Algarve Spring Training, Portugal

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. 

In 2024 we put on only a single week for the training but we are reverting to two weeks in 2025: March 8-15 and March 15-22. Once again the popularity of the Victoria at this time of year has meant another signficant increase in prices for the camp, which we regret, however there is litlte we can do if we want to retain the use of the hotel and its facilities.

Despite the price increase we still think the training camp is excellent value for money and it is a wonderful camp, whatever standard of runner you are.  It is friendly, inclusive and genuinely caters for everyone, whether you are trying to dip under 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, the goal of the camp is 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 and they will find plenty in the local area to keep them occupied.

Our coaches will be available throughout the week 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/sports masseur, 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, they are included in the cost of the camp. There is no additonal charge for any of the training classes or the one-to-one sessions with our experts. 

Our location on the Algarve is also perfect for running, a mix of largely traffic-free roads and undulating tracks, cross-country trails or beach routes. The hotel 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 self-cater if you wish.

The camp has a capacity of up to 90 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 expect a large number of returning customers on the camp, in 2025 we will again 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. If you are travelling alone but don't want to pay the full single price, which has increased dramatically, we also offer a limited number of 'twin to share' rooms, where we will match you with another runner of the same gender. Send a note to info@209events.com if you are interested in this option.

We originally picked the Algarve as a training base because of the weather. While we can't 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 that we are all escaping from. 

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 and Mike Bannister, an experienced coach who owns and manages the RunBrighton training programme. Our team is strengthed with experts in sports medicine, massage, core stability, yoga for runners and Pilates. 

INCLUDED IN EACH 7-DAY CAMP PERIOD

• All training sessions, coaching and evening seminars 
• Individual coaching advice and guidance
• 7 nights accommodation in a one-bedroom apartment
• Daily buffet breakfast at the hotel
• Sports injury support where needed
• Core stability, yoga and PT gym sessions
• Welcome dinner at the hotel plus end of week celebration dinner and prize giving at a local restaurant
• Airport to resort transfers or a hire car for the duration of your holiday (with a supplement for single use of the car) if required
• Camp T-shirt, sports nutrition products and participant photos

There are no hidden extras. 

NOT INCLUDED 

• International flights to and from Portugal
• Meals except those described above
• Travel insurance

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. 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 at a supplementary charge.

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. 

INCLUDED CAR HIRE

We include a Type H car (3-door Renault Clio 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 25 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 providing you arrive and depart on Saturday March 8, 15 or 22. If you are arriving or leaving on another date you would be responsible for your own transfer, although you can book car hire for a longer or shorter period.  The hotel is approximately 40 minutes drive from the airport and individual taxis are around €40 each way. 

FLIGHTS 

Flights are not included in the package price. You have to book your own international flights, however, there are a range of airlines flying in and out of Faro airport from London and other regional airports in the UK. 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 on Saturday March 8, 15 and 22.