I hate all that ultrarunning campaign stuff. I don't necessarily hate the distance, or the people that do it, but it's just so over the top all the time. Either its a poser with tons of gear on, or goals that are beyond outrageous, with no real data or experience to support that the runner can actually reach those outrageous goals.
To me, real runners run, and put up factual data of what they do. You don't see tons of photos of themselves, or outrageous gear all over the place. You may see pictures of their times and bibs, but that is about it.
Marathon swimming is totally different. There is no way you can fake that or cheat, because you have to be in the water, and officials and people will be watching over you. Marathon swimming is so strict that, if you wear anything more than a pair of swim trunks, goggles, and a swim cap, then it is not marathon swimming. And your time and distance are not legal.