PREPARATION & TRAINING

The aim of the organisers of The Giant’s Cup is to provide an event that is both challenging and rewarding without being extreme. It is their hope and intention that the event should be accessible to runners of average ability who have trained well while simultaneously remaining attractive to elite level athletes.

However, it must be kept in mind that the course comprises almost entirely of mountain trails and should not be underestimated.

GIANT’S CUP FULL: 32/30

With a Day 1 distance of 32km (1300m climbing) and a Day 2 distance of 30km (1250m climbing) it is expected that elite runners will take approximately 3 hours to complete each day with the bulk of the field coming in between 4 and 6 hours. It is possible to power hike each day in around 7 hours so the back of the field is expected to finish within 7 hours.

GIANT’S CUP LITE: 20/15

With a Day 1 distance of 20km (865m climbing) and a Day 2 distance of 15km (590m climbing) it is expected that elite runners will take approximately 1.5 hours to complete each day with the bulk of the field coming in between 2 and 3 hours.

With the above in mind prospective runners should be able to comfortably complete training runs of 3-5 hours on consecutive days in order to be well prepared for the event. There are some steep climbs and descents so these types of terrain should form part of a training program. The course is not hugely technical as it follows the Giant’s Cup Hiking Trail but runners should nonetheless be totally comfortable and familiar with off road trail running in order to fully enjoy the event.

The course largely inhabits an altitude of 1800m-2000m so, while not extreme, there will be a few lung burning moments and any altitude training or acclimatization can only prove beneficial.