There is a 321 km race to be completed in a tunnel and in the dark
This is what the “Ultra Tunnel” race makes the few ultra marathoners who have attempted this extreme challenge endure every year. Located in the small town of Bath, England, this unique race also nicknamed the “tunnel of death” requires the brave few to run through a 1.8 kilometer long tunnel with poor lighting during the day and complete darkness. at night, with the right to a headlamp only during nighttime hours. With 95% abandonments on its counter, it only welcomed one finisher in 2019 when it was created, and 44 in 2022. The icing on the cake: you have to pay €300 to participate and have finished at least once in his life a 160 kilometer race. So, you like it ?
Also read: I tried running on an empty stomach for a month and here’s what I thought about it
Running makes you smarter
According to a study carried out by twelve American researchers and published in the scientific journal “Cell Metabolism”, the practice of running stimulates the production of cathepsin B. This protein plays an essential role in the generation of new neurons in the The hippocampus, an area of the brain responsible for memory and spatial orientation. Running therefore seems beneficial for cognitive functions by promoting this neuronal activity.
There is a marathon where you can drink wine and eat oysters during the race
And, not surprisingly, he is in France. The third most famous marathon in the world, the Médoc marathon was imagined in 1984 by five friends. Their initial idea? Invent a race that celebrates good humor, conviviality and celebration. This 42.195 km race which takes place in the Gironde crosses the major wine estates and has some somewhat surprising requirements. It is obligatory to dress up according to a different theme each year, and it is possible or even obligatory to taste wines, eat rib-eye steak or oysters along the route. To run in celebration, at each kilometer, 42 musical entertainment punctuate the race with their talent and good humor. The ideal race to push your limits while having fun.
It is possible to run the entire length of the African continent in less than a year
And his name is Russ Cook. This 27-year-old Briton set himself a challenge in April 2023: to run across the entire African continent. He left on April 22, 2023 from the southernmost point of South Africa, to reach Cape Angela, in Tunisia, the northernmost point of Africa, on April 7. All in less than a year (240 days) and running the equivalent of a marathon every day. 16 countries, 16,250 kilometers and €700,000 raised for the British charity Running Charity which helps young homeless people: this is the feat of which this sportsman, formerly addicted to alcohol and gambling, can now boast. A challenge which was not without incident, since he and his team were victims of an armed robbery in Angola during the 64e day of his journey. An event which did not, however, prevent him from completing his incredible performance in less than a year. Hat.
Only 0.17% of the world’s population has ever completed a marathon
This statistic is a dream for all beginner, intermediate and even professional runners (and me who writes these lines). So, while this figure has surely increased by a few units since it was first given (2021!), running a marathon remains a feat that few people will accomplish in their lifetime. So when you sign up to run a marathon, you’re taking your place in history. However, running 42.195 km remains as much of an achievement as leaving the house and motivating yourself to go run even just one kilometer…
Also read: Running: how to start running?
Running would have the same effect as drugs
When you run, the body releases endorphins and endocannabinoids, neurotransmitters that bind to opioid and endocannabinoid receptors, respectively. These chemicals cause what is more commonly called “runner’s high” syndrome: a feeling of euphoria and well-being where pain and fatigue seem to disappear, giving way to a pleasant feeling of happiness. The body then produces endorphins and endocannabinoids, which have the same receptors as cannabis. This feeling of euphoria can, however, occur randomly, but is generally observed during long effort and sustained intensity.
