THE RUN LONG

Ultrarunning tends to be defined as any distance further than a 26.2-mile marathon or, for the purists, a race of at least 50k (30 miles). At the sharp end of the sport, there are ultramarathons that last for multiple days, and even nonstop 24-hour tests of endurance. There is no typical ultrarunner, although scan the start line of any ultra and you’re likely to see plenty of over-35s and an ever-increasing number of women. This is a discipline that develops serious stamina, clearly, but also strength and no small amount of mental resilience – as well as the wellbeing benefits of extended time spent outdoors.

“The further I run, the better I feel”

Ultrarunner Anna Rutherford says there is no problem that can’t be cured by a four-hour run

including “the hardest Ironmans I could find” for