Our training camp in the Algarve is the foundation stone of our business. It was the first trip we put on back in 1984 and, COVID interuptions aside, we have delivered it every year since. Over those years we've tinkered with the content, the format and the accommodation but the fundamentals or the trip have remained the same: warm weather, enthusiastic coaches, great running routes, friendly environment. We can't recommend this camp enough ... whatever standard of runner you are, you will tak…
Our training camp in the Algarve is the foundation stone of our business. It was the first trip we put on back in 1984 and, COVID interuptions aside, we have delivered it every year since. Over those years we've tinkered with the content, the format and the accommodation but the fundamentals or the trip have remained the same: warm weather, enthusiastic coaches, great running routes, friendly environment.Â
We can't recommend this camp enough ... whatever standard of runner you are, you will take a lot away from the camp. It is friendly, inclusive and genuinely caters for everyone, whether you are trying to crack three hours at a spring marathon or preparing for your first 5K. There are runs or running sessions twice a day, supplemented by yoga, Pilates and fitness classes followed by talks, seminars and social events on most evenings.
Don't be put off by the 'training camp' label, we want to help you develop as a runner but we are mindful that the trip is first and foremost a holiday. There are no compulsory sessions or runs, you can do as much or as little as you like and if you have a non-running partner more interested in lying on the beach that running along it, they will be welcome too.
There will be coaches available throughout the weeks to provide one-to-one advisory sessions to review and analyse your training or to help you set new goals. We also have a hard-working physio, who is there to keep you on the road should aches, pains or injury niggles threaten your week. Again these are optional services that are available if you want to use them.
The location is also perfect for running, a mix of largely traffic-free roads and undulating tracks, cross-country trails or beach routes. Our hotel literally has a running track in the garden, a gym beyond the track and a stunning beach at the end of the road. There are shops and local restaurants five-minute's walk from the hotel and while you have a choice of B&B or full board at the hotel, all the hotel rooms come with a kitchen to allow you to largely self-cater if you wish.
The camp has a capacity of up to 85 runners per week, which means we usually have a range of running abilities, experience and goals and aspirations on both weeks. The group is a mix of small groups, couples and increasingly large numbers of singletons. Whatever your running standard you are going find others like you on the trip. While we have a large number of returning customers on the camp, in 2023 we will have a specific programme designed for first-timers to help newcomers orientate to the surroundings, meet other runners and ensure they always have someone to run with.Â
We originally picked the Algarve as a training base because of the weather in March. While we guarantee it, the Algarve likes to boast it has 300 days of sunshine a year, the weather in March is usually bright, sunny and warm, perfect for running and the ideal antidote to the British winter.Â
The two weeks of the camp are:
Week 1: Saturday 11th March to Saturday 18h March .Â
Week 2: Saturday 18th March to Saturday 25th March (early arrivals and later departure dates on request)
The training is led by an enviable list of experts, including our head coach Mara Yamauchi, the UK's second-fastest female marathon runner with a best of 2.23, 2nd placed finish in London 2012 and 6th in the Beijing Olympic Marathon. She will be supported by Mike Gratton, 2:09 Events director and former London Marathon winner. Our team is strengthed with experts in sports medicine, massage, core stability, yoga for runners and Pilates.Â
INCLUDED IN EACH 7-DAY CAMP PERIOD
There are no hidden extras.Â
NOT INCLUDEDÂ
RESORT
We are based at the modern 4-star Victoria Sport & Beach Hotel, located next to extensive sports facilities and a short walk  from the popular Falesia village area, with its restaurants, bars and supermarkets. All rooms at the Victoria Sport & Beach Hotel are apartments and have a kitchenette, balcony, lounge area and bedroom. They are set out as 1-bedroom apartments for up to 3 people or there are also a limited number of 2-bedroom apartments for up to 5 people. Arrangements are on a bed & breakfast basis with an all inclusive option.
