Ironman or Ultra Marathon - What's TOUGHER? Which is HARDER?

Ironman or Ultra Marathon - which is harder? And importantly - which is right for YOU? Many runners after completing a few marathon ask themselves the big question: What's next?

In today's discussion, I go through my perspective as an experienced ultra runner and triathlete / ironman - what I think is harder or tougher, but also what are key considerations to help you choose your next big challenge!

That's exactly what I asked myself as I was seeking new challenges, new ways to push my limits in endurance sport. And quickly, 3 options emerged:
1) Run faster and qualify for Boston Marathon
2) Race Ironman
3) Ultra Marathon

Given my natural inclination towards trail, I ended up into trail running and eventually ultra running. With ever increasing distance and upping the challenge rating of the course. Now, I've completed 48 of 48 ultra marathon of 100 miles (or more). But I've also dipped my toes into triathlon and ironman. Although it was arguably a short stint, I did compete in 2 full ironman (and now, I'm not very good...!)

A question you often hear is - what's tougher? What's harder? And I think this is a complex questions as there are many facets to it. And it's not the most important question. The most important question is: which one is right for you? You also often have ironman wanting to compete in ultra running and wondering how much more they need to train (and vice versa) - if it's realistic with 1 ironman to go and race 100 miles in 3 months?

I know this isn't my typical content, but I felt this could be interesting as we are already slowly looking into 2025 racing season. If you are looking for tips on ultra running or inspiration - plenty more on my channel!

As always - Thanks for watching and remember -

Work Hard!
Believe in yourself!
Push your limits! Simon

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