2026 Winter/Spring Ultra Marathon Training Program
Sacfit Ultra Runners is celebrating it's 14th season and, as such, has the distinction as being the first and oldest ultra marathon training team in the region! We have trained hundreds of advanced, intermediate, and beginning runners to successful finishes in myriad trail races ranging from half marathon distances to 100+ miles.
We combine an atmosphere of fun and social team building with a serious and challenging training program, all under the auspices of expert personalized coaching and comprehensive resources.
The training program consists of two weekend supervised workouts (shorter mileage on Saturdays and the longer mileages on most Sundays), and midweek workouts focused on shorter and moderate length mileages, strength training, and specialized workouts to round out a typical training week.
SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
More Point-to-point Workouts
Tired of out-and-back workouts where you only gain experience and training on half the route or course in a given workout, and/or spending extra non-workout hours carpooling back and forth? With our new luxurious passenger transport vehicle, Sacfit Ultra Runners offers more point-to-point workouts to maximize your workouts and familiarity with all the courses of the races you're training for, not to mention enhancing the terrain variety. Sacfit Ultra Runners is the only Ultra-marathon training program in the region to offer this feature.
Custom Training Platform
Connect your Garmin, Strava, or other tracking devices or software to the Sacfit Ultra Runners App and consolidate all your training stats for your own review or consult with your coach. Also, you have your whole-season schedule at your fingertips. But that's where the similarities to other training apps ends!
Unique features to the Sacfit Ultra App include voice-navigated routes for various weekend long routes and mid-week routes (no more getting lost); written and video articles detailing specialized workouts and related training information, and a private social group (no need to have a FB account) to name a few. This app is the most comprehensive training app out there, bar none.
The training program is tailored toward various Winter and Spring ultra marathon events, including the American River 25, Salmon Falls 50K, Way Too Cool 50K, Fourmidable races, American River 50-mile, Sonoma 50-mile, Miwok 100K, and Canyons 100K.
And for those entered in the Western States 100-mile race, we also provide and extension training program from April through June, as well as extensive personalized coaching and and specially tailored training program.
ORIENTATION
Our first meeting is a Zoom Meeting format on Sunday, January 4, at 6:00 p.m.
Location Address is: Link Sent via Email.
Attendance at the orientation is highly recommended as the season schedule and other pertinent particulars about the program will be presented.
SACFIT ULTRA MARATHON TRAINING PROGRAM
Overview
This training program is designed for a broad spectrum of trail-runner abilities from intermediate and advanced road runners looking to train for her or his first Ultra Marathon to seasoned trail runners wanting to improve upon particular trail running techniques, strategy, pace, and/or race time goals, including qualifying for and racing the Western States 100-mile Endurance Run event.
Additional Details
The program schedule is tailored to the 2026 Northern California Winter and Spring ultra marathon calendar. But whatever race goal you have, we individually tailor your training plan accordingly.
Note: For those who’ve qualified for Western States 100 or are training for the Canyons 100K or Miwok 100K, we also provide a highly structured, supplemental training program for those races.
Because our program is geared toward strong coaching interaction with each individual teammate, the 2026 Sacfit Ultra team is limited to 62 people.
Ultra Marathon Program Features
COACHING
- Expert coaching and mentor support. Coaches are veteran ultra-runners having completed numerous ultras including: WTC50K, Salmon Falls 50K, Napa Valley Endurance 50K, AR50, Pioneer 50, RDL100K, Black Canyons 100K, Cuyamaca 100K, Waldo 100K, Quicksilver 100K, Javelina 100, and Western States 100.
- Coach-led weekend workouts.
- Coach-supervised mid-week workouts for stair, track, and tempo venues.
- Sacfit Ultra App to provide the highest and most accurate individualized coaching and training performance analysis. The app also contains the training schedule, and the vast Sacfit Ultra Resource Library, which includes comprehensive informational and instructional material related to Ultra Marathon training and related peripherals
- In-person and e-mail support for individual questions regarding training and running related issues.
TRAINING AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
- Whole-season schedule provided at the beginning of the program.
- Proven training program that maximizes success and minimizes injury. (98.5% of the past Sacfit Ultra team members entering various 50K, 50-mile, 100K and 100-mile races have finished within the cutoff and 100% have started those races injury-free.)
