The decision is already made
If you're reading this, you've probably already decided. The question isn't whether you'll run an ultra — it's which one. And that decision matters more than most runners realize. Your first ultra will shape how you feel about the distance for years. Choose well, and you'll cross the finish line already thinking about the next one. Choose poorly, and you'll spend months wondering if ultras are really for you.
Here's how to think about that first race, and five options worth putting on your list.
What makes a good first ultra
Not all 50-milers are created equal. A flat 50-miler on smooth fire roads is a fundamentally different experience from a 50-miler with 15,000 feet of climbing on technical singletrack. When evaluating a race for your first ultra, pay attention to these factors in roughly this order:
Generous cutoffs. This is non-negotiable. Your first ultra is about finishing, not racing. Look for cutoff times that give you at least 30-40% more time than you think you'll need. Things go wrong in ultras — blisters, wrong turns, stomach issues — and you need margin.
Well-supported aid stations. Frequent, well-stocked aid stations transform the experience. Every 5-8 miles is ideal for a first-timer. You don't want to carry three hours of food and water between resupply points on your first outing.
Runnable terrain. Technical mountain courses are beautiful, but they're not where you want to learn the distance. Look for courses with significant runnable sections — fire roads, smooth singletrack, or gentle terrain that lets you settle into a rhythm.
Reasonable elevation. A good first ultra might have 5,000-8,000 feet of gain over 50 miles, not 18,000. You can always chase the mountains later.
Five races worth considering
Tarawera Ultramarathon
Tarawera is a near-perfect first ultra. The 100km course follows well-marked trails through the Rotorua forest, with moderate elevation, frequent aid stations, and a generous time limit. The course is largely runnable, with soft forest trails that are forgiving on the body. The community atmosphere is exceptional — New Zealand trail runners are some of the warmest people in the sport.
Broken Arrow Skyrace
If you want something shorter and more vertical as a stepping stone, Broken Arrow's course at Palisades Tahoe offers a stunning alpine experience with excellent organization. The shorter distance options make this accessible, and the scenery is a reminder of why you started running trails in the first place.
The case for a 50K first
Many experienced ultra runners will tell you that starting with a 50K rather than a 100-miler is the smart play. There's wisdom in this. A 50K (31 miles) is far enough beyond a marathon to feel like a genuine ultra, but short enough that a bad day won't destroy you. You'll learn about nutrition timing, gear choices, and mental management — all the ultra-specific skills — without the extreme commitment of 20+ hours on your feet.
Before committing to any race, study the elevation profile. A race that looks moderate on paper might hide a brutal climb in the final miles — exactly when you're least equipped to handle it. The shape of the course matters as much as the total numbers.
What to look for in the elevation profile
An elevation profile tells you more about a race than any description can. Look for these patterns:
- Front-loaded climbing is generally friendlier for first-timers. You tackle the hardest terrain with fresh legs, then descend and cruise to the finish.
- Steady rollers are more runnable than one massive climb followed by long flats. Your body prefers rhythm over shock.
- Late-race climbs are honest about difficulty. If a race saves its biggest ascent for the final quarter, that's a race designed for experienced runners.
Western States 100
Western States isn't a beginner race — the heat, the distance, and the competitive field all demand experience. But it's worth studying the elevation profile as an example of front-loaded difficulty done well. The major climbing happens in the first 30 miles, and the second half trends downhill toward Auburn. If you're dreaming big and thinking about where your ultra career might lead, this is one of the sport's iconic events. Get a few 50-milers and a 100K under your belt first.
The honest truth about your first ultra
Your first ultra will probably not go according to plan. You'll eat something that doesn't sit right, or your feet will hurt in a way they never have before, or you'll hit a low point at mile 30 where walking feels like an achievement. This is completely normal. Ultra running isn't about executing a perfect race — it's about solving problems while tired and finishing anyway.
The runners who fall in love with the distance are the ones who find something unexpectedly meditative about forward motion over many hours. It's not about speed or suffering. It's about the strange, quiet discovery that you're capable of more than you thought.
Choose a course that gives you the space to have that experience. The mountains will still be there when you're ready.