Ultras

Many participants seek out the most "unpredictable" races—those with extreme weather or minimal control—as a way to mirror the challenges of real life and discover their true capabilities [2]. Perspectives from the Community On Football Ultras

Originating in Italy in the late 1960s and 70s, Ultra culture has evolved into a global movement of extreme fandom that blends passion, politics, and community [18, 22, 30]. Ultras

"Every time I sign up for an ultra, I look forward to the struggle... That is what drives us." [13] That is what drives us

"Ultras culture gives one a sense of community in a world that feels increasingly lonely and atomised." [5.1] On Ultramarathons many groups act as surrogate families

The 2025/2026 documentary film " ULTRAS " by Ragnhild Ekner provides an insider's look at these communities across Sweden, Italy, and Indonesia, focusing on their collective identity over individual recognition [5, 23, 25]. Ultramarathons: Testing Human Limits

While often associated with hooliganism or violence in the media, many groups act as surrogate families, offering a sense of belonging in atomized societies [16, 23].

Matchdays are defined by Tifos —massive, hand-crafted banners and mosaics—flares, constant chanting, and synchronized drums [5, 11, 23].