My preparations for UTMB 2027

This page is an account of my attempt to qualify and enter the UTMB 2027 in Chamonix, France. 

I am following my own training plan as of January 2026 and I will post at least one update a month of my progress with an aim to provide a reference account for future participants and anyone interested in what is required to (hopefully) enter and compete.

Please scroll to the bottom for the first post in the timeline, with the most recent at the top.

16th Feb 2026

After a few years of successfully training and completing trail runs in the UK and internationally I have decided to focus on qualifying for the UTMB 2027, and will use this space for regular updates of my methods and thoughts along the way in an effort to inform others who may have, like myself, previously thought of this task as impossible, and which at this time may still be the case!

Last year (2025) saw my most successful training block, where after a few years of failed attempts to commit to a consistent program, I followed the 100 mile mileage plan (20 weeks) from Hal Koerners field guide to ultra running for a rough volume guide, in conjunction with a sub 1h30m half marathon plan on the Runna app for quality/speed work. I found this combination made the training more fun and enjoyable, and I was able to achieve all my goals for the year. These were:

1)  A sub 1.30 half on road at the 2025 Bristol Half Marathon

2)  The Ridgeway Challenge Ultra-Marathon 2025 – An 86 Mile trail run where I finished an unexpected 18th place

3)  A good result as a team of 3 at 24 hour Endure24 Reading event a week later (Team Steamed Hams)

Whilst I was proud of my results at these events, I was happier with my ability to commit to the mileage throughout the training, though I felt that I was often more tired than I should have been, as well as suffering from a recurrent overuse injury/pain in my calf intermittently throughout the training. As a result I felt relieved not to have any more dates in the calendar after July, and following an initial full rest phase, ended up falling out of training and fitness until August (during which time I put on 10kg).

Following both the endurance events, and due to my recurring overuse injuries, I began to investigate sports nutrition as well as training and racing strategies, as it became clear that what I had experienced did not match up to the common assumptions and advice that I had previously read and heard.

The main cause of my calf injury seemed to be the speedwork on roads, and whilst I was able to maintain the required pace of the quality training sessions, photos from the half marathon and other events clearly show heel striking which I believe to be a result of overstriding, though I was not aware of this at the time.

I have since been down a rabbit hole of investigation which has led me to slightly alter almost every aspect of my running technique, and up to now has led to a significant improvements in my running performance, wellbeing and energy levels.

Whilst I feel good, my first observation of this in an event will take place at the 35 mile Endurancelife Northumbria Ultra next Saturday 21st February, which will be my first this year. 

I will continue to populate this site with improvements that I make to my training and lifestyle to hopefully cut through the large amount of mystery and misinformation available and help inform others to improve their running ability over any distance, and coming to the sport from any background. 

Whilst a significant amount of time and consistancy is required for training, I do not believe this has to be as hard as marketing and many published sources would suggest.