What is the Untrained Ultra Challenge?
Are your races canceled? Are you wondering what to do with your training? Are you feeling Untrained after weeks at home? It's time to get back out there and run (or walk or jog or shuffle)!
The Untrained Ultra Challenge gives you a chance to use your training (or lack thereof) from home. Run 5 races across 5 (or fewer) days to finish the challenge - 1 mile, 5k, 10k, 15k, and 1/2 marathon. Choose the consecutive 5 days that work best for you from May 1st through August 31st. Do the distances in any order you choose.
You can also complete the five distances as a virtual relay team of 2 to 5 runners. This way, you can run "with" friends and still keep your social distance!
Complete the challenge for the right to sport an awesome Untrained Ultra Challenge 52.7k medal.
This race is a charity event to support Bigger Than The Trail, an organization that uses running to advocate for mental health. More information on BTTT can be found below or on their website.
What is 52.7?
52.7 Kilometers is the total distance of the challenge - 1 mile (1.6k), 5k, 10k, 15k, and 1/2 marathon (21.1k). If you take on the challenge, you will need to pick a five day window (e.g. Monday through Friday) and run all five distances. You can run the distances in any order you want and you can even double up if you want and run two distances on one day.
Example Run Schedule:
Monday - 1 mile run
Tuesday - 5k (3.1 mile) run
Wednesday - 10k (6.2 mile) run
Thursday - 15k (9.3 mile) run
Friday - 1/2 marathon (13.1 mile)
You can run wherever you want - outside on road or trails, on a treadmill, around your living room. Do whatever is safe and fun for you!
Once you are done with each distance, you can report your results through this Google form HERE. When you report, you will be asked to share a link to your GPS data (e.g. Strava or Garmin) for outdoor runs, a photo of your treadmill with the distance, time, and date (hold your watch next to the screen) for treadmill runs, or supporting info for small loop indoor runs without GPS.
Result Reporting
I will post full results of the race through a Google sheet. Results will include The fastest overall time from start to finish of the 5 runs (time from the start of the first run until the end of the last run), The fastest combined running time (only the time spent running), and The fastest time at each distance.
You must complete the 5 days of running by August 31st, 2020 to be included in race result reports.
Can I Bike It?
Bicycle Division:
I had some runners reach out to me about friends who bike but don’t run. Even though the event has already started, it is easy for me to add a bike division for the race. So, here is how it will work - Bikers will ride the same 5 distances over 5 days as the runners.
You can either run all 5 distances or bike all 5 distances. You have to choose one or the other, so keep this in mind.
Bikers can report their results the same way as runners (at the link provided in registration). There will be an option to indicate that biking instead of running. The form will ask to link to GPS data (Strava etc).
What If I Really Am Untrained?
Not ready for 52.7k over 5 days? This is still the event for you. Team up online with friends to run as a relay of 2 to 5 people. This is also a great way to have fun outdoors with your children or non-running family members.
If you want to register as a team member, sign up normally on UltraSignup and complete the Team Registration Form on Google. Each team needs to fill out the form only once.
If you want to join in on a team, but can't find anyone to sign up with you, I have a form for that here! Share some information and I will try to pair people up. Don't register until you have a team. Your contact information will be private, until you confirm you want to share it with another runner (only your email will be used).
Is There a Charity?
Proceeds from this challenge will be donate the Bigger Than The Trail (BTTT). BTTT is a charity that uses trail running to advocate for mental health. This donation will help BTTT connect people with accessible means of support and work to destigmatize mental health. If you would like to find out more about BTTT or support them directly, you can visit the website.
Can I donate my entire entry fee to BTTT and not accept swag?
Many runners like the idea of forgoing swag to increase their charitable giving, and I love this idea. However, to continue supporting the companies which make the awards and swag, I want to order as many pieces as possible. To do this and fulfill your charitable offer, if you do not want an award or swag, you can let me know at checkout. I will then use the money to grant an entry code to a runner in need.
What do you mean a runner in need?
If you have lost your job, experienced cuts in your hours, or suffered other recent hardships, but still feel that running is a beneficial part of your life, I want to give you the chance to run with us. Please contact me for a link to information about support for runners in need.
What is the Swag?
Every participant will receive an Untrained Ultra Challenge Medal. The award is individually assembled by Ragged Cuts, a local race awards company from the Belly of the Beast Coast, Connecticut. Their work is awesome and you can see a picture at the top of the page
You will also receive a Troubled Raccoon Racing infinity bandana (buff-style).
Shipping for the swag is included in your registration price. Due to production schedule, I will do my best to send out your package before you run your race, but I cannot guarantee this. I expect to have swag ready to ship well before the event closes.
Why Should I Sign up For a Virtual Race?
With in-person races canceled, virtual races give us a chance to keep our community alive. You still get to race with your friends, but at a safe distance. Don't let your training go to waste - challenge yourself.
The Untrained Ultra will also be supporting running-related businesses (where we get the swag) and a great running-related charity.
Run Safely
While running is still open in most communities, it is important that each entrant takes care of themselves. Please make sure that you follow all guidelines that apply in your area regarding safety with COVID-19. Make sure that you maintain Social Distancing and make smart choices that will keep yourself and others healthy and safe.
Give yourself sufficient time to rest and recover after all physical activities, and listen to your body. If you feel sick, consult a health practitioner and avoid physical activities until cleared.
Event's current local time: 4:00 AM ET
