Trail race training blueprint

Free 16-Week Training Plan for Canyons Endurance Runs by UTMB 100M

Train for long canyon climbs, warm exposed running, and a fast but demanding finish into Auburn.

At 161 km with 5,550 m of elevation gain, this is an ultra-distance effort that demands careful fueling, pacing, and mental resilience. At 34 m of vertical per kilometer, much of the course is runnable — the plan focuses on building your aerobic cruising speed while preparing you for the steeper sections. The official cutoff is 35 hours, so pace management starts from week one.

Race date: Fri, 23 April 2027 Open entry 161 km · 5,550 m Start: 12:00

Race prep workspace

Continue Canyons Endurance Runs by UTMB 100M

Your race plan, next route workout, official GPX, fueling, cutoff, weather, and calendar link in one place.

First week
Week 1

Base Building · 0/5 workouts done

Next key workout
Easy hills + uphill strides

Tue · 2027-01-05 · 1h 50m · ~12.6 km · +400 m

Race demand
34 m/km

161 km · 5,550 m · Strict cutoff

Race countdown
203 days

Fri, 23 April 2027

Public race preparation

Share the training preview

I'm preparing for Canyons Endurance Runs by UTMB 100M. Here is the public training preview. 161 km · +5,550 m · 203 days to race day Public preview only; my private routes and schedule changes are not included. Plan: https://trailsplits.com/races/canyons-endurance-runs-by-utmb-100m/training-plan?tier=strong-finish&strength=1&strength_track=no-gym&engine=unified&days=3

Tier: strong-finish. Strength: no-gym.

My kept plans

No account needed. A kept plan stays on this browser until its storage is cleared; find it under My kept plans, where you can also change single weeks.

Optional account and live calendar

Save it to your account, subscribe once, then adjust concrete dates as life changes. Signed-in plan changes save automatically and update the same personal calendar URL.

Use the snapshot calendar without an account, or sign in for autosave.

Fuel calculator

Calendar

Choose a subscription that refreshes, or download a one-time copy.

Terrain autopilot

Find a matching route near you

We'll look for a loop near you that matches your next run (1h 50m · ~12.6 km · +400 m) and rehearses the 34 m/km demand of 100M.

Terrain intel

Expect dusty singletrack, American River canyon climbs, runnable ridges, and sustained heat-exposed descents.

Weather & kit

Late April can be warm in the canyons, with cool starts and large temperature swings.

What this plan focuses on

  • Build heat-ready endurance.
  • Practice long descents before climbs.
  • Fuel consistently on runnable trail.
  • Train hiking efficiency for canyon walls.
  • Use route previews to pace the Auburn finish.

Unified race plan · beta

Uses the same load, recovery and taper rules as race discovery, with course-specific climbing only because this course has verified elevation.

Use it for race-effort sessions and race day. Easy runs stay easy whatever the goal; the plan's efforts come from how you run now.

Your starting point

Not stated. The plan assumes a typical starting week for this race and opens at 8h 25m of running.

Fit the plan to your recent training

A typical week over the last four weeks. Every box is optional: leave it empty if you would rather not say. 0 h 0 min means you are not running at the moment. When you give time, it sets the workload; distance alone is converted at 9 min/km.

Running time a week h min
Longest recent outing h min

This schedule opens at 8h 25m of running and 975 m of climbing in week one and peaks at 13h 50m and 2,625 m in a week; the longest planned outing is 6h 10m. These are prescriptions, not proof of readiness.

Adjust this plan

Swap concrete training days, or mark a day done/skipped without changing the race-specific template.

Calendar subscriptions refresh on the calendar app's schedule. This calendar export uses the selected start date and includes weekly summaries and any pre-base sessions. Use Keep this plan above for a fixed copy of the displayed race schedule.

Route-aware workouts

Key sessions include route buttons that deep-link into the Planner with pre-filled distance + elevation filters.

Course demand summary

The plan is scaled from the race profile, not a generic road-running template.

View full race analysis
Vertical density
34 m/km
runnable course
Descent load
high
Strength and downhill durability matter.
Peak week target
2,625 m
13h 50m total training time
Cutoff pressure
Strict cutoff
13.0 min/km average required. At an easy all-day pace the course takes about 36 h of the 35 h allowed.

That leaves little margin: a bad patch, the weather or an intermediate cutoff can decide the day, and more training buys less time on a course like this than it seems.For a first time, Canyons Endurance Runs by UTMB 100K on the same weekend is the safer choice.

