The August/September 2025 issue of Ultra Running Magazine has arrived, delivering the latest updates and in-depth coverage from the world of ultramarathon racing. This edition highlights upcoming events, race reports, and athlete profiles, offering readers a comprehensive look at the evolving sport. As ultrarunning continues to gain momentum globally, the magazine remains a key source for news, training insights, and expert analysis, catering to both seasoned veterans and newcomers eager to test their limits over extraordinary distances.
Upcoming UltraRunning Events to Watch This Season
This season brings a thrilling lineup of ultra-distance challenges for athletes pushing the limits of endurance. From rugged mountain trails to desert expanses, these events promise fierce competition and breathtaking scenery. Notably, the Red Rock 100 kicks off in early August with its notoriously technical terrain that attracts elite runners from across the globe. Meanwhile, the Coastal Ultra Marathon sets a new benchmark for scenic yet grueling routes, featuring over 70 miles along dramatic cliffside paths. Both races will be pivotal in shaping the athlete rankings as the calendar moves toward the fall season.
Other must-watch races include the Midwest Timber Ultra, known for its unpredictable weather and challenging forest trails, ideal for versatile ultra runners. The Sunset Desert 125 closes the season with a dramatic nighttime start, testing participants’ navigational skills and stamina under harsh arid conditions. Here’s a quick glance at some of the highlights:
- Red Rock 100 – August 3-4, Nevada | 100 miles | Mountain terrain
- Coastal Ultra Marathon – August 17-18, California | 70+ miles | Cliffside route
- Midwest Timber Ultra – September 5-6, Michigan | 50 miles | Forest trails
- Sunset Desert 125 – September 26-27, Arizona | 125 miles | Desert night run
| Event | Date | Location | Distance | Terrain | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Rock 100 | Aug 3-4 | Nevada | 100 mi | Mountain | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Coastal Ultra Marathon | Aug 17-18 | California | 70+ mi | Cliffside | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Midwest Timber Ultra | Sep 5-6 | Michigan | 50 mi |
| Event | Date | Location | Distance | Terrain | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Rock 100 | Aug 3-4 | Nevada | 100 mi | Mountain | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Coastal Ultra Marathon | Aug 17-18 | California | 70+ mi | Cliffside | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Innovative Training Techniques for Endurance Athletes
Endurance athletes are breaking new ground with training methods that blend technology and physiology to optimize performance. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), once a staple for sprinters, is now being adapted to enhance aerobic capacity and speed endurance in ultra runners. Complementing this, altitude simulation tents and hypoxic training chambers are becoming affordable, allowing athletes to stimulate high-altitude benefits without geographic constraints. These innovations emphasize quality over quantity by targeting muscle groups with specific fatigue resistance protocols rather than simply increasing mileage. Nutrition timing and recovery have also entered the tech-savvy era, with wearable sensors providing real-time metrics on hydration, glucose levels, and muscle oxygenation, enabling athletes to tailor fueling strategies on the fly. Below is a concise comparison of traditional versus innovative training approaches that highlight the paradigm shift shaping ultra endurance preparation:
Expert Gear Reviews and Essential Race Day TipsOur team has rigorously tested this season’s most talked-about ultra running gear to bring you insights that can make or break your race day performance. From trail shoes boasting enhanced cushioning and durability to hydration packs engineered for optimal balance, we’ve dissected each item’s features, benefits, and potential drawbacks. Among the highlights, the NovaTrail X1 stood out for its superior grip on mixed terrains, while the HydraFlow 3L Pack impressed with its easy-access reservoirs and breathable material. Preparation is just as critical as the gear itself. To elevate your race strategy, consider these essential tips:
Closing RemarksAs UltraRunning Magazine closes its August/September 2025 issue, the spotlight on the sport’s latest developments, record-breaking performances, and emerging trends reaffirms ultrarunning’s growing global appeal. From trail innovations to athlete insights, this edition captures the dynamic spirit driving the ultra community forward. Stay tuned for more in-depth coverage and expert analysis as the sport continues to push boundaries in the months ahead. |

