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I was scrolling my phone when I saw an ad for a 100-mile ultra race. I was thinking about joining but first, I had to find out how long it would take to run 100 miles. So I researched.
A 100-mile run can be as fast as 11 hours to as long as 48 hours depending on many different factors, such as your running pace, terrain, and elevation changes. A hundred-mile run on hilly terrain can take much longer than on a flat surface.
Ahead, we’ll answer a few related questions regarding running 100 miles. So stick along to learn more.
Average 100 Mile Times
On average, a 100-mile ultra run can take 28 hours.
The best athletes can finish in under 12 hours while some athletes take up to 48 hours.
And the fastest time? Well, it’s very impressive.
According to iRunfar.com, the world record for the fastest 100-mile run is held by Alexandr Sorokin.
He runs 100 miles in only 10 hours, 51 mins, and 39 seconds becoming the first man to break the 11-hour barrier.
Keep in mind that 100-mile times will carry depending on multiple factors including weather conditions and terrain. So it’s hard to compare one hundred-mile event to another.
Is It Possible To Run 100 Miles In a Day (24 Hours)?
Yes, running 100 miles in 24 hours is possible, but it takes a lot of hard work and dedication. To achieve this goal, you need to have a good training plan and nutrition strategy in place.
This means following a balanced diet that provides the right amount of protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, and minerals.
You will also need to train your body to be able to run long distances by gradually increasing your mileage over time.
A general rule for this is no more than a 10% increase in your weekly mileage per week to avoid overtraining.
Finally, you need to have the mental toughness to push through when the going gets tough during your race.
So if you’re thinking about running 100 miles in 24 hours, it is possible, but it’s not going to be easy. With the right mindset and preparation, you can make it happen.
By the way, if this is you’re thinking about running your first ultra, check out my beginner’s guide to ultrarunning.
We’ll talk about what ultra running is, how to train, what to eat, and the importance of hydration during an ultramarathon.
What Pace Should I Maintain To Run 100 Miles In 24 Hours?
To run 100 miles in exactly 24 hours, you will need to maintain a pace of 14 mins and 24 seconds per mile (approximately 4 mph). Basically, at this pace, you’re just slightly faster than walking.
However, you need to consider your rest breaks. During the run, you may have to take bathroom breaks or stop to eat. If you run at only the minimum speed, you may fall short of your 24-hour goal.
A good pace to aim for is 12 mins per mile (5 mph) to 10 mins per mile (6 mph). This will give you enough allowance to take breaks and even walk for a few miles to recover.
This may seem slow, but it’s important to remember that you will be running for a long period of time and need to conserve your energy.
It is also important to note that your pace will likely vary throughout the race depending on the terrain, elevation changes, and how you are feeling.
How Many Hours Can A Human Run In 24 Hours?
According to Wikipedia, On average, the top runners can run approximately 125 miles and the best can run up to 168 miles in w4 hours.
The world record for the most miles run in 24 hours is held by a Lithuanian ultrarunner, Alexandr Sorokin. He ran an incredible 192 miles in 24 hours!
However, the average person would not be able to run anywhere near that distance. Most people can only run for a few hours before they need to take a break.
So if you’re thinking about running 100 miles in 24 hours, it’s important to keep in mind that it is a very ambitious goal. It will take a lot of hard work and dedication to achieve it.
Do You Sleep During a 100-Mile Race?
Most 100-mile competitors do not sleep during the race and miss 1-2 nights of sleep.
However, this can depend on your preferences and the terrain of the race. Some people may want to take a 10 min nap during a particularly flat part of the course so that they can conserve their energy for later on in the race.
However, many ultrarunners prefer not to sleep during a 100-mil run since it can interrupt their rhythm. Also, it can be difficult and dangerous to sleep on uneven terrain.
In an informal poll conducted by relentlessforwardcommotion.com in an ultrarunning forum, they found out that 83% of the 110-mile finishers did not nap during the race.
Ultimately, whether or not you will sleep during your race depends on many different factors. But for most people, it’s best to avoid sleeping so that you can stay focused and continue pushing through the race.
Related post: Can You Stop And Rest During A Marathon?
Final Thoughts
Running 100 miles is a difficult feat to achieve. Even more so, running it in only 24 hours.
But if you train consistently and do it right, you might also become a 100-mile finisher.
