The Old Dominion 100-mile footrace, created in 1979 in Virginia, is one of the oldest mountain trail 100-milers in the world. Its history grew out of endurance riding.

Jackie Mekler from South Africa was perhaps the greatest ultrarunner in the world during the late 1950s and early 1960s and was a 5-time winner of the Comrades Marathon

Mavis Hutchison was one of the greatest women ultrarunners from South Africa. She helped break down barriers for women to run ultra-distances. Known as the Galloping Granny, she ran across America in

Wally Hayward (1908-2006) was a world record holding ultrarunner from South Africa. His character and future careers were molded by the demand of his childhood.

Hardy Ballington (1912-1974) was a great ultrarunner from South Africa who won the Comrades Marathon five times and broke the 100-mile world record in England.

In 1885 a six-day ultra-distance roller skating race was held in Madison Square Garden. Ultrarunners participated. The event ended in tragedy.

The Western States 100-miler race was held for the 2nd year, in 1978, in the California Sierra. 63 daring and naive runners started and 30 finished.

The Comrades Marathon (55 miles) held in South Africa is the world's largest and oldest ultramarathon. It was established in 1921 by Vic Clapham with 34 runners

In the late 1970s, Hawaii had the most runners per-capita than any other state. An early 100-mile race was established in 1978, part of the Primo Ultramarathon and Relay. Up to 6,500 runners participated in these races.

The Strolling Jim 40-miler held in Wartrace, Tennessee, is one of the oldest ultramarathons in the U.S. The 30-year-old course record set by Andy Jones was broken in 2021 by Zack Beavin.