10 Things I Learned Crewing Ultras
The first time I crewed an ultra marathon, I honestly had no idea what to expect. I’d been to road races. I’d seen marathons and Ironmans. I figured it would involve cheering on the sidelines and celebrating at the finish line.
What I didn’t realize was that crewing an ultra marathon is a full, hands-on emotional experience.
Ultras unfold over hours (sometimes days), aid stations become mini command centers, and crews play a huge role in helping runners get to the finish line.
If you’re preparing for your first time crewing an ultra or looking for ways to improve your race day experience:
Here are 10 things I wish I knew before crewing my first ultra marathon
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1. Ultras Are Very Different From Marathons
If your only race experience is road races, ultras will feel completely different. Runners may be out on the trail anywhere from 10 to 30+ hours depending on the race.
Crews typically leapfrog between ultra marathon aid stations, waiting for their runner to appear before helping them refuel and get them back out onto the course quickly.
It’s slower, at times more rugged, and far more unpredictable than a typical race day.
2. Aid Stations Are Where the Race Happens
Aid stations are where the action happens.
Runners may sit down, change clothes, eat real food, refill hydration, and reset before heading back out onto the trail. It’s also often where you help your runner regroup mentally.
It doesn’t matter how many times I’ve crewed, aid stations still feel a little chaotic -- but in the best way.
3. Your Runner May Want Different Things
Before race day, runners typically have their nutrition fully planned out. Then the race starts…and sometimes the plan goes out the window.
Food preferences change. Stomachs get sensitive. Plans evolve. I’ve sat at too many aid stations while my runner was throwing up. The most important skill a crew member can have is flexibility…and maybe a strong stomach.
4. Crewing Often Involves a Lot of Waiting
One of the biggest surprises when crewing an ultra is how much waiting is involved.
You may wait hours between seeing your runner. But when they arrive, everything moves quickly: bottles get refilled, gear gets swapped, they scarf down carbs, and then they head back out onto the trail.
Crewing is a mix of long waits and fast action.
Find ways to entertain yourself or bring a little extra comfort to your crew. I’ve brought everything from card games to temporary tattoos and glow sticks just to keep spirits high.
If you're looking for gear that makes crewing easier, I shared my favorite crew-tested gear in this article:
👉 Top 5 Amazon Finds for Ultra Crews
5. You Will Meet the Most Amazing People
I often say: “My husband found ultra running, I found the community behind it.”
Aid stations bring together volunteers and crews -- usually complete strangers who somehow all end up cheering for the same goal -- getting runners to the finish line.
You’ll swap stories and share advice while waiting for runners to arrive. You’ll lend each other snacks or maybe even extra lube. You’ll cheer on their runner and they’ll do the same for yours.
Ultra running may look like an individual sport from the outside, but once you experience race weekend, you realize it’s built on community.
6. Some Aid Stations Are Hard to Reach
Not all ultra marathon aid stations are easy to access.
Some may require:
Driving down dirt roads
Taking shuttle buses
Walking from designated parking areas
Navigating limited parking
Race guides usually explain access points ahead of time, but travel between aid stations often takes longer than expected, especially when you consider packing up and tearing down.
I’ve definitely had moments where I arrived at an aid station at the same time as my runner -- which adds stress to an already hectic moment. Planning extra time makes race day much smoother.
7. Communication Isn’t Always Reliable
Many ultras take place in remote areas where cell service is spotty or nonexistent.
Tracking apps can lag, messages may not go through, and sometimes your only guide is estimated pacing.
I always bring long-distance walkie talkies for my crew to communicate -- especially when multiple crew members are leapfrogging between aid stations. I’m also a big fan of the Garmin InReach because it allows you to track and communicate with your runner even in remote areas.
8. Where You Stay on Race Weekend Matters
One thing I didn’t think about enough before my first race was lodging logistics. Hotels and campgrounds near popular ultra marathons fill up quickly, and staying close to key race locations can make the entire weekend easier.
Depending on the race, you may want lodging that allows you to:
Grab a quick nap between aid stations
Shower and reset
Avoid long late-night drives
In some races, you may not even have time to return to your lodging.
💡 Insider Tip: I like to book an extra night after race day. Usually the last thing my runner wants to do after finishing an ultra is immediately get in a car and drive home. Having that extra night built in gives us flexibility to celebrate and catch up on some much needed sleep.
9. Crews Matter More Than You Realize
When runners are deep into an ultra, they’re tired, emotional, and mentally drained. Sometimes they even say things they don’t truly mean. A calm and organized crew can make a huge difference in how the race unfolds.
Sometimes the most valuable thing you provide isn’t gear or food. It’s reassurance and steady support. You may feel the opposite of calm on the inside, but your job is to stay steady and keep the positivity going.
Ultra running may look like an individual sport, but behind the scenes it’s very much a team effort.
10. The Finish Line Is Emotional for You Too
It probably comes as no surprise, but the finish line is emotional.
Even though you didn’t run the miles, you were part of the entire journey: the planning, the waiting, the late-night aid stations, and the encouragement along the way.
When your runner crosses that finish line, you share in the celebration.
✨ Welcome to the Ultra Widow Crew
If you're preparing to crew your first ultra marathon or need more resources you’re in the right place!
Welcome, we’re glad you’re here! You don’t need to have it all figured out. This community exists to help you feel prepared, supported, and confident through every race, every distance, and every season.
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Follow along on social for real-life crew moments, practical tips, and reminders that you’re not doing this alone. You belong here.
HEY THERE, I’M ASHLEY
I’m the creator of Ultra Widow during the week and my ultra runner husband’s Crew Captain on race weekends.
This is a place for those of who didn’t sign up for the race but still show up anyway.
I’m glad you’re here, welcome to our crew!
