The Extreme Challenges of Ultramarathons

Pain, gastrointestinal distress, blisters, chafing, mental fatigue and dehydration. Extreme challenges to a tough sport.
Chris Gorski, Editor

Ultramarathons force athletes to challenge their bodies and minds for at least several hours. 50 miles, 100 miles, even longer. These races offer extreme challenges, from pain in muscles and joints, to gastrointestinal distress, to blisters, chafing, mental fatigue and dehydration. What do competitors do to combat all the challenges faced by the ultimate race?

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Chris Gorski is the Senior Editor of Inside Science. Follow him on twitter at @c_gorski.