The rise of runcations, whether they be trail festivals, mountain academies or hiking adventures, means that there’s no need to leave your running behind when you go off in search of adventure and fun
Words: Tina Chantrey
● ne way to perfectly marry taking time away from the demands of everyday life, and still keeping up with your running, is to book yourself on to one of the many varied running festivals, academies and experiences around the UK. Whether it’s in your own backyard, or much further afield, running holidays now offer a cheap alternative for a getaway, as well as an immersive experience in nature and exercise. Somewhere you can find the perfect combination of relaxing , having fun and indulging your passion for running.
Adventure or retreat?
Maybe you don’t have to choose! You can sunbathe, try out new activities, keep fit, make friends, reduce stress and improve your overall wellbeing in one holiday! Running escapes are now offering more and more events that both challenge your physical and mental capabilities and allow you to unwind and kick back.
You may want to camp in the Scottish Highlands, stay in a chalet in the French Alps, or even go long haul. Anything you could want is bound to be out there and many companies offer women-only escapes too.
Europe
Crossing the English Channel will open up new experiences, and getting away from the UK can feel like more of a break. You could have more of a chance of guaranteed good weather, too!
The Arc’teryx Alpine Academy
Now in its 12th year, the Arc’teryx Alpine Academy promises four action-packed days in Chamonix. It offers a full programme where alpine enthusiasts with a love for trail running, climbing, trekking and more, can take part in clinics led by Arc’teryx’s world-class athletes and top certified mountain guides, to elevate their mountain skills and experience.
The academy has more than 80 different of these clinics covering all skill levels, fitness and for all budgets, across mountaineering, climbing, hiking, trail running, mountain photography and many more. There are six different trail running clinics from Friday to Sunday, covering everything from an introduction to trail running to an advanced clinic which will see runners join Arc’teryx athletes on a two-day trip of fun and focused coaching in the mountains with a ‘Best of Tour Du Mont-Blanc’.
At the Alpine Village, participants ar