Training emphasis: time on feet, sustained climbing and descending, fueling, night running, and steady hike-run pacing.

Plan summary

The block begins on 2027-01-04, 13 weeks from now.

Duration
16 weeks
Start
2027-01-04
Peak weekly time
13h 50m
Peak weekly vert
2,625 m
Week 1 Base Building
8h 25m · 975 m vert
Mon · 2027-01-04 rest
Rest
Effort: Rest
Rest or gentle mobility.
Tue · 2027-01-05 hills
Easy hills + uphill strides
1h 50m · 400 m vert · ~12.6 km
Effort: Easy; strides strong but relaxed
Start with 10 minutes easy on rolling terrain. Then 6 x 20 seconds uphill strides, strong but relaxed, walking back down between them. Finish with at least 10 minutes easy; the rest of the run is easy on the hills.
Find a route →
Tue · 2027-01-05 strength
Strength (optional)
30 min
Effort: Moderate: controlled reps, stop 1–2 short of failure
No-gym Session A: Bulgarian split squat, single-leg RDL, step-ups (bench/stairs), calf raises, side plank. Quality reps; stop well before failure. If 10 reps feels easy, add weight (backpack/water) so the last 2 reps feel challenging. In peak weeks, keep it short and easy.
Thu · 2027-01-07 easy
Easy run
2h 50m · ~23.5 km
Effort: Easy
Conversational aerobic running. Keep easy days easy enough to support the key work.
Find a route →
Thu · 2027-01-07 strength
Strength (optional)
30 min
Effort: Moderate: controlled reps, stop 1–2 short of failure
No-gym Session B: step-downs (slow 3–4s), lunges/sit-to-stand, soleus raises, carries (backpack), dead bug. Quality reps; stop well before failure. Keep the slow step-downs at least a day away from a long run; if this session falls the day before or after one, swap them for core work. In peak weeks, keep it short and easy.
Sat · 2027-01-09 long
Long run
3h 45m · 575 m vert · ~27.3 km
Effort: Easy
Build relaxed time on feet at conversational effort. Rehearse race fuelling: about 40 to 80 g of carbohydrate an hour from early on, 400 to 800 ml of fluid an hour depending on heat and sweat, and sodium with it (about 300 to 600 mg an hour). Use what you will carry on race day and adjust to your stomach.
Find a route →
Week 2 Base Building
8h 55m · 1,125 m vert
Mon · 2027-01-11 rest
Rest
Effort: Rest
Rest or gentle mobility.
Tue · 2027-01-12 hills
Easy hills + uphill strides
1h 55m · 450 m vert · ~12.9 km
Effort: Easy; strides strong but relaxed
Start with 10 minutes easy on rolling terrain. Then 6 x 20 seconds uphill strides, strong but relaxed, walking back down between them. Finish with at least 10 minutes easy; the rest of the run is easy on the hills.
Find a route →
Tue · 2027-01-12 strength
Strength (optional)
30 min
Effort: Moderate: controlled reps, stop 1–2 short of failure
No-gym Session A: Bulgarian split squat, single-leg RDL, step-ups (bench/stairs), calf raises, side plank. Quality reps; stop well before failure. If 10 reps feels easy, add weight (backpack/water) so the last 2 reps feel challenging. In peak weeks, keep it short and easy.
Thu · 2027-01-14 easy
Easy run
3h 00m · ~24.9 km
Effort: Easy
Conversational aerobic running. Keep easy days easy enough to support the key work.
Find a route →
Thu · 2027-01-14 strength
Strength (optional)
30 min
Effort: Moderate: controlled reps, stop 1–2 short of failure
No-gym Session B: step-downs (slow 3–4s), lunges/sit-to-stand, soleus raises, carries (backpack), dead bug. Quality reps; stop well before failure. Keep the slow step-downs at least a day away from a long run; if this session falls the day before or after one, swap them for core work. In peak weeks, keep it short and easy.
Sat · 2027-01-16 long
Long run
4h 00m · 675 m vert · ~28.7 km
Effort: Easy
Build relaxed time on feet at conversational effort. Rehearse race fuelling: about 40 to 80 g of carbohydrate an hour from early on, 400 to 800 ml of fluid an hour depending on heat and sweat, and sodium with it (about 300 to 600 mg an hour). Use what you will carry on race day and adjust to your stomach.
Find a route →
Week 3 Base Building
9h 20m · 1,275 m vert
Mon · 2027-01-18 rest
Rest
Effort: Rest
Rest or gentle mobility.
Tue · 2027-01-19 hills
Easy hills + uphill strides
2h 00m · 525 m vert · ~13.1 km
Effort: Easy; strides strong but relaxed
Start with 10 minutes easy on rolling terrain. Then 6 x 20 seconds uphill strides, strong but relaxed, walking back down between them. Finish with at least 10 minutes easy; the rest of the run is easy on the hills.
