Training Evenings

Dawlish Coasters train every Tuesday and Thursday evening starting from our meeting point at the Barton car park, Dawlish @ 6.30pm.

Our run leaders offer a variety of training sessions each week, including efforts sessions, 4-6 mile social runs & 6 mile+ longer faster runs, all detailed below.

Our sessions are usually 60 minutes long.

Some of our runs have been busier than ever lately! As our club continues to grow, we’ve been working to recruit more run leaders to support our expanding community.

With this in mind, we’ve put some thought into the types of sessions we offer, ensuring there’s something for everyone while keeping our friendly and inclusive spirit at the heart of it all. And because we love a bit of fun, we’ve given each group a new name inspired by our local coastal wildlife!

Here are the runs you’ll see on offer:

🦢 Swans 🦢
The heart of Dawlish Coasters and where it all began—social runs in the home of the Black Swans. The Swans enjoy a relaxed, chatty run covering 5-8K. You can run at any pace, with multiple stops along the way. Perfect for those who love running in a friendly, social atmosphere.

🐦 Cygnets 🐦
A slightly shorter version of the Swan Run, the aptly named Cygnet group runs a 10-week 0-5K programme twice a year, designed for those new to running. Alongside the programme, the Cygnets offer steady 5-6K runs to help runners continue their progression throughout the year. This group is ideal for 0-5K graduates, newcomers looking for a gentle introduction to the club, and those returning from injury or a break.

🐧 Puffins 🐧
Named after the distinct breathing style of runners during intervals, the Puffins focus on speed and endurance. These structured sessions alternate between high-intensity efforts and recovery periods. There’s no minimum pace—run the intervals at your own level. A great way to challenge yourself and explore a different style of training.

🐬 Dolphins 🐬
Like the long-distance swimmers they’re named after, the Dolphins focus on endurance. This is a longer, mostly non-stop run designed to help you build stamina. It goes beyond the Social Run distance, offering the chance to practice running without breaks. You can take it steady or use it for a faster-paced session, with optional looping back at checkpoints to add distance.

🦭 Seals 🦭
Just like seals, sometimes we need a rest. If you can’t or don’t want to run but still want to enjoy the social aspect of the club, our Seals group offers a great opportunity to get out walking and meet up with the club.

🐠 Fishes 🐠
Adding to our endurance sea creatures, the Fishes offer a continuous endurance run, similar in style to the Dolphins, but over a slightly shorter distance of 7–9K. There will be minimal breaks so it’s ideal for those who enjoy a consistent run and are building up their stamina. Just keep swimming running! Come and swim in our shoal!

🦔 Sunday Hedgehogs 🦔

Speedily scurrying over the hills, the Sunday Hedgehogs session is here for those looking for a tougher challenge. This group tackles long, hilly routes every week, combining distance with elevation to help build strength, stamina and fitness. The first session will start at 8 miles and the distance will steadily increase week on week. Open to all paces and ideal for anyone training for a race or just keen to improve their fitness. Hopefully you’re not too spiky after all those hills!

🍟 Sunday Seagulls 🍟
Often found on the coastline, our Sunday Seagulls group is for those who want a social squawk and an easy run at the weekend. All abilities & speeds are welcome and if everyone wants to, they’ll run for a little longer. Seagulls get peckish so once a month they go for coffee and cake after their run.

Dawlish Coasters members can be kept up to date on the upcoming training sessions by joining Spond.