- Multiple training venues to provide comprehensive coverage and afford thorough knowledge of the entire WTC 50K, Salmon Falls 50K, and AR25 and AR50 courses.
- Knowledgeable guest speakers covering various ultra marathon and trail-running subject matter.
- Sacfit Ultra Runners is aligned with Fleet Feet Folsom and Roseville. We will have seminars during the season to provide invaluable knowledge in the areas of apparel, footwear, form, core work & stretching, as well as a pre-race review of the WTC, Salmon Falls, and AR50 races.
- Oasis Stations (more than just water and electrolyte) provided for select weekend workouts, including post-workout snacks.
- Technical Team Jersey with Sacfit Ultra team logo.
- Discounts at Fleet Feet Folsom and Roseville.
- Inspirational, encouraging, knowledgeable, and motivational coaching!
Prerequisites
While our program accommodates a broad spectrum of athletic talent, fitness, and experience, ultra-marathon training is a serious and challenging endeavor requiring certain minimum aptitudes. The Ultra Marathon training program requires the following prerequisites:
Fitness Requirements:
- You must have trained for or completed at least a marathon or equivalent distance during November or December of 2025.
- You should be able to comfortably run on a flat surface with a pace of 14:00 per mile or faster for a distance of at least 15 miles.
Additional Details
- Registration into training program does not include Ultra Marathon race entry fees.
- There are no refunds at any time for any reason.
- There are no exchanges or transfers at any time for any reason.
When does the season start?
Orientation is on Sunday, January 4, 2026 @ 6PM, which is informational only - No workout. Actual workouts begin Sunday, January 11, 2026. Online registration is open continuously until the end of February.
What is the time commitment? Will my entire weekend be about training?
The Sacfit Ultra Runners program is built on the time-tested, science-based, and success-proven training model of back-to-back weekend mileages, with a shorter Saturday workout and a longer Sunday workout (with Monday and Friday rest days). That said, the actual number of back-to-back training weekends are only 7 out of the 12 weekends, and there are six No-run Sundays - meaning only a shorter Saturday Step back workout for those particular weekends or your goal race.
With regard to actual workout hours, we gauge the workout start times based on the workout distances and adjust so you'll finish between 10AM and Noon. A couple workouts may extend one or two hours beyond Noon, but our goal is to not eat up the entire day!
Where is the training location and what time does it meet?
We meet at various locations throughout the California Foothills and American River Watershed.
- Our January 11 workout is at Phoenix Park in Orangevale. We start our training at 7:00 A.M. Click here for map.
- Our January 18 workout is at Sterling Pointe in the Granite Bay/Newcastle area. We start our training at 8:15 A.M. Click here for map.
Can I sign up in person?
Yes, either before or after any January workout.
Can I pay with a credit card?
Yes. We take cash, check, or credit card.
What if I can't make it to the orientation meeting?
Not a huge problem. Depending on interest, we will look into a tentative alternate orientation later in January. But endeavor to make the early January orientation. Lots of pertinent information will be provided. Plus the season schedule will be reviewed, so you can plan your 2026 training calendar well in advance. The orientation is also a great opportunity to ask questions. But if you can't make it, that doesn't mean you can't still join.
How much does the program cost?
Sacfit's 12-week program costs only $225 for new members and $195 for returning members. And for all you get, it's the best bargain in town! (PS - we have BIG discounts leading up to the season, so the price is even less! Look for them on our FB page and other advertising!)
What is included in the sign-up fee?
1. Team jersey (Tank, Short Sleeve, or Long Sleeve)
2. Individualized Coaching
3. Ability-based group workouts
4. Trail-Running Clinics
5. Fitness and Nutrition Seminars
6. Track workout Clinics
7. Discounts at Sports Apparel stores
8. Saturday Family Picnic Breakfast
9. Sunday Burgers and Beers team building BBQ
Registration fees
Prices are inclusive of mandatory charges, items, and fees
New Member
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Register for New Member$236.75Nov 5 - Apr 9
Returning Member
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Register for Returning Member$205.25Nov 5 - Apr 9
Contact information
- Event contact
- Ken Press
- Phone
- 916-212-9925
