We know that everyone is capable of completing a multi stage ultra marathon, and that the hardest step is often the first. There are many things written and said about multistage events, with differing opinions and, quite often, simply too much over-complication. It can be very easy to overthink it, when focusing on the basics is all you need.

There is no reason to be scared of the challenge. It will take commitment, yes, but do not think that you need to give up on social life, run crazy amounts of miles, and stop drinking in order to get to the finish line of an Ultra X event!

Some stats about our previous finishers of 5 stage events:

~ More than 40% have never run a marathon before signing up

~ 33% of finishers train for an event for between 4 and 6 months
and 39% for between 2 and 4 months

~ The average longest training week (peak week) for competitors is 100km (62 miles)

Every December, we challenge our community to run 100km between Christmas and New Year. So yes, if you’ve finished the Ultra X #Holiday100, you’ve already run as far in (just over) a week as our average finisher in their biggest training week!

1) physical preparation

Physical preparation is highly specific and will depend on several factors, including: how far out from the race your training begins, your current fitness levels, and your race goals. However, below we’ve created some example training plans for our 125/250 km multi-stage races as well as the 50 km single stages to help you begin structuring your physical training.

NOTE: These plans should be used as a framework and each session should be tailored as appropriate for each individual. Follow plans blindly, without listening to your body, and you will be asking for trouble. However, adopt a learning mindset and you will be better able to adapt the principles and make them fit your goals, training history, and time available. If you would like a bespoke training plan or to work with a coach for an event, simply email us at contact@ultra-x.co and we will put you in touch with our network of experienced coaches all around the world.

3) kit, nutrition and race admin

 kit and equipment

Your admin is the key to your success. You can spend hours of time and lots of money messing this up while learning how to get it right. Luckily, we’ve been in the game for a while and have made all the mistakes – so you don’t have to. We also love to learn all about new equipment and test it out for ourselves.

Our partners at myRaceKit will offer you expert advice on the mandatory kit required at all of our events (specific kit lists can be found on the race pages) as well as 10% off everything with the code mrkultrax10. Follow the links below to purchase mandatory items as well as additional recommended kit.

nutrition

Everyone will have their own calorie requirements and favourite foods. We encourage you to carry out thorough nutrition tests in training to ensure your body reacts well with each food item when under physical stress. For further information and advice on nutrition planning for multi-stage events, check out the articles below.

We recommend Base Camp Food as a good website from which to source a variety of different camping meals. For a 5% discount on any food products use this link and enter the discount code UltraX5 at checkout.