Tour de France: A Running Holiday in Chamonix, France

NO! We welcome all skill levels from beginner to experienced, and indeed we pride ourselves in introducing the addictive nature of running in Mother Nature to those fresh off the bitumen! We can teach you skills and tips and tricks to off-road running that will make you a more than competent trail runner by the tour’s end, and again, there is never any pressure to keep up with more experienced trail runners on tour. You do you at your pace. And our guides will always be there to assist and encourage confidence in the wilderness.

As mentioned, we believe if you can do a slow 21km one day, and back up with another 15-21km the next, you can do ANY of our tours. We do suggest regular running for the 3 months prior to the tour – if only because that conditioning will make your experience so much more enjoyable, and you will get better value for your money.

We won’t suggest specific training plans here, as they are different for every individual, but we can after discussing your context, suggest plans and/or we have a network of awesome coaches who can devise specific training plans to you and the tour should you wish.

Absolutely. Walking is part of trail running. Even the best of the best (Hi Kilian), walk on trail at some point. Especially when the going gets steep! As one of our regular and best clients, Rob, says: Run when you can, walk when you have to. No dramas.

In general, yes, although it depends on the tour logistics. For instance, in England, you are never really that far from a village, and so we can organize a taxi if mid route (your cost), or if you want to skip a day or two for a rest, we can arrange for you to go on the luggage bus (no charge). However in the Himalayas of Bhutan, there are no taxis or luggage buses. So, it’d be a rather uncomfortable day on a bony mule’s back! Better to just take your time for the day and walk! All tours are different, but we do make it possible where possible to skip a section or day on trail. Again, no guilt – go and enjoy the next village or camp. Just remember to cheer the runners in at the end of the day. Maybe shout a pint?

Yes. The deposit is different for each tour but will reserve your spot for a tour and that is non-refundable.

Full payments are due 3 months out from departure dates. Payment plans are possible. If you cancel, you forfeit your deposit.

It depends on context, but injuries on tour do not result in refunds in general. We will do our best to reschedule the tour and find other appropriate activities for you to do (at your cost). We strongly urge you to take out travel insurance for this very reason.

In the event of an injury that forces you off trail, we will discuss with you at the time what the options are and what your preferences are.

YES. Travel insurance that covers activities in the wilderness, and if we are going to altitude (above 3000m) check that your insurance covers evacuation including heli. We urge travel cancellation insurance taken out prior to the trip, also, should you need to cancel your trip for reasons on your end.

YES. Although it depends on context. In general we can work around a non-running partner and suggest activities and visits for them to undertake while we are on trail. For trips like the Coast to Coast, this means travelling ahead each day, but staying with you each night. For somewhere like Bhutan where the trail is remote, it means seeing us off at the trailhead, engaging in activities for our time on trail and travelling alone to then meet us at the trail exit at the end of the running component of the trip. But in somewhere like Bhutan, there is plenty of things to keep your non-running partner amused and engaged for a fabulous trip.

We like to do things properly. We like good food. The odd wine. Good accommodation. And a bit of indulgence. We cut no corners. And we deliver exceptional experiences in exotic locales. We also like safety. The magic sauce in some of that is that these things cost. But we guarantee that you’ll be impressed. You get what you pay for and all that…

YES. As much as we can. As always, it’s all about context. General foodie requests (vegetarian, vegan, even to some degree gluten free) can be worked around in most instances. Talk to us and we will always do our best to accommodate, but of course can’t promise to have your half strength, almond milk, turmeric piccolo lukewarm only waiting at that 5000m pass in the Himalayas. We will, however, figure out how to supply donuts, wine and cheese WHEREVER WE ARE!

It depends on the tour – sometimes it’s five-star, sometimes it’s a billion stars – as in camping in a tent! Sometimes it’s a B&B, sometimes it’s a luxe lodge. Where possible we tend to err on the side of comfort (it’s a holiday after all) – refer to question about things sometimes being on the pricey side!

YES. Please advise us when booking. There is a single supplement in most instances, however please check the information page of the tour which will confirm if single supplement is NOT available.

Yes. We highly recommend Travel Insurance and some tours it is mandatory (ie. Bhutan). When selecting a Travel Insurance product, please ensure that it provides cover against personal accidents or injury, medical expenses, emergency repatriation and personal liability, cancellation for any reason including bereavement, delayed flights, lost luggage and personal effects.

We need to know. If you have a pre-existing medical condition you are required to disclose it on your booking form and may be required to supply a doctor’s certificate or complete a confidential medical questionnaire.

Runners 69 years of age or older must supply a doctor’s certificate stating that you are in good physical condition and that there are no known ailments or pre-existing medical conditions likely to prevent them from completing the Tour.

Yes, we require all participants to bring some mandatory gear, the list of which differs for each tour. You will be supplied a list soon after booking your place on the tour. We can advise on mandatory and suggested gear and point you in the right direction for where to source the kit.

Yes, we do not book flights. You will be required to make your own travel arrangements to the meeting point of each tour. We can advise best flight routes and our experience with airlines. One exception to this is our Bhutan tour. Guests need to make their own arrangements for flights to a ‘gateway city’ (usually Bangkok), however our in-country partner is required to make the bookings on Bhutan national airlines from the gateway cities onward (and return to gateway cities). This is charged as extra to the stated tour prices.

As every tour and every day on tour is different, this can vary greatly from 10km through to 42km! Our tours tend to straddle the line between achievable by most and pushing for a little challenge. Hence most days on average are targeted at 15-25km.