11-14 september 2026
Run for the hills…
Join Adharanand Finn along with world-renowned ultra runner Stephanie Case 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 Stephanie, as well as two experienced mountain guides. 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 Stephanie
Two Anatomy in Motion-based running form sessions with natural movement coach Nigel Crompton
Training tips and advice on preparing for an ultra
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 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. His fourth book, about a 1,400-mile run around Ireland, will be published in March 2027. He is also the host of The Way of the Runner podcast. 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.
Stephanie Case
Stephanie Case is a professional ultrarunner for The North Face living in Chamonix, with podium finishes at some of the world's toughest mountain races. She made headlines across the world in May 2025 when she won the Ultra-Trail Snowdonia 100km race while breastfeeding her six-month-old daughter at aid stations along the route. She has won the 450km Tor des Glaciers and finished second at Hardrock 100. Known for pushing the limits, Stephanie brings the same grit and determination to her work off the trails as a human rights lawyer and advocate. She is founder of the award-winning charity Free to Run, which advances gender equity for women and girls in areas of conflict, serves on the board of the Hardrock 100, leading their inclusivity work, and acts as an advisor to the Pro Trail Runner Association's Women's Equality Group. Stephanie is passionate about storytelling with two documentaries under her belt and is also a commentator for the UTMB world series and finals.
Nigel Crompton
Nigel Crompton is a UK Athletics coach, Corrective Exercise Specialist and founder of the Run True movement system, which uses principles derived from Anatomy in Motion, biomechanics and neuroscience to create a system of strength and mobility drills that facilitate good running form. He is also the author of My Border Collie Doesn’t Stretch – a book about mobility for runners. As a runner he can mainly be found on the fells of North Wales and taking part in races of all distances (including the Marathon Des Sables, twice) as well as coaching junior fell running, with his team winning the English Fell Championships.
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 Stephanie
Anatomy in Motion-based movement sessions with Nigel Crompton
The cost doesn't include:
Transport to and from Chamonix
Massage and any extra treatments offered by the hotel spa
Price:
£975 per person (accommodation is in shared twin rooms or double rooms for couples)
** EARLY BIRD SPECIAL: Sign up before 16 February 2025 for a reduced price of £925 **
(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 - please message us directly to arrange.)
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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