The big day

A seemingly superhuman ultrarunning barrier is tantalisingly close to being shattered. So close, in fact, that we could see it happen this year. Here’s what it will take to push beyond the edge – and who has the grit to do it

From wild hallucinations to life-changing reflections, ultra riders share their unforgettable stories of endurance grit with James Shrubsall

How running across Australia pushed Jack Pitcher to breaking point

Tennessee’s infamous Barkley Marathons race is notoriously tough – but 20 people have completed it. Gloucestershire’s equally brutal homage to the iconic ultra has zero finishers... so far. Our writer lined up with those attempting to be the first

Sarah Ruggins’s Double End to End record took fortitude forged by an agonising early illness, finds Tom Davidson

Endurance athlete Jonny Davies explains how wearable tech is revolutionising training and recovery schedules