Jamie Frink fell in love two years ago on a trail in Lone Pine. Chad Long took the plunge that same spring in Cool. And Patrick DellaPace found similar joy last year on a challenging ascent to Auburn.

The object of their affection? Ultrarunning, which lures people from the road racing world with the promise of testing their physical limits, savoring nature's beauty and sharing in a laid-back culture that emphasizes camaraderie over competition.

The sport's popularity keeps growing. Ultramarathons – any event longer than a marathon – have filled up faster and faster in the past several years as newcomers join veterans on the trails in search of physical, emotional and spiritual payoffs.