We started Vert with one goal in mind: to make trail running accessible to everybody, everywhere.
Throughout the past four years since founding Vert.run, we’ve been working hard towards this mission. Through Vert.run, we’ve unlocked access to trail running for over 80,000 people from over 100 countries with our free training programs for beginners, affordable coaching and technology in the Vert.run App.
By working with races around the world–like the Skyrunner® World Series–we know that we’ll be able to bring the joy of finishing a race and safely achieving their goal to thousands more trail runners.
We’ve carefully designed a training plan for each of the 14 following races:
- Skyrace Des Matheysins
- Hochkönig Skyrace
- Madeira Skyrace
- ARC’TERYX Minotaur Skyrace
- Cordillera Blanca Skyrace
- Skyrace du Mercantour
- Schlegeis 3000 Skyrace
- Matterhorn Ultraks « EXTREME »
- Grigne SkyMarathon
- Gorbeia Suzien
- Louzan Skyrace
Each plan is designed specifically for the demands of the race itself: its distance, technicality, elevation gain and type of terrain.
The plans also include a very important element: the Mountain Index of each race, which is a tool we developed ourselves at Vert.run so that racers can make sure they’re doing exactly the right amount of elevation gain in their training for their race.
Each training plan that we’ve designed for these Skyrunner® World Series races adapts to each runner’s personal experience level, schedule and type of training surface they have available (i.e. flat or hilly) to make sure that they’re correctly and safely prepared for their adventure–no matter if they live in a city or in the mountains.
With Vert.run, we help racers achieve their goal–no matter if they want to compete for the podium at their Skyrace®, break their PR or simply to finish feeling strong.
Throughout the history of trail and ultrarunning, the finishing rate has never been as high as it could be. We want to improve that. We want to help as many runners as possible–of all experience levels–achieve that feeling of accomplishment, self confidence and pride that comes with reaching their finish line feeling strong.
We know that by training with Vert.run, a runner’s chances of finishing their trail race or ultramarathon are high. We have proven that with the thousands of runners who have excelled with our innovative training and coaching services.
With our $25/month training and coaching subscription, not only do runners get access to a training plan designed specifically for their race–with workouts handcrafted for their distance–but they also get access to personal coaching support from the Vert.run coach on a weekly basis.
When you train with Vert.run, your personal Vert.run coach checks in on your training once a week to make sure that you’re training safely and to follow your progress. In addition to making sure you’re right on track for your goal, your Vert.run coach also answers any of your questions about training, nutrition and gear–giving you direct access to an expert, right in your pocket. Your connection with your Vert.run coach provides you with accountability, support and encouragement: the key tools for success in reaching your trail running goals.
We’re on a mission to help every single runner at the start line of a Skyrunner® World Series race not only to finish, but to have a great time while doing so.
Here are the training plans we’ve designed for each race, including descriptions:
Mountain index 77 m/km – Skyraces des Matheysins is an incredible adventure in the French Alps. With this plan, get ready to run a 25 km technical race with 1930 meters of elevation gain, and to unlock your best Skyrunning result. This training plan is focused on speed and key strength workouts to help you develop the power you need.
Mountain index 73 m/km – The island of Madeira is one of the best places on the planet to run on trails. It has rocky and very technical terrain that you will get to experience with this Skyrace. The race’s 55 km and 4000 meters of elevation gain will be a big test for your Skyrunning running skills–that’s why in this training plan, you will develop a strong foundation with strength training, speed and high intensity workouts, to then transition into the specifics of a pure ultramarathon training program with a strong focus on elevation gain.
Mountain index 82 m/km – The HOCHKÖNING Skyrace is a classic alpine Skyrunning experience. It’s a serious challenge with almost 3000 meters of elevation gain–and with this training plan, you’ll be more than ready for the challenge! You’ll not only be able to run up and down the race’s tough mountains, but also to enjoy yourself. Note: there’s also a big focus on conditioning in this program, which you’ll definitely need to finish the HOCHKÖNING Skyrace!
Mountain index 82 m/km – The ARC’TERYX MINOTAUR Skyrace is a classic alpine Skyrunning experience. It’s a serious challenge with almost 3000 meters of elevation gain–and with this training plan, you’ll be more than ready for the challenge! You’ll not only be able to run up and down the race’s tough mountains, but also to enjoy yourself. Note: there’s also a big focus on conditioning in this program, which you’ll definitely need to finish the ARC’TERYX MINOTAUR Skyrace!
Mountain index 80 m/km – In this race, you will need to be able to climb strong without losing too much energy so that you can run strong–and consistent!–for the race’s downhills. Each race in the Skyrunner World Series is different, and this is why each training program has its own structure: and this is a very special program, with which you’ll develop the capacity to move fast and strong through the Schlegeis 3000 Skyrace’s technical terrain. Let’s go!
Mountain index 69 m/km – The Grigne Skymarathon is the most runnable race of the series, but you’ll need more than just running skills to tackle it. In this program, you’ll develop speed and strong climbing skills for the race’s uphills. You’ll also develop your balance skills, which are key to unlocking speed on race day–without risking falling. Let’s go!
Mountain index 77 m/km – This is a unique race with hard climbs and tough descents. The capacity of switching from uphill to downhill–and vice versa–is a skill that we will develop in this program through key workouts that combine uphill and downhill running in one session. Let’s go!
Mountain index 90 m/km – This is the second-highest mountain index of the series, yeah and it’s a great way to end the series too. With a similar approach to Matterhorn, we ill are very focused on strength and power trough key workouts while making sure that your endurance and stamina are at their highest.
