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University College Hosts Young Athletes Camp

The Endurance, Performance and Coaching Centre (EPACC) at St Mary’s University College, Twickenham hosted the Virgin London Marathon Young Athletes Camp from the 23rd to 27th August.

The residential camp was attended by ninety athletes, between the ages of 14-17, who were selected from the London Mini Marathon, English Schools Cross-Country and National Cross-Country.

The young athletes had the chance to meet international level athletes who are based at EPACC including Jo Pavey, Andy Baddeley, Andrew Osagie, Chris Thompson, Colin McCourt and Jemma Simpson.

Sixteen year old Aldershot and Farnham middle distance runner Emelia Gorecka said, "It was really helpful getting to meet the higher international athletes and see them at the track. We had the chance to speak to them and ask them about their training and their lifestyle which was great."

Training and educational workshops were held throughout the week to give the young athletes the opportunity to learn more about the nutritional and psychological commitments that are needed when training and competing.

Middlesex County athlete Richard Goodman said, "We had a great talk on nutrition and how to combine it with the right amount of rest for us. As young athletes we can sometimes forget exactly how much sleep we need and how we need to be careful about what is on our plates."

For many of the young athletes who took part in the residential camp they are now looking forward to the possibility of earning their first GB vest. Under 20’s Gloucestershire athlete Tom Curr said: "A lot of what we focused on this week is going to help us achieve our goals. If I am going to make the GB team I will encounter a lot of pain so this week has taught us how to deal with the pain, how to focus away from the pain!"

The Centre provides support to numerous student athletes at St Mary’s, along with international athletes who have made the University College their training base, and seeks to benefit the wider development of endurance running.