Trail and ultra coaching
Trail and Ultra Running Coach
Training for a trail ultra is about time on your feet, climbing strength and fuelling, not just kilometres. I won the 50 year category at the UTA100K by UTMB in 2026, and I coach trail and ultra runners with the same approach I use to prepare for my own races.
- 1st place (50yr) UTA100K by UTMB, 2026
- Racing road, trail and ultra for 13+ years
- Running form analysis included
How do I train for an ultra marathon?
- Build weekly time on feet gradually, not just distance
- Do back to back long runs on weekends to train tired legs
- Practise climbing and descending, including power hiking
- Train your gut: eat and drink in every long run
- Rehearse with your race kit, poles and headlamp
How long does it take to train for a 100 km ultra?
With a solid marathon or 50K background, most runners need six to nine months to prepare well for 100 km. Coming from shorter races, start with a 50K first.
How do you train for hills if you live in the city?
Use what you have: stairs, short steep streets, treadmill incline, and car park ramps. Repeat climbs, step ups and strength work build the legs. Then add trail days when you can, so your feet learn rocks and roots.
Training for UTA
The Blue Mountains course is famous for stairs and long descents. Training for UTA means a lot of climbing, strong quads for the downhills, and fuelling that holds up for many hours. I know the course because I race it.
What should I eat during an ultra?
Most runners aim for a steady intake of carbohydrate every hour, from gels, drinks and real food, plus fluids and electrolytes to suit the conditions. The exact amount is personal, which is why you practise it in training.
Questions runners ask
How do I train for UTA100?
Build time on feet over six to nine months, train on stairs and long descents, do back to back long runs and practise your race fuelling in every long session.
How many weeks to train for a 100km ultra?
Most runners with a marathon or 50K background need around six to nine months of focused training.
How many km a week for an ultra marathon?
It varies widely. Time on feet and vertical gain matter more than kilometres alone, so plans are often built in hours rather than distance.
Do I need a coach for an ultra?
A coach helps you balance volume, climbing and recovery, and plan fuelling and kit, which is where most ultra races go wrong.
How do you train for hills if you live in the city?
Use stairs, steep streets, treadmill incline and step ups, plus strength work, and get onto real trails whenever you can.
Can a beginner run an ultra?
Yes, with patience. Start with a trail half or marathon, then a 50K, before stepping up to longer ultras.
Ready to train with a coach?
Talk it through with me on a free video call. No pressure, no lock in contract.