residential camp
Oundle School
Spread the cost – use Klarna at checkout to pay over 3 months or choose our deposit booking option to secure your spot for only £300
Performance Running
Would you like to learn what it takes to train like an elite middle distance runner?
Performance Running is a 3-night residential middle distance running camp for children and teenagers aged 10-16 years taking place at Oundle School, PE8 4AB 5th-8th August 2026.
Arrive 13:30-14:00 Wednesday – depart 12:00 Saturday.
The programme offers county and county aspiring athletes the opportunity to train for 3 days with UKA qualified coaches. The course covers technique, speed agility and quickness (SAQ), sports nutrition, race preparation and injury prevention.
Junior triathletes welcome!
We welcome triathletes onto the course, where we offer running-based transition sessions with a focus on the switch from the quadricep muscle use (bike) to gluteal activation on the run.
The coaches
John Skevington
Level 3 Performance Coach
John has over a quarter of a century of experience as a well-respected and well-known middle-distance coach. He is lead coach to a very successful squad at his Wreake and Soar Valley Club which he founded in 2000.
His athletes have between them eight English Schools’ medals and three GB team members including Shakira King (to 2nd place at the European u18 800m and second all-time world #2 as a 15 year old for 800m) and Patience Lamb current UK #1 under 18 (Triathlon. 6th at the European Championships in Spain during 2024).
Bethan Homer claimed her first England under 20 representation in 2023 under John’s guidance and at the other end of the age scale he has also guided Claire Smith to a V35 5th place at the World Veterans championships 1500m.
2023 saw his first athlete to make a major world competition when He was coach to Zoe Gilbody who finished 33rd at the 2023 World Cross Country Championships in Australia.
He presently has several up and coming athletes and Triathletes in his current squad and is looking forward to seeing them prosper to their highest possible.
The programme
Our Performance Running camp programme, delivered by expert coaches, provides an immersive and high-performance training experience designed to develop middle distance runners.
The programme is broken down into ability and age group related sessions.
We use video analysis to look at the technique of all participants. Younger age groups will have a particular focus on technique; while more advanced runners will also focus on strength conditioning and race tactics.
Nutrition is a strong feature of the programme with guest speakers hosting workshops to talk about the importance this plays in training and competing.
Each morning starts with a wake up run, roll and stretch and then after breakfast it’s your first track session until lunch. Afternoon track sessions are followed by strength and conditioning sessions and pre-hab and recovery sessions in the swimming pool.
Residential programme
At Activate Camps, we understand that sending your child on a residential camp is a big decision. That’s why we place as much emphasis on pastoral care as we do on delivering exceptional sports programmes.
Our dedicated team ensures every child feels safe, supported, and at home from the moment they arrive.
The residential programme includes:
- Evening Entertainment Activities
- Secure on-campus Accommodation
- 3 meals a day and fresh fruit/snacks
- 24/7 welfare support staff
Specialist workshops
Our Specialist Workshops at Performance Running are designed to provide athletes with the knowledge and tools to maximise their potential on and off the track.
These sessions are led by experts and offer invaluable insights into the world of competitive running:
Pre-hab – Learn how to stay injury-free with a focus on prevention, proper strength and conditioning techniques, and effective cooldown practices. These skills are critical for maintaining peak performance throughout the season.
The Success Iceberg – Explore what it truly takes to succeed as a runner. This inspiring session delves into the dedication, hard work, and unseen sacrifices that underpin every great athlete’s journey.
Running shoes – Gain expert advice on selecting the right footwear for your running style. This workshop ensures you’re equipped with the knowledge to make the best choice.
Technology – Is it a help or a hindrance? This session unpacks the role of technology in modern running, from wearables to data analysis, helping you decide how to use it effectively in your training and competition.