Find a route →
Tue · 2027-01-19 strength
Strength (optional)
30 min
Effort: Moderate: controlled reps, stop 1–2 short of failure
No-gym Session A: Bulgarian split squat, single-leg RDL, step-ups (bench/stairs), calf raises, side plank. Quality reps; stop well before failure. If 10 reps feels easy, add weight (backpack/water) so the last 2 reps feel challenging. In peak weeks, keep it short and easy.
Thu · 2027-01-21 easy
Easy run
3h 10m · ~26.3 km
Effort: Easy
Conversational aerobic running. Keep easy days easy enough to support the key work.
Find a route →
Thu · 2027-01-21 strength
Strength (optional)
30 min
Effort: Moderate: controlled reps, stop 1–2 short of failure
No-gym Session B: step-downs (slow 3–4s), lunges/sit-to-stand, soleus raises, carries (backpack), dead bug. Quality reps; stop well before failure. Keep the slow step-downs at least a day away from a long run; if this session falls the day before or after one, swap them for core work. In peak weeks, keep it short and easy.
Sat · 2027-01-23 long
Long run
4h 10m · 750 m vert · ~29.6 km
Effort: Easy
Build relaxed time on feet at conversational effort. Rehearse race fuelling: about 40 to 80 g of carbohydrate an hour from early on, 400 to 800 ml of fluid an hour depending on heat and sweat, and sodium with it (about 300 to 600 mg an hour). Use what you will carry on race day and adjust to your stomach.
Find a route →
Week 4 Base Building
6h 45m · 925 m vert
Mon · 2027-01-25 rest
Rest
Effort: Rest
Rest or gentle mobility.
Tue · 2027-01-26 hills
Easy run + relaxed strides
1h 25m · 325 m vert · ~9.6 km
Effort: Easy; strides fast but relaxed
Start with 10 minutes easy. Then 6 x 20 seconds relaxed strides, with 1 minute easy between repeats. Finish with at least 10 minutes easy; any remaining time is easy.
Find a route →
Tue · 2027-01-26 strength
Strength (optional)
30 min
Effort: Moderate: controlled reps, stop 1–2 short of failure
No-gym Session A: Bulgarian split squat, single-leg RDL, step-ups (bench/stairs), calf raises, side plank. Quality reps; stop well before failure. If 10 reps feels easy, add weight (backpack/water) so the last 2 reps feel challenging. In peak weeks, keep it short and easy.
Thu · 2027-01-28 easy
Easy run
2h 20m · ~19.4 km
Effort: Easy
Conversational aerobic running. Keep easy days easy enough to support the key work.
Find a route →
Thu · 2027-01-28 strength
Strength (optional)
30 min
Effort: Moderate: controlled reps, stop 1–2 short of failure
No-gym Session B: step-downs (slow 3–4s), lunges/sit-to-stand, soleus raises, carries (backpack), dead bug. Quality reps; stop well before failure. Keep the slow step-downs at least a day away from a long run; if this session falls the day before or after one, swap them for core work. In peak weeks, keep it short and easy.
Sat · 2027-01-30 long
Long run
3h 00m · 600 m vert · ~20.9 km
Effort: Easy
Build relaxed time on feet at conversational effort. Rehearse race fuelling: about 40 to 80 g of carbohydrate an hour from early on, 400 to 800 ml of fluid an hour depending on heat and sweat, and sodium with it (about 300 to 600 mg an hour). Use what you will carry on race day and adjust to your stomach.
Find a route →
Week 5 Base Building
9h 50m · 1,600 m vert
Mon · 2027-02-01 rest
Rest
Effort: Rest
Rest or gentle mobility.
Tue · 2027-02-02 hills
Easy hills + uphill strides
2h 00m · 650 m vert · ~12.3 km
Effort: Easy; strides strong but relaxed
Start with 10 minutes easy on rolling terrain. Then 6 x 20 seconds uphill strides, strong but relaxed, walking back down between them. Finish with at least 10 minutes easy; the rest of the run is easy on the hills.
Find a route →
Tue · 2027-02-02 strength
Strength (optional)
30 min
Effort: Moderate: controlled reps, stop 1–2 short of failure
No-gym Session A: Bulgarian split squat, single-leg RDL, step-ups (bench/stairs), calf raises, side plank. Quality reps; stop well before failure. If 10 reps feels easy, add weight (backpack/water) so the last 2 reps feel challenging. In peak weeks, keep it short and easy.
Thu · 2027-02-04 easy
Easy run
3h 25m · ~28.4 km
Effort: Easy
Conversational aerobic running. Keep easy days easy enough to support the key work.
Find a route →
Thu · 2027-02-04 strength
Strength (optional)
30 min
Effort: Moderate: controlled reps, stop 1–2 short of failure
