Average Time to Run 50 Miles
The truth? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But let’s put some numbers to it.
On average, finishing times for 50-mile races range from 8 to 14 hours. The time it takes depends on many factors, including your experience level, training, the course, and your race-day strategy. Elite ultrarunners can complete 50 miles in under 7 hours on a flat, fast course. Mid-pack runners tend to finish between 9 and 12 hours. First-time finishers or those on mountainous terrain might take 13 hours or longer, and that’s completely normal. Remember, the terrain can drastically shift these numbers. Trails are slower than roads. Heat, altitude, and technical footing can make a huge impact.
When I ran my first 50-miler in the Blue Mountains, I thought I’d finish in under 10 hours. Ten hours turned into 12, then into a learning experience about pacing, electrolyte balance… and humility.
| Pace (min/mile) | Road Course | Trail Course | Mountain Course |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9:00 | 7 hrs 30 min | 8 hrs 30 min | 10 hrs |
| 11:00 | 9 hrs 10 min | 10 hrs 30 min | 12 hrs |
| 13:00 | 10 hrs 50 min | 12 hrs 30 min | 14 hrs |
| 15:00 | 12 hrs 30 min | 14 hrs 30 min | 16 hrs |
For a comprehensive breakdown of 50-mile ultramarathon finish times by age and ability, refer to this 50 Mile Run Times by Age and Ability chart.
Key Challenges in a 50-Mile Race
Running 50 miles is like playing chess with your body. It’s not just about speed, it’s about managing all the moving parts. One of the biggest slow-downs is fatigue, especially after mile 30 when your energy systems start to struggle. Fueling mistakes, like not eating enough or missing electrolytes, can crash your pace. Physical discomforts such as blisters, cramps, or chafing chip away at your momentum. Then there’s the mental side: long distances challenge your mind more than your muscles. Self-doubt, boredom, or pain can creep in unexpectedly and slow you down if you’re not prepared for the emotional rollercoaster of long-distance running.
Let’s be honest: no one feels “great” at mile 42.
But here’s the thing—how you respond matters more than how you feel. One strategy that works? Divide the race into 10-mile blocks. Mentally framing the challenge in chunks makes it feel more manageable. Thinking, “Just five 10-milers,” is way less scary than “Fifty miles to go.”
Walking During a 50-Mile Race
Absolutely! and you should. Even seasoned ultrarunners walk sections, especially steep climbs or during aid station stops. Some people even walk more than they run, particularly on hilly courses or in hot conditions. Walking is not a sign of failure in a 50-mile race. It’s a smart strategy to conserve energy, manage your heart rate, and stay steady.
Many athletes develop a run-walk plan during training. For example, you might power-hike uphill sections, jog flats and downhills, or walk one minute every mile. This breaks up muscle fatigue and gives your body a chance to recover while still moving forward. I know a runner who walked every aid station for two minutes and still finished in under 11 hours. So yes, walking is absolutely part of ultramarathon strategy.
Training Requirements for 50 Miles
Training varies by background. But most plans run 16 to 24 weeks, with a peak weekly mileage of 45–65 miles. A proper ultra training plan gradually builds endurance while reducing injury risk. Most weeks include a long run (sometimes two back-to-back), a few easy recovery runs, and one focused workout like a hill or tempo session. Rest and cross-training are also key to avoiding overuse injuries.
Consistency is more important than speed. Training also involves experimenting with gear, nutrition, and pacing strategies. During one block of training, I did a 20-mile run Saturday followed by 15 on Sunday. That back-to-back simulation taught me what no tempo run ever could—how my body behaves under prolonged fatigue. You don’t need to be fast—you just need to show up, week after week.
For structured help building endurance, check out our 50K Ultra Marathon Training Plan that prepares you for long distances without burnout.
How Much Do Elevation and Terrain Affect Your Time?
Course profile changes everything. Let’s say you can run a 9-minute mile on a flat road. Add in steep climbs, rocky descents, river crossings, or sand, and your pace could slow by 2 to 5 minutes per mile—sometimes more. Weather plays a role too. Hot, humid days or cold, wet trails can all drag down your performance.
