Jabulani Challenge 45km Training Plan
From Bobbin Head to the Finish Line — Run It Strong
The Jabulani is one of Sydney’s most scenic and rewarding trail races — a mix of technical singletrack, runnable fire trails, and classic Ku-ring-gai bushland views. Starting and finishing at Bobbin Head, the course winds through rainforest gullies, creek crossings, steep climbs, and ridgeline trails, showcasing some of the best terrain the area has to offer.
It’s a challenging 45km with over 1,200m of elevation, testing both your fitness and trail skills. The course rewards smart pacing, strong climbing, and confident descending — all of which you’ll develop through a well-structured training plan.
Whether it’s your first trail ultra or your goal race for the season, having the right preparation is key. That’s why we’ve created a Jabulani-specific training plan designed to help you build endurance, strength, and technical trail confidence so you can show up ready to run your best.
Jabulani 45km Training Load
Intensity
3 / 5
Strength
4 / 5
Endurance
4 / 5
Training Load
4 / 5
What our members say
Frequently asked questions
Is this program suitable for a beginner?
This program is designed for runners stepping up to the 50km distance for the first time. You should have been training consistently for at least 18 months and be comfortable running 17–18km on undulating terrain without injury. You should be able to consistently run 35-40km / week. The plan starts with manageable long runs and gradually builds your endurance, strength, and trail confidence over 16 weeks. You’ll follow a balanced mix of long runs, recovery sessions, mobility, and trail-specific strength work to prepare your body for the demands of ultra-distance running.rnrnBeginner runners are aiming to complete the event feeling strong and in control — more of a trail adventure than a race.
Can you help me train when I'm injured?
Probably, depending on your injury.rnWe are very sorry to hear you are injured. We know how difficult that can be.rnrnIf you have an injury that requires some rest from running, there are almost always some cross-training options available to help you maintain your fitness, strength, and sanity. By cross-training while you are injured, and including some simple strength, stretching and foam rolling routines, you will speed up your recovery time and ultimately make your return to running easier and more successful.rnrnYou can start our free 4 week cross training plan now for FREE.rnrnIt will help you to identify appropriate exercises based on your injury type and recommend what cross training methods will work best for your injury. When you are ready you can start our 10-week return to running program (url) or one of our run-specific rehab plans.
Can I start this program late?
You get immediate access to your training plan when you join. You can view the current week plus any previous weeks if you are training for a specific event.rnrnWe recommend that you start with a weekly volume that your body is currently able to cope with, which might mean starting on the beginner level before moving to intermediate a few weeks later.
About the founder
Mark Green
Physiotherapist and Elite Runner
Mark, has helped over 20,000 athletes improve their running and achieve their race goals. His holistic approach to training ensures noticeable improvements in your movement from the outset