If you're gearing up for the Raleigh Challenge 2026, especially the grueling 80K solo course, you're in for quite the adventure. This trail is no joke—over 4,000 meters of elevation gain, varied terrain, and a finish time that often stretches between 22 to 26 hours. But don’t let that intimidate you. With the right training and mindset, you can tackle this epic challenge, just like seasoned runners Nikki Han and Jeff Campbell.

We’ve gathered insights from their race prep to help you plan your training, nutrition, gear, and mental strategy for this iconic trail. Whether this is your first ultra or you’re a trail veteran, these tips offer solid guidance to face the Wilson Trail with confidence.

Both Nikki and Jeff emphasize the importance of training on hills and stairs. The Wilson Trail is demanding on your legs, especially when descending, so conditioning your quads is crucial to avoid fatigue later in the race. Jeff points out that power hiking on steep sections is often smarter than trying to run—preserving energy and managing effort is key.

Aiming to keep your heart rate in zone 2 during training builds endurance without burning out too early. Incorporate long runs of 35-45km with significant elevation to simulate race conditions, plus some flat speed work and hill intervals to stay sharp. Don’t forget to carry your race gear during training, including poles if you plan to use them on race day.

Fueling is a science and an art. For an 80K ultra, Nikki and Jeff recommend sticking to what you practice in training. Jeff takes two gels per hour along with sips of energy powder to maintain a steady flow of carbohydrates, while Nikki aims for two gels per hour along with sipping energy powder consistently. She’s flexible, too, grabbing food at checkpoints if it appeals. Both emphasize the importance of starting early and taking calories often to avoid energy slumps.

Hydration is “drink to thirst,” adapting to weather conditions and terrain. When the going gets tough, staying calm and focusing on manageable chunks of time—like getting through the next 10 minutes—helps maintain mental endurance as much as physical.

Choosing the right gear can make or break your race. Jeff suggests a well-fitted running vest, reliable trail shoes that perform well on both concrete and trail, and a GPS watch loaded with the course. Jeff prefers shoes like Mount to Coast T1s or M1s and mentions poles as a possible aid on this varied terrain.

The course is well-marked, but having the route loaded on a GPS watch is smart. Nikki uses a Coros watch and recommends a well-fitting backpack and shoes that handle both concrete and trail comfortably, ideally the same shoes used in training.

One unique challenge is the Ma Tsz Keng area, where monkeys may try to snatch your food. Nikki suggests not taking anything out of your pack here—fuel up before entering and keep moving without eye contact. 

For foot care, Nikki advises keeping toenails short and using a urea-containing foot cream 2-3 times weekly to keep callouses supple and reduce blisters. Kinesiology tape can protect known hot spots and carrying spare socks and alcohol wipes for cleaning before changing helps maintain foot health during the race.

Long-distance trail running inevitably comes with its share of aches and pains. While Nikki doesn’t personally suffer from cramps, consistent and proper training helps toughen your feet and avoid blisters, cramps, and black toenails. If cramps strike, the key is to slow down and adjust your pace rather than push through blindly. Some runners use CrampFix supplements, but timing is crucial. So, plan accordingly if you’re prone to cramping.

Mentally, breaking the race into small, manageable segments helps keep the daunting distance from overwhelming you. Focus on the moment and stay relaxed even when the effort ramps up.

Preparing for the Raleigh Challenge Wilson Trail is as much about respecting the course as it is about your training and gear. Elevation, nutrition, mental toughness, and smart pacing all blend together to carry you through. Whether it’s your first ultra or your latest conquest, take these tips from Nikki Han and Jeff Campbell to heart, and you’ll be ready to embrace every step of this epic journey.

Stay tuned for more trail insights and training tips in our next post. Until then, happy running and enjoy the adventure ahead!

Checkout our Raleigh Challenge gear recommendations.