THIS IS THE ORIGINAL RUNNING WITH POLES COURSE.

No-one else delivers a course like it with as much in-depth information, tricks and skills to use all over the mountains.

Others may copy, but no one knows Running with Poles like we do! 

Learn to walk and run with poles for Ultra's.

Come and learn to use poles for running to literally 'propel' yourself to your best PB ever in your next Trail, Ultra, Mountain Ultra or Sky Race.

Based from Thorpe, Peak District | All about 'Walking and Running with Poles' | Delivered by Chris Gunn

What to expect

• A professionally delivered course
• An outdoor gym to practice in
• Skills to learn how to walk and run with poles
• 5km Nordic Walking session in the morning
• Between as 7km trail run route to practice on in the afternoon
• Each session is START/STOP with chat and skills laced in-between
• Use of Leki 'test' poles (if you don't have your own or want to try new ones)
• Mixed weather - dress & plan accordingly
• Smiles & a good fun day out!

What will you learn? 

• Which poles are the best for running
• What the benefits are for using poles
• How to walk using poles to propel you forwards
• How to use poles to propel your forwards, up and downhill whilst running
• Hill Techniques
• How to use your poles efficiently
• When to use poles & when to stow them away

Who is it for? 

All runners wanting to get to grips with using 'trail running poles' for running. So whether you're booked onto South Downs Way 50/100, the UTMB Arc of Attrition, the UTMB Ultra Trail Snowdonia, UK Skyrunning Race curcuit, Montane Lakeland 50/100, Adidas TERREX KMF 50k Ultra, Dragons Back Race, The Spine Race or gearing up for a UK Round like the Bob Graham, Paddy Buckley or Charlie Ramsay this is the course for you.

What fitness level do I need? 

You do not need to be ultra fit, we accommodate 'couch to 5k'  and 'elite runners' in the same session as its not about fitness, its about a willingness to learn, skills dropped in along the way, all based around a rough speed of 3 to 5kmph  in the run session, but only short legs to run and then stop for more skills, chat and working through things. 

This is not a BOOT CAMP, its a skills workshop

If you still feel nervous about your fitness, call or email Charlie on 07989697487/[email protected]

Course Program

10:00 to 16:00 [PLEASE NOTE THE COURSE TIME]

• 3 hours on a Nordic Walking workshop [5km]
• Break - 30 minutes to eat, hydrate and talk
• 2.5 hours 'running with poles' conversion in the most efficient way inc. 7k trail run [start/stop]

Meeting Location: Thorpe in Ashborne, Village Green, DE6 2BH

What to bring

• Waterproof jacket & trousers (taped seams please)
• Spare L/S base layer, Primaloft layer or similar (no cotton please)
• Hat or buff
• Gloves
• Hill food/Lunch Snacks
• Race Vest/Small Pack to put it all in.
• Trail running shoes.
• An open mind and willingness to learn

Please be aware we might be moving at slow speeds at some points during the day: please account for this in your clothing selection.

Check the weather forecast in advance of your course and come prepared.

https://www.mwis.org.uk/forecasts/english-and-welsh/peak-district

https://weather.metoffice.gov.uk/forecast/gcqv8e7dr#?date=2026-02-27

https://www.xcweather.co.uk/forecast/Ashbourne