Most people know that a marathon is 26.2 miles (42.195 kilometers). An ultramarathon is a race of any distance of more than 26.2 miles, although they typically begin at 31 miles (50 kilometers). Standard distances are 50 miles (81 kilometers), 62 miles (100 kilometers), and 100 miles (161 kilometers). Some races are much longer. The longest road race is the Self-Transcendence at 3,100 miles (5,000 kilometers).
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Mel Sykes is an ultramarathon runner. She was at her peak. She ran and won the Summer Spine Challenger South in 2023. That was when, as Mel puts it, “her brain fell out.” The runner began experiencing balance problems and blurred vision. She was diagnosed with Chiari Malformation, which causes the brain to shift out of place and drop out the back of the skull. Eventually, the shifting causes pressure on the brain stem and spinal cord.
To correct the condition, Mel underwent brain surgery followed by intensive care. She wasn’t sure she would be able to run after the surgery. She entered a “short” 18-mile race within four months of the surgery. In June 2024, she returned to the Summer Spine Challenger South and placed second.
Tackling A 268-Mile Ultramarathon Post-Surgery
Mel Sykes completed the Montane Winter Spine Race 2025 a few days ago. This monster of an ultramarathon is 268 grueling miles under sometimes brutal winter conditions. The race was not without challenges, and it stretched Mel to the edge of her physical ability. She navigated the race by singing Disney hits and Vengaboys during her darkest moments.
On the verge of hypothermia after encountering heavy snow, Mel was able to stop at the Horton-in-Ribblesdale monitoring station for assistance. The race has Spine Safety Teams (SSTs) throughout the course to help runners. Team member Ian found shelter in the bathroom and helped her access her kit. Once in dry clothes, she wrapped up in her bivvy bag to warm up and return to the race.
She plodded along the entire race. About 1.5 miles from the finish line, she tripped on a stone. The fall resulted in cracked ribs, but this fierce little woman was not giving up. Mel crossed the finish line after running 268 miles and getting less than five hours of sleep over several days (132 hours). It has been less than two years since her major brain surgery in October 2023.
Mel Sykes is a warrior.
You can find the source of this story’s featured image here and here.
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