced runners run side by side to see what kind of distance they can cover in 24 hours.

Prince William Forest Park is the site of the run. The 6.25-mile loop has rolling hills with mostly single-track trail running.

Runners will deal with rocks, roots and mud, but it’s basically a non-technical run.

50. Kentucky: Dream Factory 24-Hour Run for Dreams

Location: Louisville

Length of race: 24 hours

When it's run: Aug. 3, 2019

Bottom line: The Dream Factory Racing Team’s big fundraiser uses proceeds to help support the Dream Factory, which is the largest all-volunteer-driven children’s wish-granting organization.

As far as the race goes, it’s pretty much flat with a paved, smooth surface. However, while runners are encouraged to go as far as they can, only two runners have surpassed 100 miles in this event.

The big deal here is the event benefits kids who not only have life-threatening illnesses, but chronic illness and disorders that bring on emotional and physical pain.

49. Indiana: St. Pats 24 Hour Race

Location: South Bend

Length of race: 24 hours

When it's run: Oct. 19-20, 2019

Bottom line: You think that football is the only sport being held in mid-October in South Bend?

With Notre Dame having a bye date, this 24 Hour Race takes over the South Bend scene and is a fundraiser for ALS and a local physician who has been battling the disease for over eight years.

St. Patrick’s County Park is the course and has plenty of scenic trails that are mainly dirt and grass. Participants are able to use what the park offers, such as staying overnight and using showers.

All in all, a pleasant event that won’t run you into the ground.

48. Delaware: Trap Pond 50K

Location: Laurel

Length of race: 50K

When it's run: April 14, 2020

Bottom line: The good news for all participants? The course is flat with no hills along the Trap Pond Bob Trail, which is pretty much a crushed stone surface.

Judging by previous weather conditions, runners can expect cool to mild conditions, another plus for those who like a tamer journey.

At some point, four races will be going on with different routes along the trail, but all four will finish at the same spot near the parking lot.

Race organizers encourage participants to consult a course map online before their race of choice.

47. New Hampshire: Bubba’s Backyard Ultra

Location: Center Conway

Length of race: Variable time

When it's run: Oct. 5, 2019

Bottom line: The format is typical of variable time events, ending with the last man standing at the start line after an assortment of 4-mile loops.

Each one must be finished in an hour, including the last runner who must run a final solo lap to be declared the winner.

This course, however, is run through forest areas with an elevation gain of about 300 feet, and the footing might be a little tricky, but it’s a nice, scenic course that runners will like.

46. West Virginia: Conquer the Wall Endurance Challenge

Location: Williamson

Length of race: 47 hours

When it's run: March 6-8, 2020

Bottom line: The race is basically, as race organizers call it, a "run in the valley" of Hatfield McCoy Country (there have not been any reports or sightings of any feuds on this course).

Runners will be on a flat surface that’s paved. The course’s loop goes on the West Williamson flood wall, yes, the wall that must be conquered, and along Southern West Virginia Community College, covering 2.05 miles.

Perhaps the biggest challenge is the time change takes place going into the final day so runners will lose one hour of rest.

45. Nebraska: Logan View Raider Run

Location: Hooper

Length of race: 50K

When it's run: Aug. 17, 2019

Bottom line: Nebraska is not necessarily the hotbed for ultramarathons, and the ones that are held are generally the same distance, rather flat, and going over gravel, which could lead to injury if you’re not careful. But this one is a little different.

This course has some challenging hills, according to race organizers, and it is a nice run in the country. Other than that, it resembles other Nebraska ultramarathons.

Also, the race starts on Saturday night, which is a good idea with the possibility of hot weather and humidity.

44. Kansas: KUS 6/12/24 Hour Run

Location: Wichita

Length of race: Up to 24 hours

When it's run: Nov. 8-9, 2019

Bottom line: The Kansas Ultrarunners Society, or KUS, puts on this race. Since Kansas is a flat state, ultramarathoners in this event have a good chance to set personal records.

The course is 2.1 miles over grass and dirt with a wooded section, but nothing too grueling, and participants are encouraged to run as many miles as they want.

The big challenge is seeing at night so it’s a good idea to bring some sort of headlamp or light.

