ALGARVE SPRING RUNNING CAMP, FALESIA, PORTUGAL 

MARA YAMAUCHI

Mara has been the lead coach on our training camp since 2018. Her running pedigree needs little introduction: she is the UK’s second fastest female marathon runner of all time with her 2.23 second-place finish at the London Marathon in 2012 which followed her 6^th place in the Beijing Olympics. Mara now coaches a wide range of runners and works in the media, both as a commentator and spokesperson on a variety of topics.

MIKE GRATTON

Mike has been organizing training camps on the Algarve since 1984. That was the year after he won the London Marathon in 2:09:43, a time that has become synonymous with the travel company he founded some years later. Since retiring from 2:09 Events Mike has focused more of his time on running his own coaching business where he works with a range of runners from absolute beginners through to seasoned internationals. He will be working as one of the primary coaches under head coach, Mara Yamauchi.

It is likely Mara and Mike will also be supported by secondary coaches, Mike Bannister from Run Brighton and Jo Gallagher, an experienced runner and personal trainer who will take core fitness and gym sessions throughout the week.

In addition to this core coaching team we will also have a hard-working physio or masseur on both weeks of the camp to treat any niggles or minor injuries that might prevent your full participation on the camp. There will also be additional 2:09 Events staff helping with airport transfers or general logistics.