Ultras -

Unlike road marathons, ultras often involve rugged terrain, extreme elevation changes, and sleep deprivation [3]. Success depends more on "durability" and mental fortitude than raw speed [34, 36].

"I see it as an act of resistance... an uprising against loneliness." [23]

In the world of sports, an "Ultra" is any race longer than a standard 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon, with common distances being 50 km, 100 km, and 100 miles [3, 12, 17]. Ultras

"Ultras aren't won in the first half… start slow. Then slow down again." [17]

In many regions, Ultras are powerful political actors. They have played roles in revolutions (e.g., Egypt’s Arab Spring) and often represent marginalized social groups [20, 21, 27]. Unlike road marathons, ultras often involve rugged terrain,

The 2025/2026 documentary film " ULTRAS " by Ragnhild Ekner provides an insider's look at these communities across Sweden, Italy, and Indonesia, focusing on their collective identity over individual recognition [5, 23, 25]. Ultramarathons: Testing Human Limits

Ultras reject the idea of being mere "consumers" of football. They see themselves as the soul of the club, often clashing with commercial interests and modern, "sanitized" versions of the game [5, 11]. an uprising against loneliness

"Every time I sign up for an ultra, I look forward to the struggle... That is what drives us." [13]