43. Connecticut: Forbidden Forest 30-Hour Ultra Run

Location: Stratford

Length of race: 30 hours

When it's run: June 29-30, 2020

Bottom line: The goal here is to at least run 100 miles in 30 hours. Those who do so receive a newly designed belt buckle. That doesn’t mean you have won the race, though, because the runner who covers the most miles in 30 hours is declared the winner.

Participants will negotiate a course covering over 2 miles in the Roosevelt Forest. Race organizers point out that Stratford is one of the few cities in the country to have its own forest, which was set up during the Great Depression with support from President Franklin Roosevelt.

42. Alabama: The Endless Mile

Location: Alabaster

Length of race: 48 hours

When it's run: Oct. 18-20, 2019

Bottom line: Veteran’s Park in Alabaster gives a smooth, level asphalt surface that helps all participants, which is especially good news for the 48-hour participants.

There are two options for the 48-hour race, either as solo runners or relays, which happens often with multiple-day races. The course is 1 mile, and it winds through wooded areas, and several lakes.

Race organizers even gave the hint that a world record could be broken in this event or, at worst, a personal record, so stay tuned.

41. Iowa: Equalizer Endurance Run

Location: Des Moines

Length of race: 24 hours

When it's run: Oct. 26, 2019

Bottom line: The word "Equalizer" is the main theme of this event where equalizers are based on age and gender, and virtually anyone has a chance to win. The course is a 1.9-mile loop with a lighted asphalt surface circling Gray’s Lake and some great views of downtown Des Moines.

The record for the 24-hour run in actual miles was nearly 119, or 154 equalized miles, meaning there are some serious competitors out there.

Weather could be a concern. Or not. The average temperature has been 64 degrees, but the highest high has been 95 degrees, and the lowest low has been 14 degrees, so it’s advisable to check the weather forecast.

40. Massachusetts: Notchview Ultra

Location: Adams

Length of race: 72 hours

When it's run: July 4-7, 2019

Bottom line: This event is pretty laid back as far as strictly enforcing rules. Race organizers boasted about their 1.9-mile course and how well-groomed it was with a slight incline on each loop.

Nevertheless, it’s still a 72-hour event, and that’s tough enough. The race is mixed in with six other races that have fewer lengths and time.

Of note, the race contact person is known as the resident "fat ass."

39. New Mexico: Fiesta Series

Location: Las Cruces

Length of race: 24 hours or 100 miles

When it's run: Aug. 27-30, 2020

Bottom line: This race has been moved from late April to late August, which should be a nice change in the temperature, if you like running in 90-degree weather.

There is no time limit, and race organizers say they will stay until the final runner has crossed the finish line.

The course is fast, flat and paved with a crushed gravel lane, so personal records could be falling here.

38. Oregon: The Tygh Valley Infinity Ultra

Location: Tygh Valley

Length of race: Variable hours

When it's run: May 4, 2019

Bottom line: This event is a bit different from other variable time ultramarathons. While other marathons' loop must be completed in one hour, the loop in this event is 5K and must be completed in 40 minutes. The last person to complete the loop in 40 minutes is declared the winner.

As far as the course itself, with the exception of a short trip on a frontage road, it seems the run through Hunt Park/Wasco County Fairgrounds is fairly flat and simple, but it won’t be simple after 100K or so.

If you haven’t run a variable time event but are curious to do so, this might be a race for you.

37. Michigan: Ode to Laz Michigan Backyard Ultra

Location: Holly

Length of race: Variable time

When it's run: July 18, 2020

Bottom line: Pretty much this is standard procedure for a "last-one-standing" format, with a couple of twists. Runners are required to finish the loop in one hour, and another loop begins at the top of the hour. Here, the last one standing must complete a solo loop to be declared the winner.

Another twist is that there will be a course for daylight and another course for night. The daytime course covers 4.167 miles with 450 feet of climbing and two-thirds technical single track and one-third moderate walking/hiking path. The night course is the same distance, but all paved.

This format is definitely worth trying out.

36. Mississippi: Big Butts

Location: Jackson

Length of race: 100K relay or 100K individual

When it's run: July 20, 2019

Bottom line: You could easily get this confused with the title of the event, but these races (50K, 100K and 100K relay for two or four participants) are not limited to people with big butts. The title comes from Butts Park, located on the course.

Speaking of which, competitors will have a fairly easy course, a 7.75-mile loop with cross country and single track trails, and everyone needs to be in by 14 hours.

The big challenge will be the high heat and humidity associated with Mississippi at this time of year, and only a few people over the years have been able to complete the 100K, so good luck with this one.

