Come and explore the trails of dartmoor…
We’re delighted that we’ll be joined for a weekend retreat by one of the world’s top ultra runners, Damian Hall, alongside our regular hosts: award-winning author Adharanand Finn, movement maestro Joe Kelly and top Dartmoor guide Colin Kirk-Potter.
We’ll explore the rugged landscapes of Dartmoor and learn how to move better on trails, before refuelling on delicious home-cooked food prepared by our on-site chef Charlotte Etridge.
In the evenings we’ll relax with fireside chats from our knowledgeable hosts, who will share their experiences and insights on everything from taking on the infamous Barkley Marathons, to finishing on the podium at the UTMB, and running with the Kenyans.
BASECAMP
Our basecamp is The Great Barn at Blackadon Farm, which sits right on the edge of the Dartmoor national park. Award-winning, luxurious and sustainable, the Great Barn has spectacular views across the moor, while every bedroom has its own bathroom, and there is a large kitchen and sitting area to gather, drink tea and chat running.
Meet the team
Damian Hall
Special guest Damian Hall is a record-breaking ultra marathon runner who's represented Great Britain, and has finished in the top five at the UTMB. In 2023 he won the Spine Race and he has twice finished four loops of the Barkley Marathons. He’s also a UK Athletics running coach, a widely published journalist and author, and a renowned tea drinker.
Adharanand Finn
Adharanand Finn is the author of three critically acclaimed books, Running with the Kenyans, The Way of the Runner and The Rise of the Ultra Runners. This is a chance for you to grill him on all he has learnt during his research, which has taken him from Kenya to Japan and into the darkest pain caves of the ultra running world!
Joe Kelly
Joe Kelly is a natural movement and fitness maestro who features in Adharanand’s books. Joe uses playful games, as well as techniques such as Anatomy in Motion, to help you run more fluidly and naturally - and with less chance of injury. He is also a occasional ultra runner and an expert in downhill trail running.
Colin Kirk-Potter
Colin has been a qualified Mountain Leader since 2008. He has completed many of the top fell races, including two Bob Graham rounds, as well as numerous Mountain Marathons. He has an in-depth knowledge of the moor and is the author of Dartmoor Trail and Fell Running.
Itinerary
Friday:
Easy late-afternoon trail run
Bedtime stories - author readings from Adharanand and Damian
Saturday and sunday:
Three wild runs (of varying lengths and speeds)
Sessions with Joe to improve your movement, using techniques including Anatomy in Motion and BeActivated
Talk from Damian Hall on his ongoing Barkley Marathons adventures
Time to relax, read, chat, drink tea/coffee (option to book a massage)
Stories and slideshow from Adharanand’s research trips
Sunday evening meal at a local pub
Monday:
Early morning dawn run
The cost of the camp includes:
Three nights accommodation (Fri, Sat and Sun)
All food, home-cooked by our wonderful chef Charlotte Etridge (vegan, gluten free etc very welcome)
Up to five guided runs (or fewer if you want!) of varying lengths
Talks by Adharanand and Damian, as well as plenty of chances to ask questions across the weekend
Movement/core fitness sessions and trail running technique sessions with Joe, Damian and Colin
Free pickup and dropoff at the nearby Ivybridge train station
The cost doesn't include:
Optional sports massage - a massage therapist will be on site and can be booked to rejuvenate tired legs
A pub supper on Sunday night at a local pub
Prices:
Sharing in a twin or triple room: £720 per person
Couple sharing a double room: £720 per person
Double room for 1 person: £850
(Space is limited and rooms will be allocated on a first come, first served basis)
Difficulty:
For the shorter runs, as a minimum level you should be able to run 5km (a parkrun) without having to stop. To join the Sunday long run it is recommended you can run 10km without stopping - speed is not important
KIT LIST:
As well as running gear for all weathers, including gloves and a running jacket, you will need trail running shoes.
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“The weekend exceeded all my expectations - which were high anyway!”
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