COACH'S CORNER - Level 3 Coaching Course Info by Nick Muxlow

January 28, 2026

Level 3 Trail & ultra running coaching course information

Belair National Park, Adelaide

After a long-awaited hiatus, the Level 3 Trail and Ultra Running Coaching Course returns. Set against the iconic trails of Belair National Park, just minutes from Adelaide. Over two immersive days, coaches will come together in one of South Australia’s most historic trail running locations to deepen their knowledge, sharpen their skills, and connect with likeminded practitioners in the trail and ultra community.

This course is designed to go well beyond generic endurance coaching. It dives into the realities of trail and ultra running—terrain, fatigue, fuelling, psychology, risk management, and the art of preparing athletes for events that demand resilience as much as fitness.

Who is this course for?

This course is ideal for trail and ultramarathon coaches who want to refine their craft and work more effectively with athletes targeting longer and more demanding events.

It is specifically suited to coaches working with:

Runners aged 18 years and older
Athletes pursuing performance-focused goals in trail running and ultra-distance events
Events on any surface, over marathon distance and beyond

Course content

The Level 3 Trail and Ultra Running Coaching Course blends theory and hands-on practical sessions, ensuring coaches leave with knowledge they can immediately apply in real-world settings.

Key areas of focus will include:

Trail running skills and technical movement
Nutrition and hydration strategies for ultra-endurance
Equipment selection and management
Training programming across varying terrain and distances
Psychology and mental strategies for ultra-endurance performance
Safety, risk management, and duty of care in trail environments

What you’ll cover

Coaching principles and applied theory
Athlete analysis and effective feedback
Practical, on-trail coaching sessions
Technology and data implementation
Micro-, meso- and macro-cycle planning
Nutrition and hydration considerations for long events
Safety and risk management in trail and ultra settings
Trail running skills development
Psychology for ultra endurance performance

Course facilitator: Nick Muxlow

The course is facilitated by Nick Muxlow, one of Australia’s most experienced and respected endurance coaches.

Nick is an IAAF Level 4 Run Coach, Head Coach at The Ultra Journey and author of Run Fit, Journey to 100, and Journey to Kona, and has coached over 40 podium finishers across road, trail, and ultra-distance events. He holds a double degree in Education and Human Movement, spent 15 years as a Health and Physical Education teacher, and brings over 20 years of coaching experience to the course.

Nick is also the owner of The Run Shop, a former Australian Trail & Ultra Team representative at the Trail & Ultra World Championships in Thailand, and a former ASCA Level 1 Strength & Conditioning Coach. His work has been featured in Trail Running Magazine, and he is widely known for helping athletes not only improve performance, but finish their races strong, confident, and smiling.

Location & accommodation

Participants are welcome to stay where ever they wish. However, for those needing it the recommended accommodation is Belair National Park Holiday Park, located within the park itself and just a short walk from the course venue. The park is approximately 30 minutes from Adelaide Airport, making it easily accessible for interstate participants.

Accreditation

On successful completion of the course, participants will become an accredited Athletics Australia Level 3 Trail and Ultra Coach.

Course details

Dates: Saturday 23 May 2026 8:30am – 9:00pm (optional group dinner) & Sunday 24 May 2026 (8:00am – 5:00pm)
Location: Belair National Park, Adelaide
Cost: $300
Bookings: https://www.athleticssa.com.au/events/323831

Nick Muxlow is a Level 4 IAAF Running Coach, author of 3 books on endurance events including ‘Journey to 100’, a guide for athletes preparing for their first 100km ultramarathon and a coach to the coaches facilitating the IAAF Level 3 Run Coaching Course. Nick is also the founder of The Run Shop where he loves to talk about all things running.

If you would like to be coached by Nick, check out our AUTRA Endorsed Coaches Page here.

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AUTRA statement regarding Snowies Trail Run Festival

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AUTRA has been in direct contact with the organisers of the Snowies Trail Run Festival, In2Adventure, regarding a recent situation involving an athlete and the event’s in‑person safety briefing requirements. In2Adventure has confirmed that the situation was discussed directly with the athlete at the time. From In2Adventure’s account, and for the purpose of clarifying the public record, AUTRA notes the following points: At no stage was the athlete prevented from breastfeeding at the event. The organiser states that the following options were offered to enable the athlete to participate while still meeting safety requirements: a quiet and private space where she could breastfeed while still being present at the briefing; the option to receive the required briefing at the 30 km start line after the start; and the option to change her registration to the 21 km event, where the briefing is conducted on the start line. At no stage prior to event registration on Saturday night did the athlete contact the organiser to advise of her situation or request alternative arrangements, which limited what could be put in place at the time. Face‑to‑face safety briefings have always been a requirement for In2Adventure events.