35. Tennessee: Ozone Endurance Challenge

Location: Rockwood

Length of race: 96 hours

When it's run: May 27-31, 2020

Bottom line: Camp Ozone is the site for eight races, but we will focus on the 96-hour ultramarathon.

The 2-mile loop is on the campgrounds while the majority of the surface is on double-track wooded trail, and the rest is gravel with a grassy shoulder.

So, after five days on this trail (with rest and eating time in between), your feet are going to be pretty sore.

34. South Carolina: Hell Hole Hundred

Location: Bethera

Length of race: 211 miles

When it's run: May 28-31, 2020

Bottom line: The two main races have their own names. El Diablo is for the 140.6-mile event, and Devil’s Doorknob is for the 211-mile ultramarathon, which is our focus.

Devil’s Doorknob is a rough event for participants who are required to have at least a crew of two people, and will carry a GPS tracker supplied by race staff to make sure runners are on course and not in trouble.

The course is an 18-mile loop through Jericho Horse Trail, and it’s a flat course that’s unforgiving, according to race organizers. In past years, runners have spotted alligators, snakes, pigs, and coyotes, among other animals.

Devil’s Doorknob runners must be done in 77 hours.

33. Washington: Sole Survivor

Location: Richland

Length of race: Variable time

When it's run: Sept. 12, 2020

Bottom line: This is a winner-take-all ultramarathon where standard variable time events apply.

There is a 4-mile loop that is a narrow trail into a forest area. Runners have to complete this loop in one hour and be at the starting line at the top of the hour to do it all over again.

The run continues until there is one competitor left at the starting line. That person is declared the winner, and everyone else gets a big, fat DNF for their troubles.

32. Arkansas: Sunset Endurance Run

Location: Benton

Length of race: 24 hours

When it's run: Nov. 29-30, 2019

Bottom line: The loop goes 1-mile around Sunset Lake, and like other ultramarathons, the person who completes the most loops wins, although there is a chance some participants could have the same amount of loops.

The real challenge is nearly half of the race will take place in the dark. Race organizers caution there are some really dark areas, so participants are strongly encouraged to wear a lighting device.

And they also remind participants that the weather is tricky at this time since the race is later than usual due to Thanksgiving being late this year. It could be sunny, rain, or something worse, so watch those weather reports.

31. Maryland: The DUC

Location: Pocomoke

Length of race: 100K

When it's run: Feb. 7-8, 2020

Bottom line: DUC stands for Delmarva Ultra Challenge, and it runs in conjunction with the Algonquin 50K.

Runners are required to run a night 50K race before the Algonquin 50K. Then they run the Algonquin 50K. If you DNF the first 50K, it’s a DNF for the entire race.

Besides the strict rules, the course map and layout will not be revealed until just prior to the first 50K. Furthermore, race organizers will only take a maximum of 15 runners for the second leg, maybe less.

There is some elevation to this race where it’s quite hilly with a climb between 50 to 150 feet per mile, but the unique format makes this run quite intriguing.

30. Nevada: Jackpot Ultra Running Festival

Location: Las Vegas

Length of race: 48 hours or 100 miles

When it's run: Feb. 14-16, 2020

Bottom line: It’s President’s Day weekend in Las Vegas, and there are showgirls, Elvis impersonators and live bands in the mix. Oh, yes, there is running, too.

For ultramarathoners looking for a nice vacation, this is the event to attend. The course is just minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, and the 2.5-mile loop is not that bad with gravel trails and wide asphalt paths.

The elevation is 1,400-feet, and the average weather is a mild 61 degrees, so runners can make some good times.

And for the 48-hour runners, there are tents for resting or napping.

This definitely is a race to check out.

29. Oklahoma: Lhotse 200

Location: Owasso

Length of race: 200 miles

When it's run: Aug. 30-Sept. 1, 2019

Bottom line: Race organizers call this Labor Day weekend event "America’s fastest 200-Miler," because it has a 72-hour cutoff.

The 1.13-mile loop is flat and paved in Centennial Park, so ultramarathon veterans should be able to do well. In other words, experienced ultramarathoners could set personal records while other participants can use this as a first experience to the sport.

Electronic chip timing is used to record laps. Oklahoma weather can be unpredictable at times, and it could be hot and wet.

For the most part, this is one of the less challenging ultramarathons.

