Live tracking for ultra marathons

Do you mean tracking a runner in a particular ultramarathon, or tracking your own run?

For following a racer, the best place to start is the race’s official website; it usually links to live GPS tracking or checkpoint updates. A few options:

• UTMB races: UTMB Live for live tracking. (live.utmb.world)
• Live splits and leaderboards: UltraLive shows official timing updates for participating races. (live.ultramarathon.se)
• GPS dot tracking: UltraRunTrack can map runners from published checkpoint splits when a race supports it. (ultraruntrack.com)
• Race-specific tracker: For example, JFK 50 Mile provides participant tracking through RaceJoy. (jfk50mile.org)

Tracking availability varies by event: some races show a live GPS location, while others only publish checkpoint times. Tell me the race name and year, and I can find its tracker.

Live tracking for ultras works in two main ways, and the difference matters when you're watching a race.

How it works

• Checkpoint-based (most races): Many events don't use GPS on runners. Volunteers or timing staff log each arrival at an aid station, and the software estimates where someone is between checkpoints. One service, ultralive.net, says it relies on volunteers to assist with the live, not "real time", runner tracking. Its predictions are based on the average of your latest historical data.
• GPS-based (some races): Athletes carry a tracker that reports position continuously. Only a few races do this, and real-time tracking is not possible for a race unless all runners wore GPS trackers.

Services for following races

• UltraRunTrack: Covers many of the hardest ultras and reads official splits to place every runner on the course. It notes that Badwater, Hardrock and Western States carry no trackers, so it relies on split data there. It also offers an archive of past races.
• Race organizer platforms: Many events host their own tracking. For example, UTMB runs UTMB Live for its races, and Open Tracking runs GPS tracking pages for several UK events. Competitive Timing's app lets you follow a participant by name or bib number.
• OpenSplitTime: A web-based option that offers the same kind of service as ultralive.net.

Tools for runners and crews

• UltraPlanRun: Lets you send crew a single link that opens in any web browser showing your position and live ETAs, with no app needed for them.
• Race Ultra: Lets crews see the same live view of your checkpoint arrivals and expected times.
• ultrack: A GPS tracker for ultra cycling and endurance events, which records your position, speed, and checkpoints with low battery use.

Practical tips

• Check the race website first. Most events publish a tracking link, and many also list a live video stream.
• Expect delays. Tracking depends on aid stations and volunteers, so updates can lag, especially in remote areas with poor signal.
• Use the bib number or name search on the tracker to follow a specific runner.

If you tell me which race you're following, I can look up its tracking page or the best way to follow it.

Live tracking for ultra marathons generally falls into two categories: official race-provided tracking and personal tracking solutions for runners and their crews.

1. Official Race Tracking

Most major ultra marathons provide their own tracking, but the technology behind it varies significantly based on the race's scale and terrain.

• Timing Mats/Checkpoints: Many races use RFID timing chips attached to the runner’s bib. These register a time only when the runner crosses a specific mat at an aid station. This is the most accurate for race results but does not show real-time progress between stations.
• Volunteer-Led Reporting: In very remote areas with no cellular coverage, races often rely on volunteers at aid stations to manually record bib numbers and radio them in to a central timing site.
• Dedicated GPS Trackers: Some prestigious or highly technical races provide GPS tracking devices (like SPOT or similar satellite-based trackers) to all participants. These transmit a location at regular intervals, allowing spectators to see a "live" dot on a map.
• Official Race Apps: Platforms like LiveTrail, RTRT.me, and MYLAPS are common. These often aggregate data from timing mats and, occasionally, GPS data from the runner's own smartphone to provide an integrated view of progress, estimated arrival times, and splits.

2. Personal Tracking (For Runners & Crews)

If you are a runner wanting to help your crew track you, or if the race does not provide robust tracking, these are the most common solutions:

• Satellite Communicators (e.g., Garmin inReach): This is the gold standard for remote races where cell service is non-existent. The device sends your location via satellite. While primarily for messaging, it can be configured to share a tracking link with your crew. Note that this can be battery-intensive and requires a clear view of the sky.
• Live Tracking Apps:
  • Strava Beacon: Allows you to share a live link with select contacts. It works well where cell coverage is available but will "catch up" once you regain service if you lose it.
  • Garmin LiveTrack: If you wear a compatible Garmin watch paired to your phone, it can automatically email or text a link to your crew, showing your real-time location and stats.
  • Smartphone GPS: Some apps allow you to use your phone as a beacon. This is convenient but relies heavily on cell coverage and battery life.

Summary Table: Which one should you use?

Pro Tip for Crews: Even with the best technology, signals can drop in canyons or dense forests. Always combine digital tracking with a good old-fashioned race plan—know your runner's estimated pace and expected arrival times at aid stations, and treat GPS data as an "estimate" rather than a precise guarantee.

If you’re looking to follow an ultramarathon live, start with the race’s official website or app—tracking is usually event-specific.

• UTMB World Series races: Use UTMB Live and search for the event, then the runner’s name or bib number. It offers runner tracking and race updates. ¹
• Other trail ultras: Check LiveTrail, which has event pages and public and runner-focused app features. ²
• Live results and leaderboards: UltraLive is a free option for races it covers, with splits, standings, and projections. ³
• Find races with tracking links: Ultramarathon Database lists current and upcoming ultras and links to tracking when available. ⁴

A note about “live location”: Some races provide GPS positions; others update only at checkpoints and may show estimated progress between them. For example, UltraRunTrack says it estimates positions from official split times for races without runner GPS devices. ⁵

If you share the race name and year—or whether you mean tracking a runner’s own training—I can point you to the most relevant option.

¹ UTMB Live
² LiveTrail
³ UltraLive
⁴ Ultramarathon Database live tracking
⁵ UltraRunTrack