New Year, New Ultra Goals: Why 2026 is Your Year

January brings fresh starts, clean slates, and that surge of motivation that makes anything feel possible. But by February, most New Year's resolutions have already been abandoned. "Get in shape" becomes "maybe next year."

What if 2026 was different?

What if instead of a vague resolution to "exercise more," you gave yourself a concrete goal that would transform not just your fitness, but your entire sense of what you're capable of? What if you signed up for an ultramarathon?

The truth is that ultramarathons aren't reserved for elite athletes. They're for ordinary people who decide to do something extraordinary. And 2026 might just be your year to join us.

The Power of a Goal with a Date

There's magic in having a race on the calendar. It's the difference between "I should probably run more" and "I'm training for the Sparks Biggest Little Ultra in October." One is a wish; the other is a commitment.

When you register for an ultramarathon, you're not just signing up for a race. You're giving yourself:

A Clear Target No more aimless treadmill sessions wondering if you're making progress. Every training run has purpose. You're building toward something real.

Built-in Accountability

That registration fee you paid? It's motivation insurance. Rain, shine, or "I don't feel like it today," you've made a commitment to yourself.

A Transformation Timeline

Nine months (for our June Backyard Ultra) or ten months (for our October Biggest Little Ultra) is enough time to completely transform your fitness level, but short enough to maintain focus and momentum.

Why an Ultramarathon (Yes, Really)

If you're going to commit to a fitness goal for 2026, why not make it one that truly challenges you? Here's why an ultramarathon might be the perfect resolution:

It's Achievable for Beginners

Contrary to popular belief, you don't need to be running marathons to start training for an ultra. Our races welcome walkers, joggers, and first-time distance athletes. The Biggest Little Ultra offers various distance options, so you can choose a challenge that matches your current fitness level and goals.

It's About More Than Speed

In traditional races, speed dominates. But ultramarathons are different. They reward strategy, mental toughness, and perseverance. Many participants walk significant portions, and that's common. Your pace doesn't determine your worth in this community.

The Training Changes Everything

Training for an ultra doesn't just improve your cardiovascular fitness. It teaches discipline, patience, and resilience. It gets you outdoors, clears your mind, and gives you space to think. Many ultra runners say the training journey transforms them more than crossing the finish line does.

You'll Join an Incredible Community

The ultra community is unlike any other in endurance sports. It's supportive, welcoming, and genuinely excited to see newcomers succeed.

Two Races, Two Opportunities

Sparks Backyard Ultra: June 2026

Ready for something truly unique? The Backyard Ultra format is taking the running world by storm, and for good reason. Here's how it works: you complete a 4.167-mile loop every hour, on the hour. The race continues until only one person remains.

This format is perfect for testing your limits because:

• You don't have to commit to a specific distance upfront

• You can stop whenever you choose

• Each loop is a fresh start mentally

• The hourly format creates natural rest periods

• It's as much about strategy as it is about fitness

Whether you complete two loops or twenty, you'll discover something about yourself. And that's the point.

Sparks Biggest Little Ultra: October 2026

Prefer a more traditional ultra with options? The Biggest Little Ultra offers multiple distances and timed events, letting you choose the challenge that fits your goals and current fitness level.

With an October race date, you have the entire spring and summer to train. You can:

• Build your base during the mild spring months

• Do long training sessions in summer

• Watch yourself progressively become stronger

• Adjust your goal distance as your fitness improves

Beyond Fitness: What Training Really Gives You

Yes, training for an ultra will improve your fitness. You'll likely lose weight if that's a goal. Your cardiovascular health will improve. You'll build muscle and endurance.

But the real benefits go deeper:

Mental Clarity

Those long training sessions become moving meditation. No phone. No distractions. Just you, the trail or road, and your thoughts. In our overstimulated world, this mental space is invaluable.

Stress Management

Training becomes your outlet. Bad day at work? Go for a run. Feeling anxious? Lace up your shoes. The endorphins and sense of accomplishment are real.

Problem-Solving Skills

When you hit mile 20 of a training run and still have 10 to go, you learn to break big problems into manageable pieces. This skill transfers to every area of life.

Confidence That Carries Over

When you accomplish something you once thought impossible, everything else feels more achievable. That work presentation? The difficult conversation you've been avoiding? They seem smaller when you know you can run (or walk) for hours.

Structure and Discipline

Training requires planning. You'll become more organized, better at time management, and more disciplined in other areas of your life too.

Making It Happen: Your First Steps

Ready to make 2026 your ultra year? Here's how to start:

1. Choose Your Race Look at your calendar. June or October? The unique Backyard format or traditional distances? Pick the one that excites and slightly intimidates you.

2. Register Now Don't wait. That registration fee transforms "maybe someday" into "I'm actually doing this." Plus, early registration often comes with discounts.

3. Tell People Share your goal with friends and family. Public commitment increases accountability. You might even inspire someone to join you.

4. Start Small If you're not currently active, begin with just 20-30 minutes of walking or easy jogging, 3-4 times per week. You don't need to run 20 miles in January. You need to build consistency.

5. Find Your People Join our community on social media. Connect with other registered runners. Having training partners, even virtual ones, makes all the difference.

6. Read Our Training Guide We've created a comprehensive beginner's guide to ultra training. It covers everything from building your base to race day nutrition. Visit our blog to access it.

What If You Fail?

Let's address the fear that stops most people from attempting big goals: What if I can't do it?

Here's a secret: even if you register, train for months, and don't finish the race, you still win. You'll have spent the entire year becoming fitter, stronger, and more disciplined. You'll have pushed yourself beyond what was comfortable. You'll have learned about perseverance and resilience.

But honestly? If you train consistently and show up on race day, you'll likely surprise yourself with what you can accomplish. The human body is remarkably adaptable, and the human spirit is stronger than you think.

The Cost of Not Trying

It's easy to dismiss this idea. "Maybe next year when I'm in better shape." "I'm too old." "I'm too slow." "I've never been athletic."

But what's the cost of playing it safe? Another year of vague fitness intentions that fizzle out by March? Another year of wondering what you might be capable of if you really committed?

Ten years from now, you won't regret trying and falling short. You'll regret never knowing what you could have achieved.

Your 2026 Story Starts Now

Picture yourself in June or October 2026. You're at the Sparks Marina, surrounded by people who are just like you: regular people who decided to do something extraordinary. The energy is electric. You're nervous, sure, but you're also ready. You've put in the work. You've shown up for yourself week after week, and then you will have a race experience to remember forever.

Take the First Step

New Year's resolutions fail because they're often vague and easy to ignore. But registering for an ultramarathon? That's concrete. That's real. That's a commitment to yourself that you can't easily walk away from.

2026 can be the year you discover what you're truly capable of. The year you surprise yourself. The year you become someone who runs (or walks) ultramarathons.

The starting line is waiting. We'll see you there.

Ready to commit?

• Register for the Sparks Backyard Ultra (June 2026)

• Register for the Biggest Little Ultra (October 2026)

• Read our Complete Beginner's Training Guide