28. Wyoming: Run the Red

Location: South Pass City

Length of race: 120K

When it's run: Sept. 20, 2019

Bottom line: This is one of the more scenic runs among ultramarathons in the country as runners make their way across the Red Deser.

They will experience some national landmarks along the course, and the open terrain will look like you’re running on Mars.

But it’s not all that easy as runners will navigate through buttes, canyons and badlands as well as open terrain.

This race also celebrates the Red Desert and brings awareness to conservation areas.

27. Utah: Last One Standing Ultra Race

Location: Saint George

Length of race: Variable time

When it's run: Sept. 6-7, 2019

Bottom line: Race organizers "promise this is no ordinary race," and it looks like they’re right.

For instance, the loop is six miles, making it longer than other variable-time ultramarathons, and runners will be given 90 minutes to complete, and, as usual, they must be at the start line after 90 minutes to continue.

What’s also different about this race is that it has a limit for total loops (17). If a competitor completes the 17 loops, that person is the winner. If there are more than one runner completing 17 loops, then the fastest time of the 17th loop will be used as the tiebreaker.

But you may not have to worry about that — the most loops ever completed in this race was 14.

26. Vermont: Endurance Society — Infinitus 888K

Location: Goshen

Length of race: 888K

When it's run: May 30, 2020

Bottom line: Runners will have 10 days to complete the 888K, or just over 551 miles, and the figure-eight course has some difficulty.

The course is over 26 miles with rocks, mud, tough trails in the Moosalamoo Wilderness. Runners have been known to face snow on the trail, and temperatures rising into the upper 80s.

Beside bear, moose and snakes, competitors in the past say the mosquitoes are the worst, so bug spray could be your friend.

This is a good test — not only physically, but mentally.

25. Rhode Island: Anchor Down Ultra

Location: Bristol

Length of race: 24 hours

When it's run: Aug. 16, 2019

Bottom line: Race organizers call this "one of the most iconic ultra races on the East Coast."

For one, this is the hottest time of year in Rhode Island with the Colt State Park course being a mix of trail and asphalt, and the loop covering 2.45 miles. Besides some rolling hills, this course is flat, and 70 percent of the course is by the waterfront, so the ocean breeze could come into play.

Other than that, race organizers could be overselling this event a bit, but the scenery is worth seeing.

Of note, this is Rhode Island’s only ultramarathon for 2019.

24. Montana: Hootenanny 100K

Location: Missoula

Length of race: 100K

When it's run: Oct. 6, 2020

Bottom line: This is Montana’s only 100K trail event, and it is no pushover. The race has a six-lap course with about 12,000 feet worth of climbing and some high-bank turns.

The course is a single-track trail maintained well by the landowner and has a wonderful view of the Bitterroot mountains.

The race begins at 5 a.m., and runners (individual or relay) have to start their last lap by 8 p.m.

But the event is not too serious. With the name Hootenanny, you can expect a party atmosphere, and there’s nothing wrong with that.

23. New Jersey: 3 Days at the Fair

Location: Augusta

Length of race: 10 days

When it's run: May 9-19, 2020

Bottom line: Runners from all parts of the country and some from foreign lands come to New Jersey for this 10-day grinder.

The course is 1-mile over crushed gravel and pavement, but not many have gone 240 hours. The lap system is pretty cool with each runner using MyLaps ProChip timing and scoring system, where each runner crosses over a mat to mark a split and the system will record it.

Good luck to all with this race.

22. Maine: Last Man Standing Ultra Marathon

Location: New Gloucester

Length of race: Variable hours

When it's run: Aug. 31, 2019

Bottom line: In this race, there will be no man, woman or any age group awards. The only award goes to the last man, woman or child left standing at the end of the event.

Each participant is required to finish a 4.2-mile loop in one hour and then wait for the next hour to begin to do the loop again. In this case, the final participant must be at the start line when the next hour begins to be declared the winner.

The course itself shouldn’t be a problem — it’s relatively flat — and the weather should be mild.

But as the race goes on, the loop becomes tougher for those who remain.

21. Colorado: Never Summer 100K

Location: Gould

Length of race: 100K

When it's run: July 27, 2019

Bottom line: If it’s an ultramarathon race in Colorado, get ready for some high elevation. The start is at the Gould Community Center, and participants have to negotiate a vertical gain of 13,000 feet with the average elevation being 10,220 feet so that will work wonders on your breathing.

