Run for the hills…
Join Adharanand Finn along with two of the stars of his book The Rise of the Ultra Runners - elite trail runner Tom Payn and his wife, Rachel Bonner - for this long weekend in the mountains around the trail-running mecca of Chamonix. It is here that the famous UTMB ultra marathon starts and finishes, and over a long weekend you will explore those trails in the company of Adharanand and Tom, as well as two experienced mountain guides. Rachel will be on hand to help revitalise any aching legs with some gentle, movement-based yoga sessions tailored for runners. Some of the runs will be long, but the pace will be easy, with plenty of time to explore the mountains and take in the incredible scenery. Afterwards we will return to the comfort of the wonderful Heliopic Hotel and Spa in Chamonix.
itinerary:
(full itinerary to come but camp will include):
Up to four guided runs in the mountains on the trails that form part of the famous UTMB route
Talks by Adharanand and Tom about running, writing, ultra marathons, living with the Kenyans and much more
Yoga-for-runners sessions with Rachel
Training tips and advice on preparing for an ultra - Tom is also a highly qualified endurance running coach
Meals out - including to some of the best spots in town
Time to relax in the beauty and splendour of Chamonix
Meet the team…
Adharanand Finn
ADHARANAND 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!
Tom Payn
Tom is a GB international ultra trail runner and has represented England over distances from 10km to 100km. He loves the transformative nature of running, and using his knowledge and experience to empower runners of all abilities. He first met Adharanand while living and training in Kenya, and says he is looking forward to sharing stories and the trails in Chamonix.
Rachel Bonner
Rachel is an exercise physiologist, yoga teacher, ultra runner and a fountain of positive energy. She loves the way running connects you to the earth and says ultra running satisfies the scientist in her – allowing her to explore the world with curiosity.
basecamp
Our basecamp for the weekend is the wonderful Heliopic Hotel & Spa in the heart of Chamonix. As well as comfortable rooms with spectacular views, the hotel is equipped with a pool and spa for the perfect post-run recovery.
The cost of the camp includes:
Three nights accommodation in the Heliopic Hotel & Spa, including use of the spa
All meals, including packed lunches on the runs
Qualified guides to lead the trail runs in the mountains
Talks and Q&A sessions with Adharanand and Tom
Yoga sessions with Rachel
The cost doesn't include:
Transport to and from Chamonix
Massage and any extra treatments offered by the hotel spa
Price:
£950 per person (accommodation is in shared twin rooms or double rooms for couples)
** EARLY BIRD SPECIAL: Sign up before 30 November 2025 for a reduced price of £875 **
(Additionally, for anyone from outside France or Switzerland who travels to the retreat by train, rather than flying, we are happy to offer a £100 discount.)
For our cancellation policy please see our terms and conditions
Difficulty:
Running in the mountains can be tough, so even though the pace on the runs will be steady and relaxed, with plenty of rests, we recommend that as a minimum you are able to comfortably run a half marathon on trails without stopping
KIT LIST:
Trail running shoes and running kit for cold weather, including a waterproof jacket, warm base layers, gloves and a hat
A running backpack with water reservoir or bottles
Travel insurance (that covers being in the mountains up to 2,500m)
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“The Chamonix retreat was probably the best running-related thing I’ve ever done! You created a special community of like-minded people who enjoyed running and chatting together, and admiring and respecting the wonderful location we were privileged to visit”
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