No-gym Session B: step-downs (slow 3–4s), lunges/sit-to-stand, soleus raises, carries (backpack), dead bug. Quality reps; stop well before failure. Keep the slow step-downs at least a day away from a long run; if this session falls the day before or after one, swap them for core work. In peak weeks, keep it short and easy.
Sat · 2027-02-06 long
Long run
4h 25m · 950 m vert · ~30.3 km
Effort: Easy
Build relaxed time on feet at conversational effort. Rehearse race fuelling: about 40 to 80 g of carbohydrate an hour from early on, 400 to 800 ml of fluid an hour depending on heat and sweat, and sodium with it (about 300 to 600 mg an hour). Use what you will carry on race day and adjust to your stomach.
Find a route →
Week 6 Base Building
10h 45m · 1,750 m vert
Mon · 2027-02-08 rest
Rest
Effort: Rest
Rest or gentle mobility.
Tue · 2027-02-09 hills
Easy hills + uphill strides
2h 00m · 725 m vert · ~11.8 km
Effort: Easy; strides strong but relaxed
Start with 10 minutes easy on rolling terrain. Then 6 x 20 seconds uphill strides, strong but relaxed, walking back down between them. Finish with at least 10 minutes easy; the rest of the run is easy on the hills.
Find a route →
Tue · 2027-02-09 strength
Strength (optional)
30 min
Effort: Moderate: controlled reps, stop 1–2 short of failure
No-gym Session A: Bulgarian split squat, single-leg RDL, step-ups (bench/stairs), calf raises, side plank. Quality reps; stop well before failure. If 10 reps feels easy, add weight (backpack/water) so the last 2 reps feel challenging. In peak weeks, keep it short and easy.
Thu · 2027-02-11 easy
Easy run
3h 55m · ~32.5 km
Effort: Easy
Conversational aerobic running. Keep easy days easy enough to support the key work.
Find a route →
Thu · 2027-02-11 strength
Strength (optional)
30 min
Effort: Moderate: controlled reps, stop 1–2 short of failure
No-gym Session B: step-downs (slow 3–4s), lunges/sit-to-stand, soleus raises, carries (backpack), dead bug. Quality reps; stop well before failure. Keep the slow step-downs at least a day away from a long run; if this session falls the day before or after one, swap them for core work. In peak weeks, keep it short and easy.
Sat · 2027-02-13 long
Long run
4h 50m · 1,025 m vert · ~33.3 km
Effort: Easy
Build relaxed time on feet at conversational effort. Rehearse race fuelling: about 40 to 80 g of carbohydrate an hour from early on, 400 to 800 ml of fluid an hour depending on heat and sweat, and sodium with it (about 300 to 600 mg an hour). Use what you will carry on race day and adjust to your stomach.
Find a route →
Week 7 Vert Accumulation
11h 15m · 1,900 m vert
Mon · 2027-02-15 rest
Rest
Effort: Rest
Rest or gentle mobility.
Tue · 2027-02-16 hills
Uphill tempo
2h 00m · 775 m vert · ~11.4 km
Effort: Strong and sustainable
Start with 10 minutes easy. Then 5 x 8 minutes uphill at a strong, sustainable effort, with 3 minutes easy between repeats. Finish with at least 10 minutes easy; any remaining time is easy.
Find a route →
Tue · 2027-02-16 strength
Strength (optional)
30 min
Effort: Moderate: controlled reps, stop 1–2 short of failure
No-gym Session A: Bulgarian split squat, single-leg RDL, step-ups (bench/stairs), calf raises, side plank. Quality reps; stop well before failure. If 10 reps feels easy, add weight (backpack/water) so the last 2 reps feel challenging. In peak weeks, keep it short and easy.
Thu · 2027-02-18 easy
Easy run
4h 15m · ~35.3 km
Effort: Easy
Conversational aerobic running. Keep easy days easy enough to support the key work.
Find a route →
Thu · 2027-02-18 strength
Strength (optional)
30 min
Effort: Moderate: controlled reps, stop 1–2 short of failure
No-gym Session B: step-downs (slow 3–4s), lunges/sit-to-stand, soleus raises, carries (backpack), dead bug. Quality reps; stop well before failure. Keep the slow step-downs at least a day away from a long run; if this session falls the day before or after one, swap them for core work. In peak weeks, keep it short and easy.
Sat · 2027-02-20 long
Long run
5h 00m · 1,125 m vert · ~34 km
Effort: Easy
Build relaxed time on feet at conversational effort. Rehearse race fuelling: about 40 to 80 g of carbohydrate an hour from early on, 400 to 800 ml of fluid an hour depending on heat and sweat, and sodium with it (about 300 to 600 mg an hour). Use what you will carry on race day and adjust to your stomach.
Find a route →
Week 8 Vert Accumulation
8h 05m · 1,275 m vert
Mon · 2027-02-22 rest
Rest
Effort: Rest
Rest or gentle mobility.