The terrain is not a picnic. Runners have to cover rough trails, dirt roads, high alpine and rocks, and there are black bears, moose and elk roaming around. But the scenery is something to behold with sites of the Never Summer Mountains, Rocky Mountain National Park, and even Wyoming’s Snowy Range.

When it’s all said and done, this is not an event for a novice ultramarathoner.

20. District of Columbia: North Face Endurance Challenge

Location: Washington, D.C.

Length of race: 50 miles

When it's run: April 27-28, 2019

Bottom line: While the distance looks manageable for veteran ultramarathoners, the course itself can present an interesting challenge.

The course covers three primary locations — Algonkian Regional Park, Great Falls Park, and the Potomac Heritage Trail — with constantly changing terrain.

Great Falls Park, in particular, has intense elevation changes, with climbs up to 300 feet and technical rock hopping.

The course layout will keep participants on their toes.

19. Texas: The Franklins

Location: El Paso

Length of race: 200 miles

When it's run: Feb. 5-9, 2020

Bottom line: There might be a longer ultramarathon or two in Texas, but this 200-mile endurance race is the toughest challenge.

The Franklins is a mountain range on the southern tip of the Rocky Mountains. The race starts at 5,000 feet and climbs to 7,192 feet at the peak of North Franklin, with five 38-mile loops and 9,400-feet of climb each.

Race organizers leave it up to those who register to know if they are up for this challenge, and stress this race is not for beginners.

Of note, the 2020 race is the last one, but we had to pay tribute to one of Texas' best.

18. South Dakota: Black Hills 100

Location: Sturgis

Length of race: 100 miles

When it's run: June 27-29, 2019

Bottom line: It’s true this ultramarathon is only 100 miles, but the underrated race is the best in South Dakota.

The course is located on Centennial Trail in the northern Black Hills. Runners contend with over 14,000 feet in elevation gain and numerous hills where you’re constantly going up, then down, then up and ... well, you get the idea.

The course virtually has no pavement, just dirt, rocks and single- or double-track trail.

Race organizers say only around 40 percent of the 100-mile field finish the entire distance, so that says a lot.

17. Ohio: Olde 96er 200 Mile Ultra

Location: Wellsville

Length of race: 200 miles

When it's run: Sept. 19, 2019

Bottom line: Race organizers make a big point about different weather conditions (snow, freezing rain, hot temperatures, and high humidity) at this time of year and how they can change from hour to hour, so be prepared for anything.

The majority of the run will be held on Ohio State Route 45, but it offers a nice scenic run along Lake Erie to the foothills of the Ohio River.

The 200-mile competitors must complete the course in 96 hours.

16. Illinois: Temptation 200 Ultra

Location: Forest City

Length of race: 200K

When it's run: Sept. 7, 2019

Bottom line: Race organizers challenge participants to "test you mentally, physically and even spiritually," as the event website puts it.

Three other races are going at the same time (150K, 100K and 50K), and runners don’t have to establish which race they are participating in until during the event, thus, the name "Temptation" comes into play. In other words, do you want to drop out after 150K or can you make it all the way to 200K?

Race organizers warn participants if they decide, say, to pass on the 50K finish to go 100K and they fail to reach it, they will be counted as a DNF, and receive no buckle for their efforts.

15. Idaho: Last One Standing Endurance Run

Location: Boise

Length of race: Variable Time

When it's run: Oct. 19, 2019

Bottom line: This is one of the few ultramarathon events that’s free to all participants, but a donation to Girls on the Run International is encouraged.

Since race organizers are not supplying much beyond coffee and water, participants should bring their own supplies. The race loop is just shy of 5 miles, and participants need to complete that in one hour to stay in the race or you're out.

Those who make it wait for the next loop to begin at the top of the hour. Sounds easy until you’re working on 200 or so miles.

14. Missouri: Vol State

Location: Dorena Landing

Length of race: 500K

When it's run: July 9, 2020

Bottom line: Running a 500K race is grueling enough, but race organizers say this event is much more than a normal ultramarathon. They call it "a journey, an adventure, and an exploration of inner space." Sounds intriguing.

The start of the race is actually a ferry ride from Missouri to Kentucky across the Mississippi River. From there, the 314-mile unpredictable journey begins. Runners face everything from high heat and humidity to running on highways and backroads with hills and valleys.

