Description
Dates: Thursday 25th June – Sunday 28th June 2020
Location: Bansko Bulgaria
Total Price per Athlete: £395
Spartathlon Training Camp Includes
- Accommodation (Own private room with bathroom)
- Airport Transfers
- Team Breakfasts / Lunches
- 2-3 Guided Runs per day designed for Sparta speeds and distance (Mixture of Trails, Road, Long, Short, Intervals, Mountains, including Vihren Mountain Night Run 6 hours. All optional)
- Q&As & Talks (Sparta, Nutrition, Crewing, Training, Kit Talk plus more!)
- Spa Facilities Available (For Free or For a Very Small Charge)
- Mountain Night Run
- Mineral Hot Springs
- Heat Training
- Plus Loads More!
FEATURING
***DAZ N BONE*** Ultra Coaches and 3 x Sparta finishes!
*** NATHAN FLEAR*** 2 x Sparta finisher! 2017 1st British Finisher! Running Coach and Kenyan Ultra Team Coach.
Our Sparta Training Camp is run by Professional Running Coaches David Bone and Darren Strachen (Daz n Bone) along with Ultra Race Directors and Run Bulgaria Founders Tori Robinson and Elite International Ultra Runner & Coach Nathan Flear.
From the moment we meet you at Sofia airport we aim to foster some of that epic Spartathlon community vibe. The airport transfer will be full of getting you excited about the 4 days with us and no doubt some golden Sparta knowledge being shared. Once you have settled in the mountain “hotel/accommodation” we will then gather for our first leg-loosener run out in the crisp mountain air. You will already get a feel for the beauty of the surrounding snow-capped mountains and the vastness of the road and trail routes we will be traversing over the next few days.
Nathan/David will take you out on 2-3 runs per day. You can do as many of these as you like. As Spartathlon veterans we aim to make every run purposeful towards your Sparta goals. Some runs will be geared towards the legendary Spartathlon “cut-offs” and some will feature twisty and more inclined roads. Groups may be guided to split off towards the end so that the faster ones can be taken longer and faster (by 1st Brit Spartathlon 2017 Nathan) and others can find a more relaxed way of making it back with DaznBones David Bone (Crew 2015 and 2018, Finisher in 2017 (first ever group of 4 to run and finish together)
“In 2015 I was a total ultra novice and taking on Sparta was, in reality, beyond me. David being one of my crew managed to get me through that. I’m sure his experience will be as invaluable to you as it was to me.” James Ellis, Spartathlon finisher 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018.“
Breakfasts will be taken together with great nutritional fruits, pastries and great coffee where we can look at maps, discuss kit choices and generally make you ready for the days stunning runs. We will be providing thoughtful picnics that will contain food that you’ve helped pick and we pick up from the local French Bakery and great locally sourced providers. One eye will be on the foods that you will have available at Sparthathlon (food stations and drop bags and crew options). The runs have all been researched by us to provide the best conditions that mimic the Greek race but also ensure that we take you to the most beautiful and scenic viewpoints that the Bulgarian mountains have to offer.
One thing that we would love you to join is the specially prepared ‘Mountain Night’ run. Known to many as the most challenging but memorable part of any Spartathlon we aim to recreate some of the brilliance (and the madness) by taking you on a 6 hour (pick up can be arranged so that a shorter run is possible) night ascent and descent of the wonderful Virhen mountain. With night lights on, some warmer gear and a team ready to support you every step of the way. For those that do not want to join this run the evening will be free for you to do whatever you please. We certainly can help you make the most of Bansko with loads of recommendations.
On the other evenings (other than the Mountain Night run) of the Sparta Runcamp we hope that you choose to join us on one or both of the nights where we will hand select the best places to eat and in a private setting we would love to share with you some of our insight into how we’ve faced Spartathlon over the past few years as finishers and survivors as well as crews and overall lovers of one of this most iconic ultra events. These talks and presentations will be informal and designed to share lots of useful information whilst not imposing on the enjoyment and vibe of the evening***There will be an additional charge for the food and drink only – expected to be around £20-£30 per person.
In addition, we hope to make use of the sauna facilities to provide some specialist and practical “heat training advice”. We have crew knowledge to impart as well as videos to bring to life the Spartathlon experience.
We have quite a few special extras being planned already which we are sure will make this a unique and unforgettable trip for everyone.
Whilst being a runcamp designed by and for Spartathlon runners we aim to be inclusive for all. If you want to be sub 24 hour, a sub 36 hour finisher, a runner who wants to consider running Spartathlon in future years (via either the ballot or as an auto-qualifier) or maybe you are a non-runner who wants to enjoy the vibe or being a brilliant crew team member – then we will make it the perfect “one-off for 2019” Spartathlon runcamp for you.
Accommodation will be a single double or twin room.
* Flights not included please check www.skyscanner.net for flight prices.
The Spartathlon
The Spartathlon… The ultimate ultra-distance race, the iconic race that makes grown men cry, over a quarter of runners standing on the start line will not finish for various reasons, at least half of runners will cross a point during this journey where they no longer know who they are or what they are doing here, most crew members will shed a tear at some point during the race either through lack of sleep, sheer emotion or the desperate urge to go to the toilet but not being able to find one under the pressure of crewing.
For those who ever get to experience this race in all its glory will remember it for the rest of their life and even want to return year after year just to be a part of it again and again whether they finish it or not!
Nearly 400 of the best Ultra Marathon Runners in the world eagerly await at the famous Acropolis in Athens for the start of this incredible journey, an ancient citadel situated proudly above the city of Athens. It is said to have been the same place that Pheidippides … an Athenian messenger who was sent from Athens to Sparta in 490BC started the same journey to seek help from the Persians in the battle of Marathon. Will they make it? Only time will tell… 36 hours to be precise!
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I want to bring a Non Running Partner?
This is absolutely no problem, we can accommodate non running partners, please get in touch to find out the options available.
What happens if I need to Cancel?
If unfortunately you need to cancel your booking all cancellations must be received in writing, sent to info@runbulgaria.com please see our terms of booking page for more info.
Do I need to bring anything with me?
Yes, Your running kit!
Road or Trail Shoes?
Both would be ideal but if you are only able to bring 1 pair bring road. In truth, you’re only on trails at Spartathlon for two hours max, if you’re used to trails and worried about how running so far on roads might affect you, this will give you loads of miles on very similar terrain to Spartathlon.
What is the weather like in June?
Hot! Mostly we will be running in our summer kit but it will get cooler the higher we go, For the night run you may need a jacket and warmer clothing.
Deposit payable upon booking £100. Option to pay full price below.
A £100 per person deposit is all that is required to reserve your place(s) on this fantastic running camp in Bansko. You can do this by clicking ‘Add to Cart’ .
The remaining balance must be paid before 15th February 2020. You do however have the option to pay your balance now by selecting this below. Please let us know of any dietary requirements via email info@runbulgaria.com.
Please make sure you read the Terms Of Booking before booking your place on the Spartathlon Training Camp 2020.