Tue · 2027-02-23 hills
Easy run + relaxed strides
1h 45m · 400 m vert · ~11.9 km
Effort: Easy; strides fast but relaxed
Start with 10 minutes easy. Then 6 x 20 seconds relaxed strides, with 1 minute easy between repeats. Finish with at least 10 minutes easy; any remaining time is easy.
Find a route →
Tue · 2027-02-23 strength
Strength (optional)
30 min
Effort: Moderate: controlled reps, stop 1–2 short of failure
No-gym Session A: Bulgarian split squat, single-leg RDL, step-ups (bench/stairs), calf raises, side plank. Quality reps; stop well before failure. If 10 reps feels easy, add weight (backpack/water) so the last 2 reps feel challenging. In peak weeks, keep it short and easy.
Thu · 2027-02-25 easy
Easy run
2h 45m · ~22.8 km
Effort: Easy
Conversational aerobic running. Keep easy days easy enough to support the key work.
Find a route →
Thu · 2027-02-25 strength
Strength (optional)
30 min
Effort: Moderate: controlled reps, stop 1–2 short of failure
No-gym Session B: step-downs (slow 3–4s), lunges/sit-to-stand, soleus raises, carries (backpack), dead bug. Quality reps; stop well before failure. Keep the slow step-downs at least a day away from a long run; if this session falls the day before or after one, swap them for core work. In peak weeks, keep it short and easy.
Sat · 2027-02-27 long
Long run
3h 35m · 875 m vert · ~23.9 km
Effort: Easy
Build relaxed time on feet at conversational effort. Rehearse race fuelling: about 40 to 80 g of carbohydrate an hour from early on, 400 to 800 ml of fluid an hour depending on heat and sweat, and sodium with it (about 300 to 600 mg an hour). Use what you will carry on race day and adjust to your stomach.
Find a route →
Week 9 Vert Accumulation
11h 55m · 2,200 m vert
Mon · 2027-03-01 rest
Rest
Effort: Rest
Rest or gentle mobility.
Tue · 2027-03-02 hills
Uphill tempo
2h 00m · 900 m vert · ~10.6 km
Effort: Strong and sustainable
Start with 10 minutes easy. Then 5 x 8 minutes uphill at a strong, sustainable effort, with 3 minutes easy between repeats. Finish with at least 10 minutes easy; any remaining time is easy.
Find a route →
Tue · 2027-03-02 strength
Strength (optional)
30 min
Effort: Moderate: controlled reps, stop 1–2 short of failure
No-gym Session A: Bulgarian split squat, single-leg RDL, step-ups (bench/stairs), calf raises, side plank. Quality reps; stop well before failure. If 10 reps feels easy, add weight (backpack/water) so the last 2 reps feel challenging. In peak weeks, keep it short and easy.
Thu · 2027-03-04 easy
Easy run
4h 35m · ~38 km
Effort: Easy
Conversational aerobic running. Keep easy days easy enough to support the key work.
Find a route →
Thu · 2027-03-04 strength
Strength (optional)
30 min
Effort: Moderate: controlled reps, stop 1–2 short of failure
No-gym Session B: step-downs (slow 3–4s), lunges/sit-to-stand, soleus raises, carries (backpack), dead bug. Quality reps; stop well before failure. Keep the slow step-downs at least a day away from a long run; if this session falls the day before or after one, swap them for core work. In peak weeks, keep it short and easy.
Sat · 2027-03-06 long
Long run
5h 20m · 1,300 m vert · ~35.6 km
Effort: Easy
Build relaxed time on feet at conversational effort. Rehearse race fuelling: about 40 to 80 g of carbohydrate an hour from early on, 400 to 800 ml of fluid an hour depending on heat and sweat, and sodium with it (about 300 to 600 mg an hour). Use what you will carry on race day and adjust to your stomach.
Find a route →
Week 10 Vert Accumulation
12h 35m · 2,350 m vert
Mon · 2027-03-08 rest
Rest
Effort: Rest
Rest or gentle mobility.
Tue · 2027-03-09 hills
Uphill tempo
2h 00m · 950 m vert · ~10.3 km
Effort: Strong and sustainable
Start with 10 minutes easy. Then 5 x 8 minutes uphill at a strong, sustainable effort, with 3 minutes easy between repeats. Finish with at least 10 minutes easy; any remaining time is easy.
Find a route →
Tue · 2027-03-09 strength
Strength (optional)
30 min
Effort: Moderate: controlled reps, stop 1–2 short of failure
No-gym Session A: Bulgarian split squat, single-leg RDL, step-ups (bench/stairs), calf raises, side plank. Quality reps; stop well before failure. If 10 reps feels easy, add weight (backpack/water) so the last 2 reps feel challenging. In peak weeks, keep it short and easy.
Thu · 2027-03-11 easy
Easy run
5h 00m · ~41.5 km
Effort: Easy
Conversational aerobic running. Keep easy days easy enough to support the key work.