Apparently, runners have to figure out where to eat, sleep and find water. Dorena Landing is the start, and Castle Rock, Georgia, is the finish.

13. Arizona: Across the Years

Location: Phoenix

Length of race: 550 miles

When it's run: Dec. 28, 2019-Jan. 7, 2020

Bottom line: Participants with many ages in many categories will usher in the new year at this event (you didn’t think they would do this over summer, did you?).

Race organizers have added some goodies for participants this year with many races, but we want to give special attention to the 550-mile monster.

It begins with 10 miles for the first day, 20 miles the second day, and so on until participants get to the 10th day that will cover 100 miles for a total of 550 miles. Now that’s what we call an ultra challenge.

The loop is 1 mile, relatively flat (beside Camelback Mountain) and mainly on a dirt surface, right by Camelback Ranch, the spring training facility for the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago White Sox.

12. Louisiana: Children of the Cane Ultra

Location: Port Allen

Length of race: 100 miles

When it's run: Nov. 2, 2019

Bottom line: The only mundane thing about this race is that Port Allen is relatively flat, but where this course takes participants is another story.

Runners will face a brutal course that race organizers promise will torture their legs. Runners can see the region’s deep history as they run across multiple sugar cane plantations with some creepy routes, such as running on a levee top across the river from Baton Rouge.

It really looks like quite an experience.

11. Hawaii: HURT 100

Location: Honolulu

Length of race: 100 miles

When it's run: Jan. 18-19, 2020

Bottom line: HURT stands for the Hawaiian Ultra Running Team, but HURT also means what many participants will be feeling at the end of this event.

This event, according to race officials, is designed for the seasoned and adventurous participants. The race is run in the mountains above Honolulu with an elevation gain (and loss) of 24,500 feet. The course is 99 percent single-track trails so it gets pretty narrow through forests.

The surface is packed soil with rocks, puddles and mud. Oh, and you will need to cross 20 streams along the way.

When it comes to this ultramarathon, Hawaii is no paradise.

10. North Dakota: Extreme North Dakota Sandhills Ultra

Location: Fargo

Length of race: 100K

When it's run: March 23, 2019

Bottom line: There are just a few ultramarathons held in North Dakota, but this one looks the most challenging. For instance, heavy snow and snow drifts of several feet dictated a change of course in the previous event held in March.

Photos on the event’s website showed very dry conditions in 2014 and very snowy conditions in 2013. All in all, the scenery for this trail run through the Sheyenne National Grasslands section of the North Country Trail is great.

The course presents wide-open prairie, pockets of forest, and rugged, rolling sandhills, so it’s not easy.

It also is North Dakota’s first ultramarathon.

9. Alaska: Boycott Black Friday

Location: Palmer

Length of race: 36 hours

When it's run: Nov. 29-Dec. 1, 2019

Bottom line: Race organizers couldn’t stress enough for people to prepare for snow and ice conditions. In fact, they refused to give refunds to anyone who says it’s too cold. (Race organizers instead blame poor clothing selections. And they also say their goal is for people to be cold and miserable.)

The course is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day. The max is 36 hours total. The loop is 3 miles, and in past years, the snow can get really thick, and race organizers warn participants to beware of deep ruts. The big advantage for 36-hour participants is the 12-hour breaks.

Even so, this ultramarathon will be difficult. The person with the most loops wins.

8. Georgia: H9 Fierce Dragon

Location: Blairsville

Length of race: 200 miles

When it's run: Jan. 14, 2020

Bottom line: Georgia has its share of ultramarathons, but this is the toughest. Although there are no entry requirements, there are participant requirements.

Each participant must complete 40 miles every 24 hours and 200 miles over 120 hours. While this is a fairly easy course itself, race organizers advise participants to bank some miles previous to this event over some tough terrain in adverse weather conditions.

In other words, it’s still 200 miles or more over five days, and that in itself is no walk in the park.

7. Minnesota: Arrowhead 135

Location: International Falls

Length of race: 135 miles

When it's run: Jan. 27-29, 2020

Bottom line: There might be a longer race or two in Minnesota, but depending on the conditions, people could be risking their lives in this one. So we like this.

Face it, Minnesota conditions in late January are not the greatest. It’s going to be cold, some reporting as low as 60 below, and it’s likely to snow.

