Trail running in booming in Tasmania, with more and more of us heading towards the hills and dales to explore. Events are popping up too. For many of us, trail running is something we have learnt through trial and error, realising only after a stumble that perhaps, 'I might not repeat that again'. So, we are motivated to bring you Tasmania's Trail Running Academy! Over 3 days you will have access to our expert guides and coaches who always strive to facilitate an environment of education and learning for all elements of trail running. We are eager to share our knowledge on  gear, equipment, nutrition, wilderness safety and conservation,  adventure or race planning, local environmental and cultural significance and  running techniques tips and tricks that will have you dancing, thriving and keeping safe on the trails. This experience is one not to be missed!

We have chosen Derby in north-eastern Tasmania for our Academy's base camp. As a participant, you will share award-winning accommodation in the heart of Derby with your new trail running comrades. From here we will explore the region's trails, both in the quietness of evening and during the brilliance of day. There will also be plenty of swimming in the nearby rivers and lakes! 

After our trail running sessions we will return to our lodgings for workshops and discussions with local trail running experts. On our second night we will recap our learnings and highlights of the day over a shared dinner. 

This is a trail running opportunity not to miss and all abilities are welcome!
Participating in a Find Your Feet trail running academy in 2016 was what launched me from 'plodder' to 'trail runner'. I gained so much confidence from learning trail running skills, as well as tips and tricks for missions and even racing. Everyone was welcome, no matter their ability and I am just so grateful for this opportunity. - Participant, Trail Running Camp, 2016
ACADEMY HIGHLIGHTS
  • Arrive and head straight out the door for an educational night run with our coaches, guides and other guests. Who is brave for a night-time swim afterwards?
  • Whoop with pixie trail running delight as you descend the famous 18km Atlas mountain bike descent early on Day 2.
  • Experience an earlier morning trail running educational session on the trails around Derby on Day 3. 
  • Learn the art of uphills, downhills, technical trails, cornering and ‘going faster’.
  • Participate in a relaxed trail running & wellbeing focussed Q&A workshop. Topics can include: nutrition, hydration, ‘training’ as an adult athlete, ‘adventuring & missioning’, recuperation, thriving with age, & trail running psychology. 
  • Relax over a wholesome plant-based meal with your new trail running friends on Night 2. 
  • Join an optional floating lake sauna session, or simply wade in the refreshing cool waters of the river that flows right past our accommodation.
  • Say farewell to your new trail running friends, knowing that there are so many more adventures to be had together!
ABOUT THE LODGINGS

​The Dales of Derby was awarded the 2019 Barry McNeill Award for Sustainable Architecture along with the Commercial Architecture Award by the Australian Institute of Architects, Tasmanian Chapter. It is a purpose-built group accommodation catering for up to 24 people. The contemporary architecture comprises a warm interior with thoughtful attention to detail, and is arranged to ensure a natural flow for even the largest group. The generous common area with a wood heater and full kitchen forms the hub of the building. This is a place for us to gather in the mornings for breakfast and to discuss the adventures of the day ahead, then regroup in the evenings to recount our experiences and discoveries. When it is finally time to wind up for the evening, we can retire to the comfortable sleeping areas. 
What I am most excited to share is my love of trail running as a mode of transport to see a landscape. There are so many subtle tips that have liberated my ability to play wilder, such as nutrition, hydration, uphill & downhill running, and understanding performance psychology. I want to assist more Tasmanians to experience the freedom of trail running - Hanny Allston

ACADEMY DETAILS

ACADEMY BASE
'Dales of Derby' accommodation, main street Derby
START TIME & LOCATION
Day 1 - 4pm at 'Dales of Derby' to be introduced to your coaches, guides and the group & 5pm run departure from accommodation
FINISH TIME & LOCATION
Day 3 - Noon at Derby
ACCOMMODATION
'Dales of Derby', main street Derby
MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE
Up to 24 guests
INCLUDED
  • Exclusive, award-winning eco lodge accommodation
  • Transport from Launceston
  • Wholesome, plant-based dinner on Night 2 
  • 3 days of expert coaching & guiding​
  • Insurance & trail permits
  • Premium discounts at Find Your Feet stores
NOT INCLUDED
  • Travel insurance​
  • Most meals*
COST
$TBC AUD*
$450 (non refundable) deposit
* There is the option to enjoy the floating lake sauna for an extra cost p/person. Certainly not to be missed!
TRANSPORT TO DERBY
A free two-way bus transport service will be provided from Launceston. Alternatively, please feel free to carpool or bring your own vehicle to Launceston or Derby.

If you wish to opt for our free transport to Derby & during our Academy, our bus will depart from the following location: 
  • Find Your Feet Launceston, 23 Kingsway @ 2pm​
The bus will return from Derby & drop participants off at the following location:​
  • Find Your Feet Launceston, 23 Kingsway @ 2:30pm
*We will help co-ordinate carpooling to Launceston or Derby through our group chat. 
* We believe meal times are important for coming together and celebrating the experiences we are having. Therefore, we will be providing a wholesome, delicious and plant-based dinner on Day 2 of this camp. All other meals are self-catered and there is a large commercial kitchen in our accommodation for your use. We will provide more detailed information about what to bring closer to the time.

RUN DETAILS**
Academy Suitable for: Beginner - Advanced (everyone is welcome!)
Minimum Run Duration: 8km/70min
Maximum Run Duration: 15 - 20km/3hrs
Technical Difficulty: Beginner - Moderate (some trail experience will be helpful but is not required)
Steepness: Undulating fire-trails to very steep mountain slopes

* * Our tours & academies are a ‘holiday’ involving trail running. So, whilst we have an itinerary and plan for what knowledge and experiences we wish to impart, our guides and coaches will craft each days’ runs to meet your individual needs. This is not a training camp, but rather an educational opportunity. On every route we will frequently stop to teach, soak up the ambience and to take plenty of photos. Therefore, running distances noted in this itinerary can vary to differentiate between guest abilities and make your Find Your Feet holiday a rich experience.

Location

Contact Us

PH: +61 405149646

What Our Guests Are Saying

We were always so nervous about being 'those ones'... the individuals holding up the group. But right from the start we were welcomed onto the trip and given encouragement and confidence that this was so, so much more than 'just a running tour'. Throught our 5 days on the tour we both grew inches, learning not just about running but about the art of growing, playing & performing wilder. Thank you so much to the team at Find Your Feet for helping us to find our feet. We cannot wait to return again!