Adult Running Camp
Join us on Spruce Knob in August to train for a fall ultra marathon or trail race, or to expand your running into the wonderful world of trail running. Based out of the Spruce Knob Mountain Center, the home and heart of the WV Trilogy races, we will spend three full days exploring the trails of our campus and the adjoining Seneca Creek Backcountry.
Run amazing trails from our doorstep with expert guidance and clinics, connect with fellow runners, and enjoy our delicious food in the cool, clean air at the top of West Virginia. Our remote mountain campus is a great place to take a break from the world to jump start a training program or rekindle your motivation towards life goals.
In 2021 we are thrilled to be able to partner with Phil Wharton of Wharton Health. Phil is world-renowned for his healing work and ability to find simple, non-invasive solutions to achieving optimal health. Phil will be on hand to run clinics, share miles, and offer personalized attention to your issues. He has roots in nearby Tucker County, WV and his gentle and supportive approach to health care has nurtured everyone from young runners to world record holders. Learn more about Phil below and stay posted for more specific updates as program development continues.
Additionally we welcome experienced Trilogy racer (and champion) Bob Luther. He has extensive expertise running, training, and racing on our local trail system and will be a coach and guide for this edition of the camp.
Phil Wharton’s path to becoming a musculoskeletal specialist started when he was a young runner. He developed a 33-degree curvature of the spine/scoliosis, which produced constant pain. Through this work, he was able to end the pain, correct the problem, and continue his running career. He later went on to run a 2:23 marathon.
Together with his father Jim, Phil has worked to take the mystery and confusion out of attaining optimum health, providing simple solutions to complicated problems. A key component of the Wharton Process is education – providing people with the tools necessary to harness and achieve their optimum health. Health, fitness, and athletics are a metaphor for the human spirit, a spirit that is indomitable and expansive.
Phil Wharton is the renowned author of The Wharton Health Series – which includes The Wharton Stretch Book, The Wharton Strength Book, The Wharton Cardio-Fitness Book, and The Wharton Back Book – the Whartons have worked with hundreds of Olympic athletes in a variety of disciplines. They have also been featured on Dateline NBC, The Discovery Channel, and they have appeared in many publications including Runner’s World, Shape, USA Today, and The Wall Street Journal. They have also been featured on the online editions of The New York Times and National Public Radio; their columns, “The Body Shop” and “Whartons Simple Solutions” appeared for five years in Runner’s World and three in Running Times respectively.
From high school freshman, beginners, collegiate, and professional—Phil is now in his eighth Olympic period assisting athletes at all levels. Below is a short list of distance running luminaries Phil has worked with.
- Abdi Abdirahman
- Matthew Centrowitz
- Joseph Chebet
- Mo Farrah
- Shalane Flannagan
- Ryan & Sara Hall
- Khalid Khannouchi
- John Korir
- Denna Kastor
- Meb Keflezighi
- Rob Krar
- Lopez Lomong
- Andrew Lemoncello
- Magdalena Lewy-Boulet
- Chris Solinsky
- Paul Tergat
- Moses Tanui
- Patrick Reagan
BOB LUTHER: Bob is a long-time West Virginia resident and ultra runner. He won the WV Trilogy in 2016 and has finished the race each of the 5 times that he has started. He comes to our Adult Running Camp with fine-tuned knowledge of the local trails system and of what it takes to show up and accomplish what you want every day, in all mental, physical, and weather conditions.
- All abilities are welcome. However this is a trail running camp, not a hiking camp. We expect participants to be hoping to run most of the miles.
- Camp starts Friday morning, with the option to arrive Thursday evening and stay through midday Sunday.
- Your entry fee will cover all meals, drinks, and snacks, including standard aid-station fare during long runs (if applicable), but please bring along your preferred trail food if you prefer to use gels or blocks or other specialized trail space food. Intro camp will not need trail food.
- The entry fee also covers a bed in our cozy dorms (5 beds/room) or tent camping if preferred. Limited private yurt space is available for an additional fee.
- Altitude Training: Our campus is located at 4000′ with trails up to almost 5000′.
- Typical August weather on Spruce Knob is significantly cooler than most other locations on the east coast.
- Free camp shirt included with price of camp.
- More details TBA
- Suggested Packing List here
- Price: $500 until 7/27/2021, $550 from 7/27-8/17
- Camp is sponsored by the West Virginia Mountain Trail Runners, Wharton Health, Ultimate Direction, and Greenbriar Brewing Company
What Folks are Saying:
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That was the best experience of high school and allowed me to flourish in my further experiences in high school. Absolutely transformed my idea of my own physical, social, and mental capabilities and made me feel much more confident!!!! I couldn’t recommend it more. ~Former Summer Camper
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I learned so many interesting facts about the world around us that I will definitely take with me, but I also learned how wonderful it can be to be a part of a group in which everyone gives their all and wants to have a great time no matter the challenging situations or the rainy days. – camp participant
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I love the freedom at this camp. It doesn’t feel like a structured camp with strict rules. We are free to have fun and learn in our own ways while still effectively accomplishing the goals of the program. – camper
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Through living and working alongside all the different people that come to this camp I was able to experience many different and new ideas, perspectives, and skills that shaped me as a person. – 2019 Summer Camper
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Mountain Stewards at Experience Learning is a fantastic week-long summer camp for kids who like the outdoors (or who WILL like the outdoors after this wonderful experience!) Stewardship of our natural resources, self-reliance, leadership, and fellowship, are all integral to this program. My daughter LOVES this camp, and that makes me a happy dad. Experience Learning also has great programs for learners of all ages. I recently completed an excellent Wilderness First Aid course at their wonderful Spruce Knob Mountain Center. Check it out! – Mark Wenzler
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The mountain stewards camp is a wonderful, fun, confidence and skill building experience every kid should go through! – Sandy Frank
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I learned about who I am as a person and that if I look within myself I can find some of the strength and courage that I’ve felt was missing from me. – Summer Camper, Leadership Camp
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In this program I was able to be my own leader, which has allowed me to see the ways in which I can improve myself and the ways in which I am strong. – Summer Camper, Leadership Camp