Not only will there be runners, but bikers and skiers have their own categories. There is a sort of screening process that takes place, such as runners need to have completed an Arrowhead 135 or a race like it.

As for the course, the northern part is rather tame, but the southern portion has rolling hills with lakes and streams.

6. Florida: Icarus Florida Ultrafest

Location: Fort Lauderdale

Length of race: 144 hours

When it's run: Nov. 18-24, 2019

Bottom line: Each participant must supply an application before registering where race organizers will determine whether runners can participate in this event. That tells you a lot about it.

Race organizers promise this will be "an epic six days of running." The course covers just over 1.1 kilometers and is completely paved and flat, plus weather conditions are rather mild and breezy, but this ultramarathon is the ultimate in endurance.

In addition, participants who intend to break records must abide by USATF, IAAF and IAU rules and are subject to anti-doping testing following the race, and part of the rules state that random testing could take place at any time during the race.

In other words, this event features world-class participants with Olympic-type rules.

5. New York: Sri Chinmoy Ten-Day Race

Location: Flushing Meadows

Length of race: 10 days (held concurrently with six-day race)

When it's run: April 22-May 2, 2019

Bottom line: The race is by invitation only, and whoever enters is under the discretion of the race director. That goes for the six-day race, too.

The course isn’t too grueling. It’s flat and scenic and covers 0.8 miles in a park setting that goes by the historic World’s Fair of 1964 and the USTA facility that hosts the U.S. Open tennis tournament.

The real test is endurance and pushing on with as little rest as possible. Also, at this time of year, the weather is unpredictable with temperatures as high as 90 degrees and as low as 33.

This is a great challenge, and ultramarathoners who are invited should feel good about themselves.

4. North Carolina: Tar Heel Ultra

Location: Carova Beach

Length of race: 378 miles

When it's run: Nov. 30-Dec. 8, 2019

Bottom line: While running 378 miles over eight days sounds challenging enough, the course itself gives runners a unique experience. A nice warmup is heading north on a 22-mile run along Carolla Beach to the Virginia border, then back along the coast of the Outer Banks. The finish is at the South Carolina border.

Race organizers say they tried to keep the course as close to the water as possible. But there are some parts where runners will come inland and have to deal with traffic on some roads. There’s a ferry ride in the mix, too. And nighttime running could be a little difficult so competitors have to have their bearings straight.

This is a one-of-a-kind adventure, and only a few will be eligible to run.

3. Pennsylvania: Eastern States 100

Location: Waterville

Length of race: 100 miles

When it's run: Aug. 10-11, 2019

Bottom line: As far as pure length, there are many 100-mile races in this country, but we have to pay special attention to this one as race organizers declare this one of the toughest 100-mile courses in the country.

Actually, the loop is 103 miles, and it’s 98 percent single- and double-track. The course has a sharp elevation of 20,000-plus feet and a net elevation change of over 40,000 feet.

There is a strict 36-hour cutoff time for competitors. Each registration will be reviewed by race directors to see if a particular runner has what it takes to compete.

Entry-level competitors can sit this one out.

2. Wisconsin: Six Days in the Dome — The Redux

Location: Milwaukee

Length of race: 6 days

When it's run: Aug. 23-31

Bottom line: This is the second edition of this race. The first one was held in August 2014 at the Alaska Dome in Anchorage, and it caused such a buzz that it’s coming back in Wisconsin.

The run takes place all indoors in the Pettit National Ice Center and some of the best ultramarathoners from around the world will compete on a 443-meter indoor track.

The conditions are ripe for setting records and the event will be live-streamed from start to finish, so this is a big deal.

1. California: California Untamed — The Beast 330

Location: Arcata

Length of race: 330 miles

When it's run: July 17-25, 2020

Bottom line: California is the host of more ultramarathons — nearly 400 — than any state in the union. But out of all those events, this one in Arcata is a standout.

The race covers nine days and eight nights over three counties. It goes from Arcata next to the Pacific Ocean at 23-feet above sea level, through three national forests, culminating with the final huge climb to Mount Shasta at 14,180 feet above sea level.

We are talking about at some point, an elevation gain of 51,000 feet and an elevation loss of 43,000 feet, or as organizers put it, "we’ll be running up and down mountains."

The race is known as the longest, most extreme point-to-point endurance race in the country. It’s pretty insane when you consider participants also have to be leery of bears, mountain lions and snakes.

This is a challenge like no other, so good luck to all.