We’re back! After the storming success of Project 5k to 55k, in 2026 I’m partnering once again with the charity into ultra to help the ultra-curious become ultra-ready in six months.
With the right support, any runner can take on an ultra and (whisper it) enjoy it. Not only do Into Ultra agree, but so to do three fabulous other coaches.
So we have created a new national programme, Stronger Together, and I’m excited to be leading the Wales edition, with the goal of completing the Pigum, 4 July, in Abergavenny.
The race
The awesome Pegasus team sure know how to put on a race, and the Pigum is a real highlight for beginners and experienced runners alike.
You can expect:
- No cut offs!
- 30 miles of beautiful Welsh scenery.
- three check points, each manned with everything a runner needs. From sweets to power banks to music.
- Smaller kit list than many races.
- Regular communication, including a call from the race director.
Don’t just take my word for it though, check it out yourself…
The programme
You will receive:
- A group training plan starting from 19 January covering 24 weeks of training, and an associated ultra guide covering everything from nutrition to gear to the golden rules of ultra racing (have fun, eat food, don’t sit down, eat food, repeat).
- Coaching support on hand via WhatsApp or email from the moment you sign up. Yep, even if you are targeting a Christmas day parkrun prior to the start, I can help!
- Two navigation sessions led by mountain leader (and ultra runner) Brett Mahoney from another partner charity The Outdoors Partnership. The first session is online and will introduce you to the basics of nav, while the second will be in person near the course. I say near, see how well session 1 goes…
- Monthly in-person group runs (Feb>Jun) to catch-up, cover some miles, and talk all things ultra running like “what’s the best way to transport a banana” and “I’ve got a weird pain in my right toenail”.
- Monthly online meet-ups to catch-up, check-in, and discuss particular topics such as confidence, S&C, or the latest banana carrying attempt/toenail update.
- Supportive WhatsApp community with your fellow ultra runners to share the whole experience with. (Talk about bananas optional).
- Access to Into Ultra’s webinar series – previous ones have included ‘being a tail-end warrior’, advice from author Claire Maxted and tales from Damian Hall.
- An at home bodyweight S&C programme and 20% discount to in-person RunVive S&C individual classes – ran by me, a UKSCA qualified S&C Trainer.
- One very enthusiastic on the day support crew / cheerleader. From bananas to toenails, I’ve got you.
The details
We have up to 15 places available on the programme and the total cost is £210 (exc. the race fee), the equivalent of £1.25 a day.
For those who have difficulties with affording this, there are a limited number of fully funded places available from Into Ultra, and they can also provide support with kit. Pegasus have also kindly waived the race fee for these funded runners. You can apply for financial support when you enter the programme below.
This programme is for you if you:
- Are comfortable running for an hour – at any pace – by the start of the programme (19 Jan). If you want some support to get up to an hour over the next few weeks or are active through other sports (such as hiking), do get in touch.
- Are able to travel to Abergavenny, the Black Mountains and Bannau Brycheiniog [formally Brecon Beacons] to join our meet-ups. We’ll discuss as a group the best locations for meet-ups to reduce travel (costs and time), but we’ll include at least two meet-ups on/near the course so you can get a feel for the terrain of your ultra adventure. If you’re not local, check out one of the other courses offered by three other fab coaches:
- Run the Shire – The Malverns
- Jenny Bushell Adventures – The Lakes
- Running Summits Coaching – The Peaks
- Would benefit from a group approach to training. It’s like a small, informal, temporary running club. Where you can share the highs and lows (literally and emotionally) of training with others in exactly the same position as you. You also get access to experienced coaching and navigation skills’ support without the 1:1 cost.
- Most importantly – you want to run an ultra! It doesn’t matter right now if you don’t think you can – that’s where I, and the group come in – just that you are curious. That you’ve thought about the challenge. Heck, maybe you’ve dismissed and thought “I could never do that”. Here’s a secret – that’s what last year’s group thought and look at what they said:
“Having Polly constantly in my corner reassuring and answering my multitude of questions has been a godsend. And the group was
fantastic as we all spurred each other on and chatted through any worries or niggles we were having”
“For most mortals the challenge of running an ultra is inconceivable. Polly lead us through the training and made us believe. And the good news is, we did it! There were occasional setbacks of course, but with the incredible support of Polly and the group we got there in the end – amazing experience!”
Still not sure? Check out my blog on this topic.
Want to chat about it? Get in touch. Whatever your barrier is, Stronger Together can help.
How to apply
Register via into ultra (external link).
If you’re looking for into ultra funding, there will be a few extra questions to answer.
