The sex differences showed that male runners performed better than female runners, but the lowest differences in recent years were observed in the 24 h ultra-marathons.

For both events, the sex differences in performance decreased over time.

Results: An increase in the number of participants and a decrease in running speed were observed across the years. The age of peak performance was tested according to their ranking position (first–third fourth–tenth and >tenth position) and taking into account their running speed in different age categories (60 years), using the Kruskal–Wallis test, followed by the Bonferroni adjustment. Materials and Methods: The sample comprised 210,455 runners in time-limited ultra-marathons (female 12 h = 23,706 female 24 h = 28,585 male 12 h = 61,594 male 24 h = 96,570) competing between 18 and aged 18 to 86 years. The aim of the study was to describe the trends in runners’ participation, performance and age in 12 h and 24 h ultra-marathons for both sexes and to identify the age of peak performance, taking into account the ranking position and age categories. However, no information is available regarding the trends in participation, performance and age in 12 h and 24 h time-limited events. Background and Objectives: Increases in the number of participants in time-limited ultra-marathons have been reported.

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