There is an outdoor leisure pool, indoor sports facilities with weights room, 2km roped cross country circuit and a private 400m all-weather track which all form part of the hotel's facilities. With some excellent off-road trails in and around the area and a beach less than a kilometre from the hotel door, it is the perect location for a running camp.Â
INCLUDED CAR HIRE
We include a Type B car (4-door Corsa or similar) per two people sharing an apartment. Bookings with more than two people have the option to reserve a larger car. Single travellers requiring sole use of a car will need to pay the single occupant supplement. Drivers must be 23 years of age or older. If you do not require car hire - the majority on the camp do not take the option - we will transfer you by car or minibus to and from Faro Airport. The hotel is approximately 40 minutes drive from the airport.Â
FLIGHTSÂ
Flights are not included in the package price. You have to book your own internatinal flights, however, there are a range of airlines flying in and out of Faro airport from London and other regional airports. These include EasyJet, Ryanair, Jet2 as well as scheduled flights with BA. Our transfers to and from the resort cover all flights into and out of Faro airport.Â
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Our base for the week is the modern 4-star Victoria Sport & Beach Hotel which is located next to the sports facilities and close to the popular Falesia village area with its restaurants, bars and supermarkets.
All rooms at the Victoria Sport & Beach Hotel have a kitchenette, balcony, bathroom, lounge area and bedroom. They are set out as 1-bedroom apartments for up to 3 people or 2-bedroom apartments for up to 5 people. Apartments either overlook the track or the cross-country course. There is a premium to guarantee a track-side apartment. Arrangements are on a bed & breakfast basis.
There is an outdoor leisure pool, indoor sports facilities with weights room, 2km roped cross country circuit and a 400m all-weather track.
Typical Weekly Programme - This is a sample of what you can expect, it is not necessarily the 2023 programme
Week 1: March 11-18, 2023 Week 2: March 18-25
Sat: Arrivals. 5pm Steady run of approx 5 miles on the cliffs. Time to settle in this evening. Induction and orientation sesssion for first-time attendees
Sun: Morning Run of up to 5 miles. Training tutorials with the coaches during the morning. 3pm Yoga or core stability work. 4pm warm-up, running drills, short sprints, split into groups for track or tempo work, warm down. Welcome buffet dinner at hotel.
Mon: Morning Run of up to 5 miles. Training tutorials with the coaches during the morning. 3pm Pilates or core stability work. 4pm split into ability groups for a quality session on the  track or cross country course. Evening seminar.
Tue: 5km Race day. Steady afternoon run. Evening seminar.
Wed: Morning Run of up to 5 miles. Individual time with the coaches during the day. 3pm Yoga or core stability work. 4pm split into groups for quality training on the track or cross country course. Evening seminar.
Thu: Long Run day - on a marked-out circuit in Vilamoura. You can run as far as you like we'll be out on the route to provide back up and support. Afternoon strength and stretch session.Â
Fri:  Morning run up to 5 miles. 4pm Tempo session and fun relays to finish. Prize giving and final social event with dinner.
Sat: Morning run up to 8 miles. Departures. 5pm easy run.
VICTORIA HOTEL 1-BEDROOMÂ APARTMENTSÂ
| PRICES PER PERSON | SINGLE | TWIN | TRIPLE* |
| 7-NIGHTS PARTICIPANT |  £699 |  £549 |  £479 |
| 7-NIGHTS SUPPORTER |  £629 |  £479 |  £409 |
| EXTRA NIGHTS Per person/night |  £95 |  £70 |  £60 |
| DEPOSIT Per person |  £200 |  £200 |  £200 |
Twin prices are per person with two people sharing a one-bedroom apartment. If you are travelling alone the single price applies.
Although we don't usually market a 'twin to share' package, we currently have an open male twin share in Week 2 available if you would like to avoid the single price. I
*Third person in a 1-bedroom apartment is based on one person using a sofa bed in the lounge.Â
Poolside rooms are limited and subject to availability in the relevant week. The supporter fee includes all B&B accommodation, evening social activities, camp merchandise but does not include any of coaching services.
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For further information email 2:09 Events on info@209events.com
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