How to Choose Your First UK 50-Mile Ultramarathon: A Guide for New Ultra Runners

jamesgibsoncumbria
Nov 20, 2025
3 min read

Taking the leap from a marathon to your first 50-mile ultramarathon is one of the most exciting—and daunting—milestones in any runner’s journey. It’s a big jump in distance that demands not only physical endurance, but also stronger mental resilience, smarter logistics, and a deeper respect for how your body handles long hours on the move.

Here in the UK, we’re lucky to have a huge variety of ultramarathons: coastal paths, canal towpaths, Lakeland fells, Scottish mountains, rolling Downs, and everything in between. But with so much choice, selecting your first 50 miler can quickly feel overwhelming. How do you choose the event that gives you the best chance of not just finishing, but enjoying the experience?

Below are the key factors to consider when choosing your first ultra

How Far Are You Prepared to Travel?

Your ultramarathon begins long before the starting gun. For many races, especially 50 milers, the day starts early—sometimes very early.

Ask yourself:

Can I comfortably travel to the start line on race morning?
Or will I need accommodation the night before?

Choosing a race within a two- or three-hour drive reduces stress, cost, logistics, and pre-race fatigue. Sleeping in your own bed, eating familiar food, and avoiding the “I’ve forgotten my mandatory kit!” panic in a hotel room can make a huge difference to race-day calm..

Course, Terrain and Elevation

Perhaps the biggest factor of all.

A 50-mile race is not just a 50-mile race. The difference between a flat canal-path ultra and a mountain route in Snowdonia or the Lake District is enormous—both physically and mentally.

Flat & Fast Courses

Races on:

canal towpaths
coastal promenades
smooth multi-use trails
looped courses

…are often ideal for first-timers. With minimal elevation and zero navigation, you can focus on pacing, nutrition, and endurance without worrying about steep climbs, rough descents, or slow technical sections.

Hilly & Technical Courses

If you love the fells, enjoy power-hiking, and aren’t phased by rugged terrain, a hillier race might suit you better. These events:

involve extended hiking
require more specific training on similar terrain
demand stronger leg strength and resilience
usually take significantly longer than flat ultras

Neither option is “better”—but one will be a better fit for you.

Credit: GB Ultra Runner

Timing of the Year: Summer Glory or Winter Grit?

The season of your race affects everything from weather to daylight to kit requirements.

Summer Ultras

Pros:

Long daylight hours
Often no need for a headtorch
Typically more friendly for first-timers

Cons:

Heat, dehydration, and fueling challenges
Occasionally very exposed conditions

Winter Ultras

Pros:

Cooler temperatures for steady running
Immense sense of achievement

Cons:

Many hours of darkness
Cold, wet, wind, and mud
Much more demanding in terms of kit and mental resilience

If you’re new to ultras, most runners find a spring or summer event more forgiving.

Understanding Cut-Off Times

Cut-offs determine how much time you have to complete the event.

Generous cut-offs (15–18 hours)
Ideal for first-timers. They allow time to walk hills, troubleshoot nutrition, deal with rough patches, and move without pressure.
Tight cut-offs (12–13 hours)
Indicate a faster field and less margin for pacing mistakes. Not always beginner-friendly.

Always check the race manual—cut-offs can make a huge difference to your race-day experience.

Bringing It All Together: Why a Training Plan Matters

Choosing your first 50 miler is just the beginning. The next (and biggest) challenge is preparing your body and mind for the distance.

Many first-time ultra runners feel overwhelmed by:

how to structure long runs
balancing training with work and family
strength training for injury prevention
learning how to fuel for 8–14 hours
building confidence on hills, technical terrain, or in the dark

This is where working with an experienced ultra running coach becomes invaluable.

A professional ultramarathon coach removes the guesswork. I create personalised training plans that fit your lifestyle, prepare you for your specific race terrain, and include the strength, mobility, and hill work required for UK events. With extensive experience in mountainous, technical, and long-distance environments, I know exactly what it takes for runners to reach the start line confident—and reach the finish line smiling.