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Runner stories
Vert.run reviews, in our runners’ words
From a first trail race to the Grand Slam of Ultrarunning. Real races, real results, told by the runners themselves.
Read their stories ↓
Vert Voices
Their race. Their words.
Every few weeks we tell one runner’s story on Instagram. Here are the latest: real races, real results, in their own words.
Sacramento, USA
Lamont King
Grand Slam of Ultrarunning 2026 · four 100-milers in one summer
“I am proof that you don’t have to be a great or even good runner to finish it.”Read the full story
Uruguay
Rosina Erramuspe
Kilimanjaro · Uhuru Peak, 5,895 m
“This achievement belongs to both of us. And I want more. I always want more!”Read the full story
Bray, Ireland
Allan Leonard
EcoTrail Wicklow 46K · first ultra · 6:39:35
“It’s been an education, learning to run with poles, improve hill running technique, and train the gut with carbs and salt. All assisted by regular feedback from coach Zeljko.”Read the full story
Alaska, USA
Joana Luban
Desert Rats 100K · 13:04:41 · 9th female
“Most of my miles happened on the treadmill, including a five-hour run that tested my mental endurance as much as my physical endurance.”Read the full story
Canada
Doreen Taylor
Mt Fuji 70K · longest race ever · 13h34
“Coach Nico built a creative plan that combined four days of nordic skiing with two days of running each week, and it worked remarkably well.”Read the full story
Zeeland, Netherlands
Sjaak
Koning van Spanje 60K · 1,600 m · 7:26:29
“By the end of the training plan, I felt strong and confident to complete the ultra comfortably.”Read the full story
United States
Dylan Walker
El Reto del Indio · first 100-miler, ocean to ocean across Panamá
“Working with Coach Steve helped me stay patient. Without that steady guidance, I probably would have pushed too hard and broken my body before race day.”Read the full story
Panamá
Damien Bontemps
El Reto del Indio 100 miles · overall win · 26h30
“The app makes it simple to switch rest days with training days in response to unforeseen daily events.”Read the full story
France
Michaela Ruhnke
Alsace 108K · 4,204 m · 17:32
“Uphill workouts are the kind of workout I wouldn’t inflict on myself without a clear objective or training plan.”Read the full story
Sweden
Peter Bodefjord
Ultra X Tanzania · 5-day stage race
“Max is invaluable to me. He knows me from the years we’ve worked together and always finds a way for me to reach my goals.”Read the full story
Panama
Alfredo Cosson
Running since 2009
“The trick is NOT to stop. Same as in a race. Keep moving. Even if the steps are shorter and slower.”Read the full story
Pacific Northwest, USA
Fraser
Palouse to Cascades Trail · 214 miles on foot
“This was a huge success! I got to see so much of my home on foot.”Read the full story
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More from our runners
In their own words
“I had never run so far; my longest race was a 16k, but thanks to Coach Andy, I was able to do it! My body and especially my mind were ready to face the hours and the kilometers on the trails.”
“I was getting off an injury with 8 weeks to go. Steve helped me find out I had it in me. The training was specific to my race and specific to me.”
“Thanks to my coach Nicolas’s support in training, nutrition, and motivation, I finished the UTDP feeling great physically and mentally.”
“I finished my race in the Alps of 25K in 3:36:45 – 25 minutes faster than expected and took 2nd place in my category.”
“An ultramarathon felt impossible with three kids and a full-time job. Vertrun changed that—giving me flexible, efficient training that fits my life.”
“Vert.run completely transformed my running — from clueless beginnings to consistent training, new workouts, and expert guidance from Coach Adam.”
“I said yes to my first ultra, a tough 50K with 3,200m of gain, and despite setbacks I pushed through nearly 8 hours to finish proud and wanting more.”
“He knows my goals and expertly prescribed a plan to improve my speed and climbing ability.”
“I ran this year’s home race, 50K in 09:41:22 feeling strong, steady, and more consistent than ever, despite the cold, rain, and mud.”
Show more runner quotes
“In the TEQUILA 42K with 1,850m+, I felt super strong on the climbs — and finished 4th overall.”
“I finished my second 50k race this past weekend. It’s been great training with Andy and she gave me some excellent advice!”
“You can clearly see the progress and the work done with Vert.run. Now, with motivation at its peak, I’m aiming for a big race in the Alps 2026!”
“I never dreamed I would be able to run 60 km especially at 60 years old. But been there, done that now.”
“I paced myself, stayed steady through the night, and it paid off finished 3rd overall feeling strong, thanks to my Vert.run plan.”
“Vert.run’s training plans enabled me to even prepare for highly challenging mountain races with several thousand meters of elevation gain despite the fact that I live in one of the flattest countries of the world.”
“I had less than two months to train due to an injury, but thanks to Zeljko’s plan I was ready and finished the Athens Marathon in 2:58:45.”
“Straightforward, effective coaching that certainly helped me finish my race in the alps”
“Despite stomach issues and barely being able to eat, I still managed to finish the race—and I couldn’t be happier.”
FAQ
Questions runners ask us
What is Vert.run?
Vert.run is the trail running specialist, from your first trail race to 100 miles and backyard ultras. You give us your goal race, and we build your plan around where you are now: your fitness, your experience, the time you have and the days you can train. As you progress, your plan adapts with you. Real trail coaches are behind every plan. Over 130,000 runners have trained with us.
Are Vert.run plans good for beginners?
Yes. Your plan is built around your goal race, your experience, how much you run now and the days you have, so a first trail 10K and a first 100-miler get very different plans. Many of the runners on this page started with their first trail race.
What is the difference between VertPro and VertCoaching?
Both start the same way: a plan built around your goal race, your fitness, your experience and the days you can train. With VertPro, a human coach reviews your plan when it is created, the plan adapts as you progress, and you get five messages to our coaching team. With VertCoaching, you get your own coach, 1:1, who knows you and adjusts your training every week to race day. Compare them here.
Can I train for mountain races if I live somewhere flat?
Yes. Plans are built around your race and where you actually train. Sjaak trains in one of the flattest parts of the Netherlands and ran a 60K with 1,600 m of climbing; Joana did most of her miles on a treadmill before Desert Rats 100K.
Will my plan fit my race date?
Yes. You add your goal race and date and the plan builds toward race day. You can move a race, add races, report a busy or travel week, or swap a workout, and your training adjusts.
Is there a free version?
You can create a free account to see the first three workouts of your plan and send five messages to Coach Vert.run. For the full plan, start the 7-day free trial.
Do you offer an annual plan?
Yes. Both VertPro and VertCoaching have an annual option that works out cheaper per month than paying monthly. You can pick it when you subscribe.
Which languages does Vert.run support?
The app and the training plans are in English, French and Spanish. Coach Vert.run, our assistant for quick questions, also replies in German.
Which watches and apps work with Vert.run?
Garmin, Suunto and COROS sync both ways: workouts go to your watch and your runs come back. Strava imports your activities, and ITRA race results can be added to your profile.
How do I get started?
Start your free trial at app.vert.run, tell us about your race and your training, and your plan is ready. A coach reviews it, and you can ask questions along the way.
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