March 19 and 20, 2022 are the new confirmed dates for the Level 3 Performance Development Coach Course, Day 3 & 4 - Ultra & Trail Running. 

**At this stage no money will be taken for the Ultra & Trail running cours. A registration at this stage will serve as your 'official' Expression of Interest' for this course**

Trail and ultra are fast-growing categories. Some of your athletes may be considering their next challenge after the marathon or be tempted to trade in pavement for bush. It’s a big opportunity for coaches to help introduce runners to a new challenge in our sport and to develop high-performing athletes in trail and ultra events.

The International Trail Running Association (ITRA) has 1.7 million runners registered from around the world. Stats released in 2020[1] show that trail participation is growing – especially in female and older runners. The average age of a trail runner is now 40 for both men and women.

Are you passionate about guiding your athletes through trail and mountain running competition? Do you want to coach runners for distances longer than a marathon and on any surface – trail, road and track? This 2-day specialisation is for you.

The Level 3 Performance Development Coach course – Trail & Ultra Running is for coaches who are working with:

• Runners 18 years and older, looking to achieve specific performance objectives in trail running events and ultrarunning events (any surface, greater than marathon distance).

To successfully complete Level 3 accreditation, coaches are required to complete a 4-day course in addition to pre- and post- coursework (submitted online).

Days 1 & 2: To be completed by all coaches (this needs to have been previously undertaken to gain access to the event group-specific days of the Level 3 course)
Days 3 & 4: Trail & Ultra Running specialisation

The course will empower coaches to design and lead effective training programs based on the knowledge and experience from leading Australian coaches as well as peer-reviewed evidence.

The focus of Level 3 is on planning and achieving long-term development of athlete performance, establishing positive training habits and potentially preparing athletes for an elite pathway.

Even if you’ve already undertaken days 3 & 4 in another category – such as middle and long distance – you can top up your coaching toolbox with this course and attract new kinds of athletes to your program.

Course Length

Pre-Course Work
Online Modules - Number of hours TBC

Teaching Hours
16 Hours (2 days x 8 hours)

Post-Course Work

All participants are required to complete the following to gain their coaching accreditation:

• Online modules (anatomy and biomechanics, coaching process, nutrition, sports psychology, sports safety, planning and physiology)
• Coaching self-reflection
• Post-course assessment task (Part A: Short Answer, Part B: Scenario Response, Part C: Programming)

Course Curriculum

• Event principles and theory
• Biomotor development
• Drills and skill acquisition
• Analysis and feedback
• Practical coaching
• Technology implementation
• Micro-, meso-, and macro-cycles
• Nutrition and hydration considerations
• Safety and risk management
• Trail running skills
• Human physiology for ultra-endurance events

Expected Competencies 

3-PD-1: Design an effective training program for an athlete targeting a season or specific competition or event.

3–PD-2: Effectively prepare and deliver warm up, mobility exercises, event-specific drills, strength and conditioning (including plyometrics), active recovery and pool sessions in an athlete’s training program.

3–PD-3: Prescribe and monitor a training program that develops the biomotor abilities of athletes, with consideration of the priorities of their event group.

3–PD-4: Understand the roles and responsibilities of athletes and coaches in regard to anti-doping.

3–PD-5: Understand methods to monitor and effectively manage training load for optimal performance and injury prevention.

3–PD-6: Use basic sports psychology techniques to optimise athlete performance.

3–PD-7: Understand the basics of human anatomy, physiology and nutrition and how it relates to athletic performance.

3–PD-8: Have an advanced understanding of the selected event group, including drills, faults, cause and corrections.

3–PD-9: Use a range of methods, including using technology, to effectively analyse and provide feedback on an athlete’s technical model.

3–PD-10: Use a range of coaching methods in the preceding weeks and on the day to prepare an athlete for optimum performance at a target competition.

Pre-Course Work

All participants are required to complete the following modules prior to attending the Level 3 Performance Development Coach course. 

• Level 1 and 2 Review Exam

• Level 1 ASADA Education Course

Key Contact

For any questions on the Level 3 - Trail & Ultra Course, please contact Matt at development@actlaa.org.au.