Oh... what have I signed on for here...?

In the pre-dawn darkness at Miami-Homestead Motor Speedway, a diverse group of athletes prepares for what might be one of the most grueling yet least-known endurance events in the world. The 24-Hour Miami Ultraskate isn't about professional athletes chasing sponsorships or fame—it's about ordinary people pushing their limits on longboards with a twist: they're using poles to propel themselves forward in a sport known as "skate poling."

The Event: 24 Hours of Endurance

The concept is deceptively simple: start at 8 am and complete as many 1.5-mile laps as possible over the next 24 hours. Competitors can take breaks on "pit row" or keep going, each pursuing their own goals and pushing their personal boundaries.

"I wanted to see what I could do, self challenge," explains one participant who surprised himself by completing 105 miles in his first attempt.

What makes this event particularly fascinating is the demographic. These aren't 20-something extreme sports athletes—they're mostly older enthusiasts who have found a sport that speaks to them, offering the perfect blend of challenge, community, and joy.

Finding Their Way to the Track

How does someone discover an obscure endurance event like the Ultraskate? For many, it's word-of-mouth from the tight-knit community.

"One of my pole customers told me that I had to come," shares one competitor who designs equipment for the sport. "It was a long way to Miami, but he got me so curious I flew to town and posted up with a few prototype poles seeking volunteers to try it."

Another participant traces his journey back to 2008: "After injuring my knee from running, I read a blog post about Barefoot Ted breaking the then record for Ultraskate. I was fascinated by the concept of traveling so far on a longboard though I had never set foot on any sort of skateboard previously."

For some, milestone birthdays serve as motivation. "I was turning 50 so my initial goal was to do 50 miles," admits one competitor.

Preparation (or Lack Thereof)

Training approaches vary dramatically among participants. Some follow structured regimens: "I peaked at about 15-20 hours of training per week, including one long ride per week of about four hours, lots of indoor cross training, and two to three strength sessions per week."

Others take a more relaxed approach: "Unpopular to most people coming to the event, I basically don't train. It feels as if I even ride less leading up to the event than after. In total for the four months prior to the race I would estimate riding 20-25 miles in 2-3mi rides."

One first-timer confesses, "I didn't train for it. I supskate a lot. I've worked up to longer skate sessions where I've been wiped out and then started incorporating gels and nutritional drinks to see what I reacted best with."

The Gear: Serious Business

Equipment discussions reveal the technical side of this emerging sport. Participants analyze their setups with the precision of Formula 1 engineers:

"I used the 60 inch SUPSkate deck. I love the long wheelbase and the light weight of the carbon/foam core construction, and the foam deck pad reminded me a lot of a water SUP deck. The latest iteration of the HST trucks is quite pumpable and fun as well."

Many have evolved their equipment over multiple events: "I learned how much of a necessity pumping was. I had to learn how to modify my HST Trucks to allow pumping, and then I had to develop some basic skills. It took me about four years worth of trying things to settle on the 55/ZRO truck set up on a 60in deck."

Lessons from the Track

First-timers and veterans alike speak of the learning curve that comes with the Ultraskate:

"First time I started the day too fast and kind of wore myself out early. Learned that just consistent steady pace and staying on the track as much as possible is the best approach."

Another participant shares the evolution of their strategy: "In my first Ultra I realized how consistent I really needed to maintain my speed and also was my first time fully learning the pumping maneuver needed to gain speed and not carve. My original years competing were on a team, which meant it was always a sprint, and in my recent two years I have been competing solo. This year I really embraced the idea of just staying on the track and chipping away at the miles instead of longer breaks and faster laps."

The event also teaches competitors about their bodies: "Pacing, rest, nutrition, hydration, support structure, the right mindset, and the right skillset all play into success."

Achieving Goals

Many participants set and exceed personal milestones:

"Had a goal for 200 miles, but hit 221 miles." "I met my goal which was 200 miles. But I always want more haha. Who doesn't?" "I achieved my goals of over 200 miles and achieved a new record for the 19-29 age group by a short margin."

But not everyone finds success: "I did NOT!" admits one honest competitor who came in sleep-deprived and "couldn't catch up in time to perform at an optimal level."

"I set a new women's world record and it was brutal.  That's something."  

The Aftermath

The physical toll is significant but varies among participants:

"I was tired and could barely walk. After sleeping 8 hours I felt stiff but moving around helped."

"After finishing I was definitely tired from staying awake for 26+ hours straight, and some fatigue in my upper body and forearms. The soles of my feet still felt slightly numb from all the vibration of going around a NASCAR speedway but all in all I was doing pretty good after the race."

One competitor details longer-lasting effects: "My feet were wrecked this year from standing on the deck the whole time. My toes are all still numb 15 days later. I must have a touch of peripheral neuropathy. And one forearm muscle has crepitus (crunching) when contracting. It is gradually improving."

Yet the emotional payoff seems worth the physical investment: "I'm beyond exhausted by the awards ceremony. It's an experience that drains all my body's energy and my brain's processing capability, but my emotional state is euphoric."

How Others Perceive This Unusual Passion

Friends and family reactions range from bewilderment to admiration:

"They thought I was crazy." "They seem to be both impressed and surprised that someone would actually skate for 24hrs straight." "Most of my friends are in awe that I compete at this level."

One participant reflects on the challenge of explaining the sport: "Saying you have travelled 200 miles in 24 hours on a skateboard only using a pole isn't the easiest thing for people to wrap their mind around other than the fact that it sounds 'extremely hard to do.'"

Advice for Newcomers

The overwhelming sentiment from veterans to newcomers? Just do it.

"Just go out and have fun. The only competition there is you doing something that you thought you couldn't and walking away surprised at what you have in you."

"It will be fun, no matter how long or far you ride. Watch and learn from everyone else and then don't be bashful about talking to people. Everyone else there is a little bit adventurous, so you'll make friends easily."

"Don't overthink it as there are hundreds of reasons not to do. None of them matter. Avoid analysis paralysis."

The Heart of Ultraskate

Beyond the miles and the gear, what emerges from these responses is a portrait of a unique community—one that welcomes newcomers, celebrates personal achievements over competition, and finds joy in the shared experience of endurance.

These aren't professional athletes with sponsorships and support teams. They're everyday people who've found something special in the rhythm of wheels on pavement and the camaraderie of fellow enthusiasts who understand the peculiar joy of propelling oneself forward, mile after mile, as the sun rises, sets, and rises again.

In a world that often celebrates only the young and professionally athletic, the 24-hour Miami Ultraskate stands as a testament to the enduring human desire to test limits, find community, and experience the unique satisfaction that comes from going just a little bit further than you thought possible.