This 20-Week MTB Marathon & Ultra MTB Training Plan is designed for athletes preparing for long-distance mountain bike events, ranging from marathon MTB (80–120km) through to 100-mile off-road races.
If your goal event features long climbs, sustained efforts, altitude, technical terrain, and long hours in the saddle, this plan builds the endurance, climbing strength, repeatable power, and durability required to perform strongly across demanding off-road race days.
The structure is well suited to iconic MTB marathon and ultra-distance events with profiles similar to Leadville-style races, alpine marathon MTB events, and long gravel-heavy MTB courses where fatigue resistance and pacing discipline are critical.
Written by Enduraprep Head Coach Lawrence Cronk, who has coached endurance athletes across triathlon, cycling, and ultra-endurance disciplines — and personally completed a sub-9-hour performance in a 100-mile MTB event — this plan reflects real-world execution, not generic training templates.
⭐ Who This Plan Is For
Marathon MTB and ultra MTB athletes
Riders preparing for 100km–100 mile MTB events
Gravel riders stepping up to more technical, mountainous races
Athletes targeting a strong finish, PB, or competitive age-group result
Anyone with an existing endurance base looking for structured progression
⭐ Training Requirements & Equipment
You’ll need:
A smart trainer for structured weekday sessions
A mountain bike (power meter optional; HR or RPE fully supported)
A GPS device for long outdoor rides
Access to suitable terrain for longer weekend rides where possible
A solid aerobic foundation is recommended before starting.
⭐ Plan Structure
20-week progressive build with recovery every 4th week
Starting volume: 6–8 hours/week
Mid-plan: 9–12 hours/week
Peak weeks: 12–14+ hours/week depending on athlete background and event demands
Weekday sessions typically 60–90 minutes
Weekends include long endurance rides, climbing-focused sessions, and back-to-back days
Indoor structured alternatives are provided when weather or terrain access is limited.
⭐ Key Features
Structured workouts compatible with Garmin, Wahoo, Zwift & TrainingPeaks
MTB-specific focus including:
Sustained tempo & sweet spot climbing efforts
Low-cadence strength work for long climbs
Fatigue-resistant pacing for long race days
Long ride progression building to 5–6 hour sessions
Back-to-back training days to simulate race fatigue
Regular testing to track aerobic and power development
Clear coaching notes explaining session intent, pacing, and fuelling considerations
⭐ Why This Plan Works
Long-distance MTB racing rewards athletes who can ride efficiently for hours, manage effort on climbs, and fuel consistently under fatigue.
This plan delivers:
Progressive durability for ultra-distance MTB racing
Structured intensity without excessive overload
Practical pacing strategies for long off-road events
Training that reflects the real demands of marathon and ultra MTB racing
It prepares you to race with confidence and control, not simply survive the distance.
⭐ Want Personalised Support?
For tailored adjustments, event-specific guidance, or full 1:1 coaching, visit:
👉 www.enduraprep.com/online-coaching
At Enduraprep we coach athletes of all levels — from first-time racers to competitive age-groupers chasing IRONMAN or Gran Fondo World Champs slots. Our athletes have taken on everything from 5 km runs & sprint triathlons to multi-day ultra-marathons & extreme challenges.
We provide remote coaching to athletes worldwide, supported by performance testing (VO₂ max & resting metabolic rate) in South Wales, UK. Plus training camps at our base in training paradise, The Kamnik Savinja Alps, Slovenia.