Townshend Performance Insights

"Beautiful beyond belief. Savage beyond reason." Ultra-Trail Snowdonia by UTMB (UTS) is one of the most technical and demanding trail races in the UK. Set in the rugged terrain of Eryri (Snowdonia), it combines steep climbing, technical descents, unpredictable weather, and long periods of exposure. With distances ranging from 25km to 100 miles, UTS isn’t just about fitness- it’s about pacing, fueling, decision-making, and your ability to handle difficult terrain when fatigued

Real performance isn’t built in weeks. It’s built through patience, consistency, and playing the long game.

Preparing for hilly races while living in a flat region might feel impossible, but with the right strategy it’s entirely achievable. After a decade of coaching runners from low-elevation areas around the world, we’ve developed proven methods to build the strength, confidence and efficiency needed to excel on demanding courses in the UK and abroad — all without daily access to hills.

Discover why British fell running is considered the most competitive form of racing—combining fitness, navigation, risk, and mountain skill in its purest form.

Ultra runners don’t need gels — but they’re a powerful tool when paired with real food. From potatoes and wraps to homemade pouches inspired by baby-food prep, this guide explores how to fuel long days on the trails without wrecking your stomach. Learn what works, what doesn’t, and how to balance comfort with performance.

Off-road running reshapes every part of how you move, think and train. Hills demand strength, technique and judgement—yet give back confidence, resilience and long-term enjoyment. When you understand why the mountains change everything, you can train for decades of rewarding, sustainable running.