Technical trail running courses demand more focus and balance, especially when fatigue sets in. High-altitude races add a layer of difficulty by reducing your oxygen intake, which forces your heart to work harder. If you’re planning your first 50-miler, study the course profile. Some runners can do 50 miles on a flat road in under 9 hours, but put the same runner on a mountain trail and they might need 12 hours or more. Terrain is a major factor in every ultramarathon.
Want to get better at climbing and descending? Try our Uphill Workouts – Hill Training for Runners to prepare for technical trail terrain.
Why Would You Want to Run 50 Miles?
Because it changes you. Running 50 miles pushes your limits in ways that few things in life can. It forces you to manage your body, mind, and willpower across an entire day. The reward is a deep sense of accomplishment that few other challenges can offer.
No matter your time, running 50 miles will teach you patience, humility, and resilience. You’ll feel everything—joy, frustration, hunger, pride. You might cry at an aid station. You’ll probably question your life choices somewhere around mile 37. But crossing that finish line? That feeling stays with you forever. It becomes part of who you are. One runner I met signed up on a whim and finished in 13 hours. When he crossed the line, tears in his eyes, he said, “This was the hardest, best day of my life.”
50-Mile Ultra Run Training Insights
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Typical Weekly Mileage | 45–65 miles per week during peak training |
| Training Phase Length | 16–24 weeks total, often divided into Base, Build, Peak, Taper |
| Peak Long Run Distance | 28–35 miles (or back-to-back 20 + 15 miles) |
| Calories Burned (Estimate) | 6,000–8,000 calories depending on pace, weight, and terrain |
| Hydration Needs | About 16–24 oz of fluid per hour; varies with heat and humidity |
| Gear Turnover Rate | Shoes: replace every 300–400 miles; socks: 100–200 miles |
| Common Injuries | Blisters, IT band syndrome, dehydration, hyponatremia |
| Mental Fatigue Risk | High after 6+ hours; needs practice with mindset and motivation |
Signs You're Ready for 50 Miles
There’s no perfect test. But you can look at your recent running history and your mindset. If you’ve run a marathon or a 50k in the past year, and you’re comfortable training four or five days per week, you’re probably in a good spot. The mental part is just as important: are you willing to be uncomfortable for hours? Do you want the experience more than the medal?
You can always start small and work your way up. A 50k race is a great stepping stone. If you’re unsure, sign up anyway and give yourself time to prepare. There are few moments more powerful than stepping up to a start line not knowing if you’ll finish—and finding out you can.
Recommended Gear for Running 50 Miles
Comfort matters more than brand. Most runners use trail shoes with good grip, a hydration vest or bottles, and tried-and-true nutrition like gels, bars, or real food. You’ll also want anti-chafe balm, breathable layers, and a headlamp if there’s any chance you’ll be running in the dark.
Nothing new on race day—that’s the golden rule. Everything should be tested in training. One time I changed socks right before a race and paid the price with giant blisters by mile 20. Lesson learned. Choose gear that works for your body and terrain. If your pack bounces or your shoes rub, it will magnify over hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to train for a 50-mile race?
Most people follow a training plan for 16–24 weeks. That gives your body time to build endurance gradually without injury. It also allows room for cutback weeks, testing gear, and solving nutrition issues before race day.
Can you run 50 miles without sleep?
Do I need to eat during a 50-mile run?
Is a 50-mile race harder than a marathon?
What pace should I aim for in my first 50-miler?
How Long Does It Take to Run 50 Miles? The Real Answer Starts With You
Running 50 miles might sound wild. But here’s the truth—you’re more capable than you think. This is about more than finish times. It’s about showing up, facing fear, and pushing your limits with a full heart. Whether you finish in 7 hours or 17, the journey is the reward.
If you’re looking for a training plan or coaching support, check out our ultra marathon coaching plans. We’re here to help you cross that finish line with strength and pride.