Find a route →
Thu · 2027-03-11 strength
Strength (optional)
30 min
Effort: Moderate: controlled reps, stop 1–2 short of failure
No-gym Session B: step-downs (slow 3–4s), lunges/sit-to-stand, soleus raises, carries (backpack), dead bug. Quality reps; stop well before failure. Keep the slow step-downs at least a day away from a long run; if this session falls the day before or after one, swap them for core work. In peak weeks, keep it short and easy.
Sat · 2027-03-13 long
Long run
5h 35m · 1,400 m vert · ~37 km
Effort: Easy
Build relaxed time on feet at conversational effort. Rehearse race fuelling: about 40 to 80 g of carbohydrate an hour from early on, 400 to 800 ml of fluid an hour depending on heat and sweat, and sodium with it (about 300 to 600 mg an hour). Use what you will carry on race day and adjust to your stomach.
Find a route →
Week 11 Peak Volume
13h 05m · 2,425 m vert
Mon · 2027-03-15 rest
Rest
Effort: Rest
Rest or gentle mobility.
Tue · 2027-03-16 hills
Long climb and descent durability
2h 00m · 950 m vert · ~10.3 km
Effort: Steady race-specific effort
Start with 10 minutes easy. Then 3 x 12 minutes on familiar, controllable terrain at steady race-specific effort, descending under control for about 10 minutes between climbs, with poles and race kit where you will use them. Finish with at least 10 minutes easy; any remaining time is easy.
Find a route →
Tue · 2027-03-16 strength
Strength (optional)
20 min
Effort: Moderate: controlled reps, stop 1–2 short of failure
No-gym Session A: Bulgarian split squat, single-leg RDL, step-ups (bench/stairs), calf raises, side plank. Quality reps; stop well before failure. If 10 reps feels easy, add weight (backpack/water) so the last 2 reps feel challenging. In peak weeks, keep it short and easy.
Thu · 2027-03-18 easy
Easy run
5h 15m · ~43.6 km
Effort: Easy
Conversational aerobic running. Keep easy days easy enough to support the key work.
Find a route →
Sat · 2027-03-20 long
Long run
5h 50m · 1,475 m vert · ~38.6 km
Effort: Easy to steady
Use race-like terrain where practical, but keep the overall effort controlled. Rehearse race fuelling: about 40 to 80 g of carbohydrate an hour from early on, 400 to 800 ml of fluid an hour depending on heat and sweat, and sodium with it (about 300 to 600 mg an hour). Use what you will carry on race day and adjust to your stomach.
Find a route →
Week 12 Peak Volume
9h 30m · 1,600 m vert
Mon · 2027-03-22 rest
Rest
Effort: Rest
Rest or gentle mobility.
Tue · 2027-03-23 hills
Easy run + relaxed strides
2h 00m · 475 m vert · ~13.4 km
Effort: Easy; strides fast but relaxed
Start with 10 minutes easy. Then 6 x 20 seconds relaxed strides, with 1 minute easy between repeats. Finish with at least 10 minutes easy; any remaining time is easy.
Find a route →
Tue · 2027-03-23 strength
Strength (optional)
20 min
Effort: Moderate: controlled reps, stop 1–2 short of failure
No-gym Session A: Bulgarian split squat, single-leg RDL, step-ups (bench/stairs), calf raises, side plank. Quality reps; stop well before failure. If 10 reps feels easy, add weight (backpack/water) so the last 2 reps feel challenging. In peak weeks, keep it short and easy.
Thu · 2027-03-25 easy
Easy run
3h 15m · ~27 km
Effort: Easy
Conversational aerobic running. Keep easy days easy enough to support the key work.
Find a route →
Sat · 2027-03-27 long
Long run
4h 15m · 1,125 m vert · ~27.8 km
Effort: Easy to steady
Use race-like terrain where practical, but keep the overall effort controlled. Rehearse race fuelling: about 40 to 80 g of carbohydrate an hour from early on, 400 to 800 ml of fluid an hour depending on heat and sweat, and sodium with it (about 300 to 600 mg an hour). Use what you will carry on race day and adjust to your stomach.
Find a route →
Week 13 Peak Volume
13h 50m · 2,625 m vert
Mon · 2027-03-29 rest
Rest
Effort: Rest
Rest or gentle mobility.
Tue · 2027-03-30 hills
Long climb and descent durability
2h 00m · 950 m vert · ~10.3 km
Effort: Steady race-specific effort
Start with 10 minutes easy. Then 3 x 12 minutes on familiar, controllable terrain at steady race-specific effort, descending under control for about 10 minutes between climbs, with poles and race kit where you will use them. Finish with at least 10 minutes easy; any remaining time is easy.
Find a route →
Tue · 2027-03-30 strength
Strength (optional)
20 min
