Historical Analysis Of Participation And Performance In 100-mile Ultramarathon Runs In North America: 1974-2008

Abstract

PURPOSE: To document changes in participation and performance in 100-mile (161-km) ultramarathon running competitions in North America from 1974 to 2008. METHODS: Results were tabulated for all 161-km running races in North America between 1974 and 2008 from which results could be identified. Regression analyses were used to examine changes across time. ANOVA was used to compare the fastest finish times across age groups. RESULTS: From 1974 through 2007, a total of 29,617 finishes were identified which were accounted for by 8969 different individuals (83% men). There was exponential growth in the total number of finishes as well as the number of different individuals finishing these races. The number of 161-km ultramarathon running races in North America has also risen exponentially since 1980, with there being 53 such events in 2008. The proportion of finishes accounted for by women has increased to the current level of nearly 20%. Finishers ranged in age from 15-75 years, and women were significantly (p<0.0001) younger than men (41±8 vs. 43±9 years). Mean ages generally increased (p<0.0001) across years for both men and women, but dropped after 2004 among men so that ages in 2007 averaged 44 and 43 years, respectively. The general increase in average age of finishers was accounted for by proportional increases among those ≥40 years of age and decreases among those <40 years of age for men; and proportional increases among those in the 40-59 year age range and decreases among those <30 years of age for women. Overall finish rates have increased slightly (p<0.002) over the last 30 years to approximately 60%. Runners in the 30-39 year age group achieved the fastest finish times. Over the last 30 years, the average age of winners has increased (p≤0.01) for both sexes to approximately 38 years. On the whole, the fastest women were 22% slower than the fastest men, and this difference has not changed in the last 20 years. CONCLUSIONS: Participation in 161-km running competitions in North America increased exponentially from the 1970‘s, and though participation among women grew, men have remained dominant in terms of quantity and speed. The age range of finishers was quite wide, and the average age of finishers and winners has increased to the mid-40‘s and upper-30‘s, respectively. Supported by the Ultra-Endurance Exercise Research Foundation