We all have a different idea of what a tough race means. For some, it may include many inclines, tough terrain, or long distances. However, there are a few races around the world that take the term “difficult” to a whole new level. Are you up to the challenge?
When: March 1, 2020
Known as the world’s longest winter ultra-marathon this race begins near Anchorage at Knik Lake and follows the infamous Iditarod trail all the way to Nome. Accepted applicants choose to travel across the cold Alaska wilderness by foot, bike, or skis. According to the competition’s website, this course requires “self-sufficiency and the considerable resilience to make it through up to 30 frozen days and nights”. Only 39 bikers, 15 runners, and four skiers have actually finished the entire race.
When: June 11, 2019 (Individual Start) / June 15, 2019 (Team Start)
This 3,000-mile bike race across 12 states can’t compare to most European bike races. Unlike the Tour de France, RAAM isn’t a stage race, and competitors have a maximum of 12 or 9 days to complete the entire course (depending on if you’re competing alone or with a team). Athletes face over 170,000 vertical feet and various terrain challenges. The race is open to all cyclists. However individual racers do have to qualify.
The Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon:
When: April 13, 2019
The Blue Ridge Marathon is one of the toughest road races in America because runners are continually ascending and descending on the course. Runners start and end the race in downtown Roanoke and follow the Blue Ridge Parkway. Along the way, racers will enjoy beautiful views, but they have to climb 2,000 feet to the top of Roanoke Mountain. Once runners reach the peak, they then descend at a steep rate. In total there is a 7,430 elevation change along the course. Blue Ridge now has expanded to include multiple distances including a marathon, half marathon, 10K, Double marathon, team relay, and one miler.
The three races listed above doesn’t even begin to cover the numerous tough races out there. Look out for another post covering other challenging races.