University of Exeter Athletics Club
facilities
We are very fortunate to have access to fantastic facilities in Exeter and the surrounding area. Exeter Arena is a very well-used and well-equipped track only 2 miles from the main University campus, and the majority of our training takes place here. The main University campus is fantastic for hill and step training, and Exeter has great parks and pathways along the River Exe. There is also an excellent gym on campus, and you don't have to travel far to run on a sandy beach.
SHORT SPRINTS & HURDLES
Exeter University has a great group of 60m, 100m and 200m sprinters and sprint hurdlers (100mH & 110mH). Their training progresses from general preparation work in September and October to competition preparation training in the spring for BUCS indoors. After this, training becomes more general as athletes build again for BUCS outdoors in the early summer. In the outdoor season, Exeter Arena hosts regular open meetings and the club gets creative in the winter to give athletes opportunities to compete. All athletes are welcome and valued, ranging from sub-elite athletes to complete novices.
Expect to be working on your acceleration, max velocity and speed endurance via track work, technical drills, plyometrics, resisted running methods, ballistic medicine ball work and strength and power training. Tom is known for his warm up games and hill/step sprint sessions on the University campus.
Tom has been an athletics coach since 2011. He has trained sportsmen and women ranging from elite adults representing their country to children with disabilities. He knows the importance of creating a fun, positive and inclusive atmosphere where everyone is welcome regardless of ability.
LONG SPRINTS & HURDLES
Typically, this group consists of a dozen or so athletes of mixed abilities. Like other groups, the training progresses from general preparation work in September and October to competition preparation training in the spring for BUCS indoors. After this, training becomes more general as athletes build again for BUCS outdoors in the early summer. Training plans are available in advance and typically involve at least two track sessions, one off-track and two gym-based sessions each week. In the outdoor season, Exeter Arena hosts regular open meetings. All athletes are welcome and valued and training sessions can be adapted to meet most needs.
rob grew
Rob is a graduate of Loughborough University and has been coaching athletics since the 1980s. He has helped athletes of all ages set personal bests and win regional, national and international titles. As well as coaching, Rob has been a successful master athlete, competing internationally.
Expect to be working on a mix of speed and speed endurance on track throughout the year. Additional hurdles sessions are scheduled and supported. Strength and conditioning programmes are available too. 400m/400mH or 800m focused sessions are scheduled on most track days.
xc, Middle & long distance
Our cross-country and endurance team consists of over 100 members and is growing rapidly. The group caters to athletes of all abilities, from endurance newbies to seasoned competitors. Coaching is led by the experienced Dave Newport with the support of committee and student coaches. Sessions vary throughout the year, focusing on cross country through the winter months and a track and road focus through the spring and summer terms. Sessions take place at or around Exeter Arena, utilising local cross-country fields and well-lit paths throughout the year.
Expect to be working on a mix of endurance, speed endurance and speed on the track, roads and grass throughout the year. Groups are split based on event preference and fitness, with session variations available. Information on cross-training and strength and conditioning programmes is available.
Dave has been a coach since the 1980s. For 8 years he was the GB Elite Long Distance Triathlon & Duathlon Team Manager where he worked with world and olympic champions at 20+ championships. He has coached English Schools champions and senior athletes to GB and England selection. Dave also runs Western Tempo.
JUMPS & THROWS
Exeter University has a small but mighty field event-focused group. Whilst the majority of field eventers are found in the long and triple jump, Exeter Arena has great facilities and equipment for high jump, pole vault, and all the throws. Being currently student-led, the field events group is very tight-knit with athletes working together offering constructive criticism and following sessions from student coaches or sessions set by coaches from home clubs.
Training from September through to the Christmas holidays focuses on technique, as well as training with the short sprints group on max speed and acceleration. After Christmas, training is typically focused on upcoming competitions and developing performance consistency ahead of these. All athletes are welcome in any of our field event groups, in fact, beginners often find the field events fun and something different!