50 Mile/100K Ultra Plan - L1

(46)

£8⁰⁰ GBP

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Plan Only Plan + Strength Routine

Product variants

About this plan

I’ve designed this plan for anyone running their first 50 miler or 100k race who has ideally already run at least a marathon in the past and is comfortable with running 4-5 times per week.

There is a pace chart so you know exactly how fast your runs should be.

Also included is a full glossary of terms so you'll always know what to do.

Loads of tips each week so you can learn along the way and stay motivated!

Everything you need to get you to the finish line of your first 50 miler or 100k and have fun doing it! Come back and let me know how you got on, it's great to hear your stories!

Plan Details / Who is this for?

The first week is 25 miles / 40km.

The biggest week is 51 miles / 82km.

Four to five runs each week.

The plan has both miles and kilometres.

16 weeks in length, with easy to understand structured training with time set aside for you to implement your own strength training.

The plan is best suited to first time 50 mile runners, or those looking to improve on their previous races. Ideally having completed at least a half marathon distance.

Optional Strength Routine Add On

The 'Plan + Strength Routine' option includes the full plan plus 3 integrated "at home" strength routines with warm up and cool down exercises.

Beginner friendly and easy to follow.

No equipment necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the training plans in miles or kilometers?

We have written the training plans in both miles and kms, both of which are included in the PDF file so you can refer to whichever one suits you.

The pace charts are also in miles and km's too.

How will I receive my plan?

You will receive an email with a link to download your plan straight after purchase.

You can also click a link on the checkout success page.

This will download the PDF file to your computer, tablet or phone.

What format do the training plans come in?

The plans are a downloadable PDF file which you can view on any device or print off.

You will be emailed the link to download your plan.

Please note the plan can only be downloaded a maximum of 5 times.

I feel I am in between two training plans, which one should I go for?

Each plan gives the number of days of training per week, so we’d advise going for the one which best fits in with your current lifestyle and commitments.

Also consider the number of miles or km's for the first week and peak week and compare that figure to where you are currently.

The best success will come from following a plan that is achievable given your lifestyle and current fitness.

Brilliant Training Plan!

This was my second training plan from Ben after the first one helped me smash my 50K goal last year. Ben's plans are clear, achievable and I can easily adapt where I need to. They're full of really useful advice and guidance and I'd definitely reccomend them to anyone thinking about going longer!

An absolute must for an Ultra

I purchased the 100K ultra plan many months ago which was used to help me train for the Thames Path 100k which took place last weekend. The plan was absolutely invaluable - tough at times and had me saying 'really Ben, do I have to?' I simply could not have undertaken such a journey without this. I could feel different aspects of the training plan during my run and if I ever attempt something like that again I will be sure to go straight to the plan.

85km teljesítve

Végigcsináltam a tervet, pontosan, betartva mindent. Hétről hétre éreztem hogy erősebb vagyok, és minden mutatóm javult. Tegnap megcsináltam a tervezett 85km-t. Nagyon örülök, nagyon büszke vagyok! Köszönöm Ben!

Great plan, great price

Due to an injury I started running this year. I manages to knock down a few personal goals using the free running schedules that were offered through my Strava subscription. I truly regret not buying a running schedule from Ben Parkes before. The schedule barely costs anything and you get a very good explanation regarding each run. I love the pace chart that helps me to actually estimate the paces I I should run at instead of guessing.
Knocking down a few longer distances before buying the plan was not a bad thing either though 🙂 I can’t wait to see the result once the plan is finished! 😄

Ultra Plan - L1 first week

I used Ben's level1 Marathon plan earlier. I felt really good about it and managed to run my first Marathon in 4:18. I've been running very well since I've been using Ben's plan, I recommend it to everyone! Thanks Ben!

I used this plan to train for NDW50 and despite other unplanned fuelling issues during the race, my legs felt great and it got me to the finish, injury free and feeling really proud. Great training blocks, easy to follow and will definitely be using these plans again in the future. Thanks Sarah and Ben!!

Looks good

50mile plan looks spot on, starts Christmas Day for SDW50. Better let the wife know!

50 miles

This training plan is easy to follow. I got sub 9 for my first 80km race.

Amazing Plan!

From marathon runner to 50 mile ultra runner! Stepping up the distance was scary but this plan made everything achievable and it fitted in with my life/work commitments. Really easy to follow and it made the training enjoyable and the improvements were clear to see! The race was incredible and this plan made that possible for me. I have entered another 50 mile ultra for 2024 and this plan will be used again! Thanks Ben & Sarah. Would highly recommend for a first time 50 mile event.

