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Questions and answers about sports

How long do I have to train to be a Ultra Trail Runner?

4 min read

Asked by: Mohd Laksana

We recommend allowing about 6 months to complete an ultramarathon training program, but depending on your running experience, you may need even more time to build up. Before starting your ultra training, you should be able to run for about an hour.

How long does it take to become an ultramarathon runner?

When choosing your first ultramarathon, we recommend a 50k. It’s a great distance, a very cool challenge and it’s a great starting race. With the right training plan and preparation, you can be ready to run your first 50k within 3-4 months.

How do you train for a trail ultra?

An ultra training cycle should look very similar to any other running training cycle. Most runs should be easy and not too long—between 30 and 90 minutes depending on your background. Then, after you have a base, start doing weekly long runs as you would for marathon training.

How do you become a professional ultra runner?

Step one: get a Instagram account, strava account and start your own YouTube channel and blog. Step two: start putting in 100+ miles a week on the trails. Step three: post a photo every other day of you on the trails. Make a YouTube video about your training every other week.

How much do ultra runners train?

In other words, you need at least 6 hours per week of training, for at least 3 weeks, to be successful at the 50K and 50-mile ultra distances. For the 100K and 100-mile ultra distances, you need at least 9 hours of training per week for 6 weeks.

Can anyone be an ultra runner?

Let me say it again: If you have successfully finished a marathon injury-free, you can in fact most likely run an ultramarathon. The logical step up in distance from a marathon would be a 50 km race (31.1 miles), at just five miles longer than the marathon.

Can I train for an ultra in 3 months?

Your Ultramarathon Training Plan



We recommend allowing about 6 months to complete an ultramarathon training program, but depending on your running experience, you may need even more time to build up. Before starting your ultra training, you should be able to run for about an hour.

Do ultra runners walk?

Ultramarathons are walking/running events of any distance above the marathon 42 kilometers (26.2 miles). While these events are usually set up for runners, walkers are welcomed if they can meet the required time cutoffs. Participants can usually take breaks at will throughout the event to eat, rest or refresh.

How do I start running ultras?

8 Tips for Getting into Ultra Running

  1. Develop a Training Plan. If you’re overwhelmed by the very idea of running 100 miles, let alone putting a training plan together, turn to the internet. …
  2. Gather Some Essential Gear. …
  3. Make your Runs Interesting. …
  4. Set a Goal. …
  5. Don’t Go It Alone. …
  6. Figure Out Your Fuel. …
  7. Mix Things Up. …
  8. Take Days Off.


How hard is a 50K Ultra?

A 50k race (31 miles) is a great challenge, and is the perfect place to start your ultra-running journey. It’s a big accomplishment, but it’s also attainable. Yes, it’s hard–but also yes, it’s important–to train and prepare your body with consistency and dedication when training for your first 50k.

Do ultra runners lift weights?

Reps and Sets



Use 1–5 reps for 3–6 sets to build strength. This is heavy lifting. It promotes both neurological and tendon adaptations that make you more efficient and durable. Most runners should spend time lifting in this range, as heavy lifting benefits sprinters and ultra-distance runners alike.

Can you run 100 miles without training?

The problem with running 100 miles without training is that you cannot visualize.

What makes a good ultra runner?

Research has found that the fastest runners over shorter distances will have a greater chance of winning ultramarathons. Two studies have suggested that there’s a strong association between fast marathon speeds and the ability to sustain performance over much longer distances.

What is considered an ultra runner?

It has certainly grown in popularity in the last few years, but what is ultra running? An ultramarathon is a run that covers any distance longer than that of a standard marathon – therefore, any run longer than 26.2 miles, or 42.195 kilometres is an ultramarathon.

Do ultra marathoners take breaks?

A lot of ultra-marathons take place over mountainous and technical terrain, at times forcing runners to slow to a walk in order to safely move forward. Alternatively, ultra-runners tend to take frequent walk breaks anyway, due to sheer exhaustion.