A debate has been running for years. Which foot race is the world's hardest? By utilising scientific modelling, we've been able to directly compare each of these races against one another to finally reveal the toughest race in the world once and for all...in theory.
We present our findings from analysing the GPX Data and average high temperatures to gauge the predicted calorie burn from the world's toughest races as identified by Runners' World. The intention of this study is to start a dialogue between people to further discuss their thoughts, feelings and experiences on which race they believe is the toughest in the world.
Variables
Distance
Elevation Gain
Avg. High Temperature
Energy Expenditure
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The Dragon's Back Race in Wales is the longest race out there. The Moab 240 comes in second, taking runners through some of the most beautiful landscapes you'll ever see, while Wild Horse comes in third, offering a more challenging course across South Wales for those up to the challenge.
Total Distance
Dragon's Back Race multi-day
Moab 240 non-stop
Wild Horse non-stop
Non-stop Race
Multi-day Race
The Tour des Geants is a mountainous French race, whose name translates to “Tours of Giants”. The course has the most elevation gain out of all the races on this list! However, the most challenging race is not always the one with the highest elevation gain. When we look at elevation gain per mile, The Barkley Marathons takes the top spot.
Total Elevation Gain
Tour Des Geantsnon-stop
Dragon's Back Race multi-day
The Barkley Marathons non-stop
Elevation gain per mile
The Barkley Marathons non-stop
Tour Des Geantsnon-stop
Badwater 135 non-stop
Non-stop Race
Multi-day Race
One of the most prestigious endurance races in the world, Badwater 135 has a reputation for being hot and tedious. There's no denying it when you see it topping our highest average temperature table by a country mile!
Temperature (c)
Badwater 135non-stop
Marathon Des Sables multi-day
Everest Marathon non-stop
The Tour de Geants may be the biggest total calorie-burner in the world, but when it comes to sheer difficulty and endurance per mile, there's no contest. We can unofficial announce that The Barkely Marathons might just be the hardest foot race out there today. Share this article and let us know your thoughts on social media.
calories per mile
The Barkley Marathons non-stop
Tour Des Geantsnon-stop
Badwater 135 non-stop
Total calorie Burn
Tour Des Geants non-stop
The Dragon's Back multi-day
Moab 240 non-stop
Non-stop Race
Multi-day Race
Limitations
For simplicity, this study looked at calorie burn in relation to GPX data only. Major variables, such as humidity and surface type, have been ignored. Although these variables would have a considerable impact on the energy expenditure required to complete the course, the scientific modelling is either too complicated or data sets not available for analysis.
Method
The Barkley Marathons
It should be noted that as The Barkley Marathons do not allow GPS trackers to be worn during the race so a GPX route map is not readily available for analysis. Because of this, a GPX route map was traced out from a route map published by The Washington Post.
Energy Consumption Calculator
The Estimate Energy Consumption When Running or Walking Calculator analyses GPX data to predicted a runners calorie burn while completing a specified route. The calculator is formulated on the model by B. Crowell described in the paper, From treadmill to trails: predicting performance of runners.
B. Crowell analysed 109,000 race results from 2,200 runners participating in more than one race, so that their times could be compared under different conditions. He formulated a model that could predict the energy expenditure expected by a runner running a set distance on a set incline or decline.
Ambient Temperature Factor
The paper, Impact of ambient temperature on energy cost and economical speed during level walking in healthy young males, analysed the calorie expenditure in males at seven speeds from 0.67 to 1.67 m s−1 (4 min per stage) in thermoneutral (23°C), cool (13°C), and hot (33°C) environments.
These results suggest that an acutely hot environment slowed the Economic Speed by ∼7%, but an acutely cool environment did not affect the oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide output and Economic Speed. Therefore, at higher temperatures, although the body's ability to consume energy does not change, the participant's speed slows, thus taking longer to complete the distance and expending more calories.
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Test your limits and ignite your resilience against our epic online challenges, inspired by the world's toughest tests. Take part free, from anywhere, anytime, from the comfort of your own location.