The Perfect Ultra for Every Runner: A Race That Welcomes All

A quick introduction from Race Director Todd Leigh explains why you should join the Biggest Little Ultra race this October! This ultra-distance race has lots of options: you can choose a fixed distance of 100 miles or 50 miles, or you can pick a fixed time options where you run and see how far you can go in a period of time. You can also join as a relay team!

In a world of ultra marathons with intimidating cutoff times and technical terrain that can break even seasoned runners, there's something refreshingly different about this upcoming race. It's designed with a simple but powerful philosophy: ultra running should be accessible to everyone, regardless of age, ability, or experience level.

Three Groups, One Welcome Mat

While this race truly welcomes all runners and walkers, Race Director Todd Leigh identifies three groups that will find this event particularly appealing:

The Seasoned Veterans Who've Earned Their Stripes

First are the experienced runners who've put in their time on the trails and roads but find themselves facing a new reality. As one runner candidly explains, these are folks "of a certain age" who simply can't make the cutoff times in major races anymore. Instead of hanging up their running shoes, they're looking for events that celebrate endurance over speed.

With 48 hours to cover as much distance as possible and no cutoffs to stress about, this race offers something increasingly rare in the ultra world: the luxury of time. You can walk, run, or alternate between both without the pressure of a ticking clock threatening to pull you from the course.

The PR Hunters

On the opposite end of the spectrum, this race attracts runners chasing personal records. The course design couldn't be more perfect for fast times: flat terrain, well-lit for night running (headlamps required), and completely free of the obstacles that typically slow ultra runners down. No rattlesnakes to dodge, no technical rock sections to navigate – just smooth, fast running conditions that let you focus purely on your pace and form.

For runners looking to break through time barriers or set new distance PRs, this represents an ideal opportunity to let loose on a course designed for speed.

The Ultra-Curious Newcomers

Perhaps most importantly, this race serves as a welcoming entry point for those new to ultra running. If you've been watching events like Western States from the sidelines, wondering if you have what it takes to join the ultra community, this race removes many of the intimidating barriers that can make that first ultra feel overwhelming.

The generous time limit, forgiving terrain, and supportive atmosphere create an environment where newcomers can test their limits without the fear of being swept from the course or facing conditions beyond their experience level.

More Than Just a Race

What sets this event apart isn't just the inclusive approach to competition – it's the attention to runner care that goes far beyond typical aid station offerings. Forget the usual mix of sports drinks and energy gels. This race is serving made-to-order pizza at the aid station, along with fresh fruit smoothies. As the race director jokes, "You'll gain weight at this race."

This level of care reflects a deeper philosophy about what ultra running can and should be. It's not just about suffering through miles of challenging terrain while subsisting on whatever fuel you can stomach. It's about creating an experience that nourishes both body and spirit, where the journey is celebrated as much as the destination.

The Bigger Picture

In an ultra running landscape that can sometimes feel exclusive or intimidating, events like this serve as important reminders of what draws most of us to the sport in the first place. It's not always about cutting-edge performance or conquering the most challenging terrain. Sometimes it's about the simple joy of moving forward, one step at a time, surrounded by a community that understands the unique satisfaction of pushing personal boundaries.

Whether you're a veteran looking for a new challenge without the pressure, a speedster hunting for that elusive PR, or someone taking their first tentative steps into the ultra world, this race offers something special: a chance to belong.

Mark Your Calendar

The event runs October 10th through 12th, offering multiple days for participants to achieve their goals. With its combination of inclusive philosophy, runner-friendly conditions, and exceptional care, this race represents everything that's right about ultra running. So whether you're ready to walk your first ultra miles or run your fastest, the welcome mat is out. Come hungry – both for miles and for pizza.

Ready to join the Biggest Little Ultra community? Learn more about registration and race details for this October's event.