Effort: Moderate: controlled reps, stop 1–2 short of failure
No-gym Session A: Bulgarian split squat, single-leg RDL, step-ups (bench/stairs), calf raises, side plank. Quality reps; stop well before failure. If 10 reps feels easy, add weight (backpack/water) so the last 2 reps feel challenging. In peak weeks, keep it short and easy.
Thu · 2027-04-01 easy
Easy run
5h 40m · ~47 km
Effort: Easy
Conversational aerobic running. Keep easy days easy enough to support the key work.
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Sat · 2027-04-03 long
Long run
6h 10m · 1,675 m vert · ~40 km
Effort: Easy to steady
Use race-like terrain where practical, but keep the overall effort controlled. Rehearse race fuelling: about 40 to 80 g of carbohydrate an hour from early on, 400 to 800 ml of fluid an hour depending on heat and sweat, and sodium with it (about 300 to 600 mg an hour). Use what you will carry on race day and adjust to your stomach.
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Week 14 Taper
8h 55m · 1,350 m vert
Mon · 2027-04-05 rest
Rest
Effort: Rest
Rest or gentle mobility.
Tue · 2027-04-06 tempo
Short uphill reminder
1h 50m · 425 m vert · ~13.3 km
Effort: Strong, sustainable uphill effort
Start with 10 minutes easy. Then 5 x 3 minutes at a strong, sustainable uphill effort, walking back down between them. Finish with at least 10 minutes easy; any remaining time is easy.
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Thu · 2027-04-08 easy
Easy run
3h 55m · ~32.5 km
Effort: Easy
Conversational aerobic running. Keep easy days easy enough to support the key work.
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Sat · 2027-04-10 long
Long run
3h 10m · 925 m vert · ~20.1 km
Effort: Easy
Keep this comfortable and finish with plenty in reserve. Rehearse race fuelling: about 40 to 80 g of carbohydrate an hour from early on, 400 to 800 ml of fluid an hour depending on heat and sweat, and sodium with it (about 300 to 600 mg an hour). Use what you will carry on race day and adjust to your stomach.
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Week 15 Taper
6h 10m · 1,050 m vert
Mon · 2027-04-12 rest
Rest
Effort: Rest
Rest or gentle mobility.
Tue · 2027-04-13 tempo
Short uphill reminder
1h 15m · 300 m vert · ~9 km
Effort: Strong, sustainable uphill effort
Start with 10 minutes easy. Then 5 x 3 minutes at a strong, sustainable uphill effort, walking back down between them. Finish with at least 10 minutes easy; any remaining time is easy.
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Thu · 2027-04-15 easy
Easy run
2h 45m · ~22.8 km
Effort: Easy
Conversational aerobic running. Keep easy days easy enough to support the key work.
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Sat · 2027-04-17 long
Long run
2h 10m · 750 m vert · ~13 km
Effort: Easy
Keep this comfortable and finish with plenty in reserve. Practise the fuel, hydration and kit you intend to use; treat amounts as rehearsal, not a universal prescription.
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Week 16 Taper
1h 40m · 0 m vert
Mon · 2027-04-19 easy
Easy pre-race run
40 min · ~5.5 km
Effort: Easy
Run conversationally. If already familiar, include a few relaxed strides with full recovery; otherwise stay easy.
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Wed · 2027-04-21 easy
Optional shakeout
1h 00m · ~8.3 km
Effort: Very easy
Rest, or jog very easily if that reliably helps you feel better.
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Fri · 2027-04-23 race-day
Race Day: Canyons Endurance Runs by UTMB 100M
Effort: Race execution
Run the 161 km as planned: start controlled and use the fuelling and kit rehearsed in training. Fuelling: about 40 to 80 g of carbohydrate an hour from early on, 400 to 800 ml of fluid an hour depending on heat and sweat, and sodium with it (about 300 to 600 mg an hour). Use what you will carry on race day and adjust to your stomach. Afterwards: rest or walk for several days, then short easy runs only, with no hard running for three to four weeks, longer after a long mountain day.
Sat · 2027-04-24 recovery
Post-race recovery
Effort: Rest or very easy
Prioritize rest, food, fluids and gentle movement; do not schedule a workout by default.
Sun · 2027-04-25 recovery
Optional easy movement
Effort: Rest or very easy
Walk or move very easily only if it feels restorative. A return to running is individual.

