Using Walking Poles as Trail Runners
1 Day Specialist Course
Delamere Forest - experienced coach - equipment provided - beginners and newbies welcome -
accessible trails - URC Instruction Manual to keep post event
My specialist Poles for Runners 1 day course is for trail athletes wanting to understand the benefits and learn the practical skills to use trekking poles effectively and efficiently for trail running. We explore their uses, the different techniques for a range of terrain and how to store them for quick access and comfortable carrying.
When used correctly, poles can really make a physical and psychological difference to running power, efficiency, balance, stability and safety. Delamere Forest provides lots of varied terrain types and hill gradients to learn the different poleing techniques .
Logistics:
Dates: Listed below
Cost: £65.00 - non URC athletes
25% Discount for - current URC athletes
Early Bird Discount (Less £10) applies if booked more than 8 Weeks from the Course date
- Meet: Barnsbridge Car Park 09:30
Ashton Road, WA6 6NY. What3Words, Google Pin
- Prompt Start: 9:45
- AM Break 11:15 - back at the cars, hot drinks supplied
- Lunch 12:45 30mins: Bring your own packed lunch - hot drinks supplied
- PM Break 14:45 - Forestry Centre cafe
- Finish: 16:30
Course timings approximate to be flexible with the training and practical application.
Future Course Dates: (click a date to book)
Saturday 7 November - Early Bird to 12.09.26
Saturday 9 January - Early Bird to 16.11.26
Sunday 31 January - Early Bird to 6.12.26
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Basically, how to use walking poles to benefit your trail running. You will learn different techniques and understand how and when to apply them (and when/how to stash them) for different kinds of trail terrain and gradient.
Suitable if -
- you want to try before you buy a set of poles
- you want to learn how to use your own poles properly
- you want to apply their benefits into your trail running strategy
General outline will include:
- Welcome & introductions
- Intro to poles suitable for running - types, length, setup, carrying
- Basic Nordic walking technique - application on flat terrain to establish rhythm and the foundation techniques.
- Uphill application - applying the foundation techniques to powering hill running
- Downhill application - applying poles for balance, stability and safety (when not to use them).
- Time for drink breaks, lunch and trail running within the forest.
- Looking to run approximately 10k in the afternoon to make best use of the trail network.
Come prepared for the weather on the day! Be sensible with waterproofs and warm clothing, better to have them in the car accessible than not (we are never too far away and will return for lunch). Wear your usual run outfit but come with layers as the day will be stop/start by its nature so think ahead and plan against the weather forecast.
If you have poles, bring them with you along with any method you have for storing them - could be a race pack or belt. If you have not thought about this yet, no worries, its not mandatory and I will bring a small selection to try.