This is the 3rd time I have used a plan from Ben and Sarah. Looking forward to seeing the results this time. The first plan with Sarah helped me to complete the Lakeland 50 and I’ll be using this one to reach the qualifying time for the Lakeland 100! Very easy to use and great advice and explanations for the different training runs. Highly recommend and fantastic value for money!!

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Exceeded my expectations!

If you're thinking about purchasing a Ben Parkes plan,then think no more..just do it. You won't be disappointed. I'm 58 years old and have been running for eight months. So when my son suggested that I run the Great Western half with him, in Exeter, I said " no way!" At that point I had been running for only around 5 months and didn't feel that I was even close to a half at that point. Long story short my son talked me into giving it a shot. That's when I thought I needed to find a decent training plan and subsequently ended up getting the half marathon beginners plan. I followed the plan the best I could( I did skip a couple of runs and full confession I never did any of the strength training, I don't recommend the latter by the way) There were times mid way through the plan that I did wonder if a half marathon would be a step too far for my level of fitness at that stage. But I stuck with it and boy am I glad that I did. Come race day I realised that the race day buzz was beyond my expectations. The plan had worked its magic and I was feeling fresh and confident. That combined with the adrenaline buzz pushed me around the course. I had set myself a target time of two hrs 15 mins. My mind was blown when I came in at 1:57:04. I have already booked the Bournemouth half for October and will be buying the half marathon improver plan. Cheers Ben 👍🏻

Oh wow 🤩

Awesome cap, extremely light weight. Super breathable… so happy with my purchase… now I have to just “Get It Done” let’s go Sutherland2Surf 2025 Sydney Australia 11km…

Supreme!

Don’t let the Elephant in the room scare you - this singlet is So worth it! The quality is exceptional, comfort is TopTier, I’m sure it’ll last a very long time. Very Apple-like presentation too! As most will state the obvious, it barely weights anything at all. It dries out super fast and wicks away the sweat like nothing else! I’ve used it on two runs so far: one Very cold, windy and other Very warm… even in colder conditions, it delivers and eliminates discomfort! The design is unique and is sure to bring out smiles even in grim days! It’s a very easy recommendation, absolute 11/10! 🖤

Spot on!

This plan is excellent, mixes things up to make it interesting, explains everything & leaves no guesswork like some plans do. The pacing chart is great so you know exactly what effort you should be doing. I opted for the strength plan add on which is brilliant. The layout of the plan is great too. Liked it so much I purchased the 50k plan & will get the marathon plan too. Well done guys, very little money well spent.

Half Marathon PB

I just finished the Half Marathon Improver plan with a 1:57:13 chip time at the inaugural Goulburn Half Marathon in NSW Australia. My first half I used the Garmin coach and whilst successful I found it too inflexible with far less understanding and explanation. This improver plan worked well with little changes like putting parkrun every Sat as an integral part of my week, to needing to shuffle whole weeks around to fit in with life. Combined with the you tube videos explaining different paces etc this is a far better option for me.
I am now in a three week recovery and cross training and then I am starting the Level 2 Marathon Plan to help me prepare for my first marathon in Scotland at the Loch Ness Marathon in September. I will just pay attention to the strength components this time.
What I would wish for - some guidance to transition between plans/distances - I am coming off a significantly higher tempo at the end of the half plan to the start of the full plan...whats a good strategy?

Elite running cap

Lightweight, well made quality products but most importantly looks great! Definitely go faster running gear 🏃😃 Thank you cards are a great extra touch.

Right on Target

I used this plan and ran a 2:59:03 marathon at the 2025 Cleveland Marathon. Second marathon ever and took 27 minutes off my time from 8 months prior. When I first started the plan the paces were difficult to hit due to the sub 3 being a stretch goal and far from where I was fitness wise. Closer to the middle of the plan I was hitting the paces. Including the pace charts make it so easy to follow and gives you confidence that if you’re hitting the paces as laid out by the plan that you are likely to achieve the goal! The plan is more than worth the few dollar investment for all the time and effort you’ll spend in your build.

The BEST running top I've ever owned

I just got this yesterday and took out for 45k training run today. It fits so beautifully - I'm quite tall and it is nice and long and fitted without being restrictive. Didn't rub at all and I felt super comfortable the whole way round my run

Great lightweight

Recently got into running and found his YouTube channel I normally stick to adidas as a brand but thought I would support Ben.. I’m so glad I did the hat is so lightweight and comfortable you forget you are even wearing it at times. It’s also extremely stylish it can be used casually and not just on a run, I can not wait to see how much I progress wearing this beaut

Premium quality, great fit!

Finally a running cap that doesn’t press down my ears, fitting really well for the small-headed and/or hairless runners among us ;) Great materials, nice details, premium finish. Won’t be the last BP item I purchase!