SiEntries Options
Login / Register

Introduction to Skyrunning

Course Facebook Page
Course Twitter Feed
Course Website

Friday 9th to Sunday 11th April 2021

Bookings Open
Friday 3rd April 2020
Bookings Close
Wednesday 24th February 2021
Waiting List Bookings
2 Participants
Booking Fees

£275, including two nights half board

Contact
Course Organiser - Charles Sproson

In association with Scafell Sky Race

Learn the skills to run fast & light over technical terrain; take scree & singletrack in your stride, climb strong & descend fast.

"What an amazing weekend I've just had! I am totally on a natural high and cannot stop smiling. As someone coming into this area of running I can't believe how much I have learnt! I have made so many friends too." Elizabeth M

What to expect
Ready to take the step up from trailrunning to skyrunning? The Introduction to Skyrunning training weekend will equip you with the skills and confidence you’ll need to take on non-graded scrambling and run on technical mountain terrain. This is an immersive weekend of skills training and mountain-craft: expect full days; extreme running; exposed single track; great company; and a smile from ear to ear. You will learn to:

  • Run over rough and unstable ground.
  • Run technical single tracks, and become familiar with exposed ground, gaining an understanding how one wrong foot placement, a trip or slip from such ground could cause you serious injury.
  • Run down scree slopes and gullies that are severe in nature.
  • Scramble over open rock.
  • Climb/ascend steep ground.

The course will give you a stable grounding for the Scafell Sky Race or another equivalent race. But, remember, once the course is over your training has only just begun: we expect you to go back out and practice - then go out again and practice some more!

Who is it for?

The Introduction to Skyrunning weekend is ideal for anyone who wants to build their running and scrambling skills or to prepare for serious mountain races such as Keswick Mountain Festival 50km Ultra, Lakes Sky Ultra, Snowdon Skyline, Salomon Ring of Steall, Mourne Skyline MTR or the Tromso Sky Race. There are limitations – we can’t cure your fear of heights or get rid of vertigo – but we can help you to build confidence and experience in a controlled environment and in the safety of a small group.

If you feel you need more of a 'hands on rock' expereince then why not join our Advanced Skyrunning Weekend, which may be more appropriate to your needs.

Need to know more? For more details please contact enquiries@mountainrun.co.uk.

What's included?

  • Accommodation on Friday and Saturday night
  • Friday night social run
  • Friday & Saturday evening meal
  • Saturday & Sunday morning breakfast
  • Two full days of guided running and instruction on the Coniston Fells, perfect for skyrunning training

Course Programme

N.b. The programme below is indicative of the typical course content, but may be subject to change:

Arrival: Friday night - 09 April 2021

18:00: Arrive

18:30: [Optional] - A nice easy grade 10k around the coppermines valley to work up an appetite.

(Friday evening meal is now included in the price of the course)

Day 1: Saturday 10 April 2021

07:00: Session 1 - Yoga for running form and flexibility for Sky and Mountain runners with Inspired Life Yoga - Session delivered by Shelley Barlow

08:30: Breakfast at the Coniston YHA  - perfect set to your day ahead

09:30 – 11:30: Session 2 - Navigation re-fresher for self-rescue on a sky race with Charlie

11:30 to 12:00: Quick bite to eat in the Coniston YHA, packed lunch supplied.

12:15 to 16:45: Session 3 - Sky Skills training on the fell. Please note that due to the nature of this session, warm clothing will be required – single-layer running clothes are not suitable.

We will cover:

  • Confidence on rough ground
  • Safety on steep ground
  • Navigation for runners (basic) geared around ability to self-rescue and navigate off the course by non-marked routes
  • Uphill & Downhill running techniques
  • Appropriate spare/emergency clothing
  • Course markings
  • Sound Mountain Judgement, what this means and how to apply it.

17:00 – 18:00: Session 4 - Review of the Day, including:

  • Mountain Running Kit selection
  • Training
  • Nutrition
  • Q&A

19:30 'til late: Dinner in the Coniston YHA – followed by drinks, mountain chat and tall tales at the bar if the mood takes us there …

Day 2: Sunday 11 April 2021

07:00: Session 5: Yoga - Strength and Conditioning for Sky and Mountain Running with Inspired Life Yoga - Session lead by Shelley Barlow

08:30: Breakfast at the Coniston YHA  - perfect set to your day ahead

08:45 – 15:30 (approx.) Session 6: Guided run and sky scramble with Mountain Run, likely to include:

  • Run to the summit of Coniston Old Man, Dow Crag and surrounds
  • Some great 'sky scrambling' to tackle on route
  • Highly technical single-track running
  • Descent off the Prison Band
  • Chance to ascend 'Easy Terrace on Dow Crag [or something of similar calibur] ' depending on group dynamics and time available (note: this is open to change due to weather or group dynamics)
  • Return to base - Please note the precise route and distance of the guided run and scramble will be dictated by the fitness of the group and speed of travel.

16:00: Finish, debrief of the weekend and depart

Extra bookings avaiable, see below: 

Please note: You can book an extra night with us at the Coniston YHA, this will be an extra suppliment of £60 and will include -  Meal at a local pub in Coniston, B&B at the Coniston YHA

Monday Guided Skyrun: You can book an extra half day's skyrun with us on the Monday after the course has been delivered. This will either be around the Coniston Fells (most likely) or we might head to Great Langdale to take in some of the epic Scafell Sky Race route. 

The cost of the 'guided skyrun' is £40 per person and is available as an 'add-on' at the point of booking. 

More details available on Mountain Run's website HERE

View the Course Disclaimer / Terms and Conditions.


Save the date and share

Course Location