Long runs are essential for preparing your body for sustained effort. They are a cornerstone of your UTMB® training plan to ensure you have the endurance needed to tackle the race.
The benefits of long runs
Long runs are necessary in your training to check that you can hold up both physically and mentally over an extended period. They will also help you gradually accustom your body to prolonged effort. They will also reveal whether injuries develop over the hours, such as chafing, tendinitis, blisters or muscle damage. Finally, long runs will help you get used to your kit and manage your nutrition and hydration over a long period — which is radically different from shorter outings.
What type of long runs?
A long run is defined as a run lasting a minimum of 3 hours. Your training plan should include sessions of this type with efforts lasting between 3 and 5 hours, depending on your level of progress. Ideally, aim for one per week. And of course, it's best if the route includes elevation gain. We recommend a minimum of sessions featuring around 1,500 metres of positive elevation gain over 4 hours. Find out more:
