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Trail Running Plan Finder: Choose Your Next Goal
Already running? Choose your next trail goal
Find the trail plan that fits your next race
Choose a route by your running base and target distance, from your first trails to a trail marathon, 50K, 100K or 100 miles. Then use Vert to adapt the plan around your terrain, time and race day.
Start your free trial7-day free trial · cancel anytime
First-time runner? Start with the 8-week beginner running plan.
Routes from
First trail to 100 mi
six guides, one plan finder
Built around
Your terrain
treadmill, stairs or mountains
Checked by
A real coach
every new Vert.run plan
Works with the tools you already use
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Import & export
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Race results
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Start with the right question
Not every trail plan should look the same
The best trail running training plan is not the one with the most miles. It is the one that matches where you are now, where you want to go, and the terrain you have to train on.
Use this page to find your next step, then go deeper with a proven guide or let Vert adapt a plan around your calendar, fitness and race.
Choose your route
What is your next trail goal?
Choose the closest route. If you are new to running, start with the 8-week base before choosing a trail race distance.
01 / First-time runner
Build your 8-week running base
Start with repeatable run-walk sessions, easy effort and the confidence to run consistently.
02 / New to trails
Take your first steps off road
Learn trail pacing, terrain, gear and the confidence to begin on singletrack.
03 / Trail marathon
Train for your first big mountain day
Build endurance, climbing legs and a smarter race plan.
04 / 50K
Step up to an ultramarathon
Turn your base into the endurance and confidence a 50K needs.
05 / 100K
Prepare for a longer ultra
Plan bigger training blocks, fueling and recovery with purpose.
06 / 100 miles
Build toward your biggest finish
Take on the long game: volume, resilience, crew and race strategy.
When your plan needs to adapt
Train for your trail, not someone else's
A downloadable plan is a useful start. But your race, elevation, available time and recovery are not generic. Vert creates a training plan that changes with you, so every week has a reason to be there.
- Choose your race distance, elevation and date.
- Set the days and hours you can actually train.
- Get guidance that adjusts as your training moves forward.
Your goalFirst 50K in the mountains
Your realityFour running days · City weekdays
Your plan includesTerrain work · Strength · Fueling
Coach Vert.run
When life moves, your plan moves too
Busy week, travel, a new race on the calendar? Coach Vert.run's Adjustments in the app swap a workout, add an easy week, handle a busy period or add a race.
Sessions are guided by effort and time, and a coach checks every new plan, so you start from something built for you, not a downloaded spreadsheet.
Your next trail starts here
Choose a route. Build a plan. Go farther.
Start with a guide today, or let Vert turn your goal, terrain and available time into a plan that is built around you.
Start your free trial7-day free trial · cancel anytime
Real runners
Powered by runners like you
Hristo Mohamed
Flat country · mountain races
“Vert.run's training plans enabled me to prepare for mountain races with several thousand meters of elevation gain, and I live in the Netherlands. My highest 'hill' close by is a 30m dune.”
Valerie Currie
First 60K · at 60
“I never dreamed I would be able to run 60 km especially at 60 years old. But been there, done that now.”
Robert H.
New dad · marathon PBs
“I improved my marathon and half marathon PBs by 20 and 8 minutes, respectively, thanks to the specifically tailored training plans.”
Plan questions
Before you choose
How long should a trail running training plan be?
That depends on your current base and race goal. An 8-week block can work for a new runner building consistency, while a trail marathon, 50K or longer ultra commonly needs several months of progressive training.
Can I follow a trail running plan without mountains nearby?
Yes. Use local hills, stairs, a treadmill incline and targeted strength work to prepare for climbing and descending. Match the specific terrain whenever you can, but consistent effort matters more than a perfect location.
Should beginners start with a trail race?
Beginners can absolutely work toward a trail race, but the first aim is regular, comfortable running and confidence on varied terrain. Start with the beginner route, then choose a race distance that fits your base.
What makes a trail plan different from a road plan?
Trail plans account for elevation, technical terrain, downhill conditioning, time on feet, fueling and recovery. Pace alone is less useful on trails; effort and terrain become part of the prescription.
Find the plan that fits your next race
A plan built around your race, your terrain and your week, checked by a coach. Start with 7 days free.
Start your free trial7-day free trial · cancel anytime