Cutoff check

If your race has a time limit, this estimates the minimum average pace and whether your target finish time clears the cutoff.

Result
Min pace: 13.0 min/km

Exports

Use the personal subscription URL for a live saved plan. Calendar links regenerate from their parameters and may reflect updated race facts or engine fixes. A kept plan and its downloads remain unchanged.

Disclaimer: this plan is general information, not medical advice. Adjust based on fatigue, experience, and injury history.

About the Canyons Endurance Runs by UTMB 100M course

At 161 km with 5,550 m of elevation gain, this is an ultra-distance effort that demands careful fueling, pacing, and mental resilience. At 34 m of vertical per kilometer, much of the course is runnable — the plan focuses on building your aerobic cruising speed while preparing you for the steeper sections. The official cutoff is 35 hours, so pace management starts from week one. This training plan adapts the 16-week structure specifically for 161 km with 5,550 m of elevation gain, scaling weekly volume and vert targets so your body is ready for race-day demands.

Ultra-distance trail races require a different approach to training than road marathons. Time on feet matters more than pace, and vertical accumulation is as important as distance. This schedule keeps the longer outings on single days at the selected running frequency and starting load. It also includes regular easier weeks.

Training phases for 100M

The current 16-week schedule has these phases for 161 km and 5,550 m of climbing:

  • Weeks 1–6 — Base Building: Establish consistent aerobic training and introduce course-like terrain gradually.
  • Weeks 7–10 — Vert Accumulation: Increase course-specific climbing while rehearsing easy effort and fueling.
  • Weeks 11–13 — Peak Volume: Practise the longest planned outings and race equipment without adding extra sessions.
  • Weeks 14–15 — Taper: Reduce training load while retaining a small amount of familiar intensity.
  • Week 16 — Race week: Reduce training and follow the race-day plan.

Pacing a runnable course

At 34 m of vertical per kilometer, much of the Canyons Endurance Runs by UTMB 100M course is runnable. Training should emphasise aerobic cruising speed — tempo runs on rolling terrain, sustained effort on moderate climbs, and efficient flat-to-uphill transitions. The biggest risk on a runnable course is starting too fast; practice negative-split long runs to build discipline.