A search of the running, exercise science, and psychology literature reveals a marked absence of information pertaining to female runners who participate in ultra distance events. In an effort to gain a baseline of information relating to demographics, athletic and running histories, history of injury and basic physical information, as well as cultural and social and motivational perspectives, this survey was created. The distribution of the survey was accomplished by sending it or taking it to the JFK 50 (Nov.96), Sunmart 50 mile and 50K USATF national championships (Dec. 96), Uhwarrie 40 Mile Trail Run (Feb. 97), and through posting the survey on the ULTRA bulletin board. Additionally, Ultrarunning magazine printed information pertaining to the survey, giving the name and address necessary to obtain a copy of the survey. As of March 1997, there have been 128 respondents to the survey. The following represents the results of that survey. (Note - Not all sections of all surveys were completed. There were also some responses that clearly did not reflect the intent of the question. Therefore, the data does not always represent 128 runners.)

This report analyzes the data as a comparative between those women who have run at least one sub-8 hour 50 mile race (known as "fast") and those who take in excess of 8 hours (known as "slower") to complete the designated distance. There were 17 women who ran sub-8 hr times with 111 women running the slower 50 mile times.

Although the average age of the fast and slower groups were nearly identical, 41.8 years vs. 41.6 years , the faster women tended to be to have a higher percentage of "singleness" than did the slower group. 66.4% of the slower runners reported being married whereas only 52.9% of the fast runners were married.

40% of the slower group have at least one child but only 20% have at least one child under the age of 16. Of the faster runners, 29 runners were mothers but a mere 18% had at least one child under age 16. It would appear from this data that women with children are in the minority, placing those with younger children in an even smaller group. Although the data cannot be extrapolated to offer reasons for this phenomena, it can be postulated that the time and energy needed for child-rearing logistically hinders a woman's ability to train sufficiently. (It should also be mentioned that the vast majority of women in both groups also hold jobs outside the home.

When asked to grade themselves on athletic ability in their high school years, the faster group produced an average rank of 3.24, which is somewhere between "above average" and "highly skilled/competitive". However, the slower group averaged a 2.11 ranking which corresponds to an "average" level.

A significant difference exists in the ages at which the women in the two groups began to run. The faster group began running at a mean age of 22.6 years. The slower group, however, did not begin their running careers on average until 28.6 years. Likewise, the number of years of consistent running in both groups were 17 vs. 12.1 years.

Another difference between the faster and slower groups can also be seen in terms of changes in attitude at the beginning of ultra careers compared to current attitudes. 82.4% of the faster group demonstrated a change in attitude, usually progressing to a more competitive or demanding mind set which included higher placing. However, only 62.2% of the slower group exhibited changes in mental attitude. Many of these changes were more in terms of achieving higher personal goals, not necessarily higher placing.

When asked to rank themselves in terms of raw athletic ability and speed compared with other female ultrarunners, the faster group rated themselves as a 2.94. (A "3" is "above average" and the highest score is a "4", standing for "very gifted".) This rating over 2.94 was actually lower than their perceived abilities in high school that earned a score of 3.24. Likewise, the slower group demonstrated a tougher standard as ultrarunners, ranking giving themselves a mean score of 2.05 (2="average") while scoring themselves as just slightly higher during their high school days (2.11). The added depth and breadth of competition in ultra events may explain this decrease in perceived abilities from earlier years.

As expected, the faster group also reported a higher finishing rank in ultra competition as compared to the slower group. The faster group tallied an average score of 4.47, representing placement somewhere between "top third" and "first, second, or third" positions. The slower group reported a 3.25 average, representing positions between "near the middle of the pack" and "the top third".

There was also a decided difference between the finishing rates of the two groups as race distance increased.

<8 hours >8 hours

Marathon 99.8% 96.0%

50k 98.5% 96.5%

50 mile 96.8% 88.3%

100 mile 83.3% 64.1%

There were also significant differences between the two groups in terms of training.

<8 hours >8 hours

Estimated # of yearly miles 3066 1863

# miles per week when training hard 71.5 50.4

# long (+20) runs 8 weeks prior to a race 6.2 4.2

When the last long run occurs prior to a race 1.9 weeks 2.2 weeks

Use of speed-training 58.8% 45.9%

Use of cross-training (at least once per week) 70.5 86.5%

Both groups showed no difference in terms of age (41.8 vs. 41.6). There was also no statistically significant difference in body size although the faster runners had slightly higher body surface areas. (1.625 vs. 1.60 m2).

Disregarding post-menopausal women and women whose lack of menses could be explained by surgical or pharmaceutical treatments, the average number of menses in the last 12 months in both groups was nearly identical (10.5 vs. 10.7). However, the mode in both groups was 12.

When asked if they had sustained injuries preventing them from running at least for a one week period, 76.5% of the faster women responded affirmatively while 75.7% of the slower group agreed.

There was a significant difference in the consistent use of nutritional supplements and vitamins. 76.5% of the faster group did supplement their diets but the slower group had a greater supplementation rate of 86.4%.

The data reveals that a smaller percentage (65%) of the faster women have spouses that are also runners. In the slower group, 82% of the women have running spouses. However, of those in both groups that are married, almost all the women indicate that their spouses, whether running or non-running, support them in their efforts (100% vs. 97.2%).

The women were also asked if their running ever created interpersonal conflicts with their spouse. Both groups did report a certain element of conflict (41.1% vs. 38.8%).

There appear to be many similarities between faster and slower women. Age, menstrual patterns, body size, injury rate, and social support seem to be constant for both groups. However, motherhood status, number of years running, age of beginning running, perceived talent, finishing positions and rates, and the quantity and quality of training are different for the two groups. Further research is being planned to further delineate the physical, mental, and emotional characteristics of women who run ultramarathons.