Your Trail Running Retreat
We love this part of Cornwall that we are so fortunate to call home. We’d take great joy in sharing the hard-earned knowledge that we have of the running trails not only here along the Helford, but further afield in Cornwall.
Evocative Cornish names that trip off the tongue – The Lizard, Kynance Cove, Mousehole, Lamorna, Rosemullion, The Manacles, Cadgwith, Port Isaac, Cape Cornwall, and many more – form the backdrop for your Cornish coast path adventures.
Our running retreats have been designed to not only showcase the stunning Cornish section of the Southwest Coast Path, but also encourage you to indulge in some pampering and relaxation at the award-winning four star Budock Vean hotel.
Read on for more details of what you can expect from a Cornish Trails Running Retreat.
Arriving at the Budock Vean
When you come down the rhododendron-lined drive to arrive at Budock Vean, pulling on your trainers for a 5 or 10 km trail run might not be foremost on your mind! Don’t worry – if you’ve had a long journey, you can opt out of the run on Friday afternoon and instead take advantage of the on-site spa and leisure facilities.
There is a James Braid designed 9 hole / 18 tee golf course that is free to use for hotel residents. There is also a swimming pool with sauna and outside hot tub to relax in, and tennis courts. Or you could simply stroll through the subtropical grounds and relax with a cocktail on the terrace!
But we think you’ll probably join us for a run…
The Main Event
On the Saturday, you’ll be taken to one of several possible locations for both the coaching session and the long run. The choice will be primarily weather dependent, but conditions underfoot will also be a factor.
The coaching session will be delivered by a Running Coach qualified to at least ‘Coach in Running Fitness’ (CiRF) level. We want you to be able to take away some new-found skills to enhance your enjoyment, performance and safety when out on the trails.
The run itself will be split into two or more groups determined by pace and desired run length, and each group will have a Run Leader qualified to at least ‘Leader in Running Fitness’ (LiRF) or a level 3 Personal Trainer to guide them for the full route.
Some Pampering
On the Saturday afternoon, we have a number of options for activities that don’t involve too much running.
We have Sports Therapists who will visit in the afternoon and provide a sports massage to every participant. This is included in the Cornish Trails package price.
Keen golfers can take advantage of the meticulously kept golf course at the hotel. There are also Tennis courts you can use.
We have a number of friends who can also deliver some professional sports coaching in things such as:
- Yoga
- Wild Swimming
- Kayaking
- Personal Training
The Home Straight
On Sunday, after breakfast at the hotel, there is another optional local guided run. It will be a different route from the Friday run, but might overlap on the way out or back. You can let us know if you want more coastal scenery, or maybe some testing climbs to tackle – and being Cornwall, we have some great climbs for you!
Before departure, we hope that you can join us for a sumptuous three course Sunday lunch with coffee at the Budock Vean (£28pp). There might even be a jazz trio playing!
What should I Bring?
This is obviously season and weather dependent. Cornwall is surrounded on three sides by the sea and is the first landfall for the prevailing southwesterly weather systems from the Atlantic ocean, so it can get quite wet! So definitely pack some waterproof outer layers.
Your running shoes will probably get wet and muddy, so if you can bring two or more pairs, then great. Almost all of the running will be off-road, so proper trail shoes are an absolute must. In winter, they should have fairly aggressive soles that can handle rocks, mud, roots and steep climbs/descents.
For the long run, please consider water and food and how you’ll carry it. A hydration pack is the best option for this, plus you’ll be able to carry other bits like a small first aid kit, a whistle, battery pack and a waterproof/shockproof case for your phone.
We will also have other activities on offer. A required kit list will be provided for whichever activity you choose, but most of it will be regular kit you will probably already have.