Great Britain has an incredibly strong heritage in ultra distance running. Names like Donald Ritchie, Cavin Woodward, Eleanor Robinson and Hilary Walker were pioneers in the 1970’s and 80’s setting a string of world records at numerous distances. These covered the full ultra spectrum from 50km through 50 miles and 100km right up to 100 miles and 24 hours and even 1,000 miles either on the roads or the track.

They pioneered the training methods many were to follow in subsequent years while pushing their own physical and mental barriers.

In the mountains and on the trails, GB has also had a strong tradition of fell runners seeking out long mountain rounds and trails, which continue to inspire today, either as classic races or solo expeditions and challenges,

As other pages in this section show, with the growth of international competitions together, with continental and global championships over the years, Great Britain continues to be a force in World ultra distance running.

AS a means of helping to foster and develop the discipline, British Athletics/UKA) has established an Ultra Running Advisory Group (URAG) to act on behalf of UKA to formulate the strategy and policy for Ultra running and Ultra runners in the UK. It acts with similar aims to the Mountain Running and Advisory Group, MRAG. This includes international representation and team management at international competitions, selection and policy.

It is also working to develop ideas for the sport domestically in the UK via national competition, and development opportunities both at elite and grassroots level.

The group will also advise on the budget requirements and spend to support these policies..