Whether you regularly run short distances or are training for your next 50K, you’re probably well aware that hitting the pavement or trails can take a serious toll on your body.
Regular runners are no strangers to injury.
Ultrarunning takes your regular run a step (or quite a few) further to the tune of an average of 50K.
Some ultrarunners go for 100 mile races. To say injury is common in ultrarunning would almost be putting it mildly.
Some of the most common injuries sustained by long-distance runners include:
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Shin splints
- ACL injuries
- Peroneal tendinitis
- Hamstring strain
- Twisted ankles
Needless to say, ultrarunning takes not only a lot of endurance but a serious commitment to pushing your body to the ultimate limit.

Rather than continuing to reach for a bottle of ibuprofen to relieve pain and inflammation associated with these injuries (and running long distances in general), ultrarunners have begun to turn to CBD instead.
Why CBD?
For one, it’s a safe alternative to over-the-counter pain meds that countless runners (and other athletes) take on a regular basis.
While pain relievers like acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) do work to relieve pain, they come with some pretty scary side effects not everyone is aware of.
OTC pain pills may relieve pain, but regular use (which is common in ultrarunners) can lead to some serious health consequences.
Some of these health risks associate with the use of NSAIDs include:
- Increased risk of heart disease
- Ulcers
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Increased blood pressure
- Kidney damage/failure
Some of the health risks associated with the use of acetaminophen include:
- Headache
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Liver damage/failure
- Severe skin allergies
- Increased risk of some cancers
These are but a few of the side effects and health risks associated with common OTC medications countless people take on a regular basis. Crazy, right?
It’s no wonder so many ultrarunners are turning to CBD instead.

What are the Benefits of CBD for Ultrarunners?
CBD has created quite the buzz in the ultrarunning community.
No, it’s not getting runners high. But it does have some crazy amazing benefits for those who get high off running long distances.
For one, there’s the unprecedented ability of CBD to help reduce inflammation.
A 2017 study, for example, found that CBD helped reduce inflammation in animal models with arthritis.
CBD can also help reduce pre-run anxiety, which many ultrarunners are obviously familiar with.
Running 30-100 miles can be a bit intimidating, wouldn’t you say?
The topical application of CBD is also known to offer serious localized inflammation and pain-relief for sore muscles, joints, and tendons following a long-distance run.
Honestly, why wouldn’t ultrarunners find benefit in CBD.
It’s truly no wonder the popularity of the non-psychoactive cannabinoid has taken off in the ultrarunning community. It’s awesome pain relief, injury recovery, and more.
While CBD is something countless regular and ultrarunners alike are finding benefits their running routine, it’s not the only cannabinoid they’re finding holds benefit for their favorite pastime.
THC is also extremely popular amongst some long-distance runners.
Check it out.
Are There Other Cannabinoids Ultrarunners are Interested In?