gravelMaasai Mara, Kenya

How to train for Migration Gravel Race

The Migration Gravel Race is a legendary four-stage gravel race across the wilderness of Kenya, racing alongside big game at 2,000 meters elevation.

Entries: Entries open in late autumn for the 4-stage Maasai Mara gravel expedition.

Distance
About 650 km
Elevation
About 8000 m
Typical Finish
About 24–40 hours
Preparation
20 weeks

What Migration Gravel Race demands

High elevation, technical clay tracks, wildlife encounters, intense sun, and recovering across four demanding back-to-back stages.

High altitudeChunky & loose gravelTechnical handlingHeat & exposed sectorsSelf-supported & remote

Your preparation roadmap

20 weeks recommended
Phase 1January–February

Base training plan

6 weeks progression
Phase 2March

Sweet spot training plan

6 weeks progression
Phase 3April–May

Gravel training plan

6 weeks progression
Phase 4June

Peak & Taper

2 weeks progression

Winter on the trainer

Condition for high-altitude multi-day endurance and rugged wild gravel trails.

High-altitude multi-day simulationIndoor trainer

2 consecutive days of 2x25 min sweet spot intervals.

Rugged wild gravel enduranceOutdoor long ride

5 hours outdoor ride over loose dirt and singletrack.

Heat tolerance and hydration testIndoor trainer

75 min indoor trainer ride in warm environment with 80 g carbs/h.

Low-cadence escarpment repsIndoor trainer

4x8 min at 55 rpm on 95% FTP.

Core indoor training blocks:FTP builder plan →

Routes (approximate, recent editions)

  • Four stages totaling about 650 km and 8,000 m climbing through the Maasai Mara ecosystem

Key climbs & sectors

  • Maasai Mara Escarpments

Frequently asked questions

How hard is Migration Gravel Race?

High elevation, technical clay tracks, wildlife encounters, intense sun, and recovering across four demanding back-to-back stages.

How many weeks do I need to train for Migration Gravel Race?

We recommend 20 weeks of structured training to build a durable aerobic base, sustained climbing or gravel power, and event-specific stamina.

Can I prepare for Migration Gravel Race indoors on a trainer?

Condition for high-altitude multi-day endurance and rugged wild gravel trails. High-quality interval workouts and threshold blocks are often more time-efficient on an indoor trainer.

What are the key climbs and sectors of Migration Gravel Race?

Maasai Mara Escarpments. Official routes can vary across editions — always verify current course details on the official website.

When do entries open for Migration Gravel Race?

Entries open in late autumn for the 4-stage Maasai Mara gravel expedition. Consult the official site at https://migrationgravelrace.com for entry details and registration openings.

Build your Migration Gravel Race plan

Register free to get a 20-week preparation preview for Migration Gravel Race. The full schedule, editing and plan activation are part of PRO.

Preview my Migration Gravel Race planFree preview: week 1 unlocked. Full schedule with PRO.

Ready to train for Migration Gravel Race?

Get your 20-week preparation preview today on TrainCraft.

Preview my Migration Gravel Race planFree preview: week 1 unlocked. Full schedule with PRO.

TrainCraft is not affiliated with Migration Gravel Race. Route figures and elevations are approximate and based on recent editions. Always verify current routes, dates and entry regulations on the official Migration Gravel Race website.