The 2019 ultramarathon season stands as one of the most significant years in the history of long-distance running. Before the global disruptions of the following years, 2019 saw record-breaking performances, a surge in participation, and the cementing of legendary status for several elite runners. If you are looking for specific race results, schedules, or historical data from that year, this guide provides a comprehensive overview of the highlights and instructions on where to find detailed statistics.
Major 2019 Ultramarathon Highlights
The 2019 calendar was packed with iconic races across the globe. From the heat of the California canyons to the high-altitude trails of the Alps, the year provided some of the most memorable moments in the sport. Understanding these results helps runners benchmark their own progress and understand the evolution of trail and road running.
Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run
In June 2019, the Western States 100 witnessed a historic performance. Jim Walmsley broke his own course record, finishing with a staggering time of 14:09:28. This run solidified his position as one of the greatest ultramarathoners of the modern era. On the women’s side, Clare Gallagher took the win with a time of 17:23:25, which was the second-fastest women’s time in the race’s history at that point.
UTMB (Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc)
The 2019 UTMB in Chamonix, France, was equally spectacular. Pau Capell of Spain led the race from start to finish, completing the 171-kilometer loop around Mont Blanc in 20:19:07. In the women’s category, Courtney Dauwalter secured her first UTMB victory with a time of 24:34:26, finishing well ahead of the competition and placing 21st overall among all participants.
The Comrades Marathon
The 2019 Comrades Marathon was an “Up Run” year, starting in Durban and finishing in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. Edward Mothibi won the men’s race in 5:31:33. However, the standout performance came from Gerda Steyn, who shattered the women’s Up Run record with a time of 5:58:53, becoming the first woman to run the Up Run in under six hours.
How to Locate Specific 2019 Race Results
If you are searching for a specific result for a personal record or a local race held in 2019, several centralized databases maintain these records. Because thousands of ultramarathons take place annually, using a dedicated search tool is the most efficient way to find what you need.
- International Trail Running Association (ITRA): This is a primary resource for trail race results. You can search by runner name or by specific race event to see 2019 rankings and performance indexes.
- DUV Ultra Marathon Statistics: This database is perhaps the most comprehensive for both road and trail ultras. It allows you to filter by year, country, and distance. It is an excellent tool for finding results from smaller, regional races that may not have large media coverage.
- UltraSignup: For races based primarily in North America, UltraSignup is the go-to platform. You can view the 2019 archives for almost any race that used their registration platform.
Steps to Search Historical Race Data
Finding information from several years ago requires a systematic approach. Follow these steps to locate the 2019 data you are looking for:
- Identify the Race Name and Date: Ensure you have the correct name of the event. Many races have similar names but take place in different states or countries.
- Visit the Official Race Website: Most established ultramarathons maintain an “Archives” or “Past Results” section. Look for a dropdown menu that allows you to select the year 2019.
- Check Social Media Groups: If a race website is no longer active, search for the race’s Facebook page or community group. Organizers often posted PDF results or links to photo galleries in 2019.
- Use Global Rankings: If you are looking for an elite athlete’s performance, searching their name on a global ranking site will often reveal every race they completed in 2019 along with their finishing time and rank.
Why 2019 Data Matters for Runners Today
Reviewing 2019 race data is more than just a trip down memory lane. It serves several practical purposes for modern runners and coaches. By analyzing the finishing times and dropout rates (DNF rates) from that year, you can gain insights into the difficulty of specific courses.
Course Comparisons: Weather conditions in 2019 were particularly favorable for many races, leading to fast times. Comparing 2019 results to more recent years can help you understand how weather impacts finishing times on specific terrain.
Qualifying Standards: Many major races, such as the Western States or the Hardrock 100, use historical results to set their qualifying standards. If you are looking to qualify for a major event, reviewing the 2019 results can give you a clear picture of the performance level required.
Training Insights from the 2019 Season
The 2019 season was also a turning point for gear and training methodologies. We saw a significant increase in the use of high-cushion footwear and advanced hydration strategies among the top finishers. Many of the training logs shared by 2019 winners emphasized high-volume vertical gain and specific heat acclimation, which have now become standard practices in the sport.
If you are preparing for a race that was held in 2019, look for race reports written by participants from that year. These reports often provide detailed information on aid station food, trail markings, and the actual elevation gain measured by GPS watches, which can sometimes differ from the official race brochure.
Conclusion
Finding information about 2019 ultramarathons is straightforward if you know which databases to use. Whether you are researching a legendary performance by an elite athlete or looking up your own finishing time from a local trail race, the data is well-preserved across several platforms. By looking back at the results and trends of 2019, you can better prepare for your future racing goals and appreciate the growth of the ultramarathon community. For more guidance on race preparation and finding athletic records, explore our other articles on training and sports data management.