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 Trail running retreats with Damian Hall

26 - 29 April 2024

dartmoor

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 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.

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.

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 Meet the team

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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 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.

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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 spend the day with him and 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!

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Joe Kelly

Adharanand will be joined on all the runs by performance and fitness maestro Joe Kelly 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.

 
 

Itinerary

Friday:

  • Easy late-afternoon trail run

  • Welcome talk from Adharanand on what we can learn from the approach of the Kenyan and Japanese runners 

Saturday and sunday:

  • Three wild runs (of varying lengths and speeds) including one night run

  • Sessions with Joe to improve your movement, using techniques including Anatomy in Motion and BeActivated

  • Damian Hall gives us the inside story of his attempt at the Barkley Marathons

  • Time to relax, read, chat, drink tea/coffee (option to book a massage)

  • Uphill and downhill running technique session

  • Stories from Adharanand’s research trips

  • Sunday evening meal at a local pub

Monday:

  • Early morning dawn run

 
 
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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, Damian and Colin, 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

The cost doesn't include:

  • Transport to and from the camp

  • 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: £650 per person

Couple sharing a double room: £650 per person 

Double room for 1 person: £790

(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. A head torch is also required for the night run

 
 

 “

The weekend exceeded all my expectations - which were high anyway!
— Guest, February 2022

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