Training Schedule

Cross Country and Track & Field sessions for athletes aged 5 to masters across Waterford city venues.

A wide atmospheric image of an empty running track at dawn, with soft golden light spreading across the lanes and a hint of mist over the infield

Weekly Sessions

Training runs from September through the season. All sessions are led by club coaches at the venues listed below. Athletes should arrive warmed up and ready to start on time.

Group Day Time Venue
Juveniles (U8–U16) — Cross Country Tuesdays & Thursdays 6pm – 7pm WIT Arena
Juniors / Seniors — Cross Country Tuesdays 6pm – 7pm WIT Arena
Juniors / Seniors — Cross Country Thursdays 6pm Portlaw
Track & Field (non-XC participants) Tuesdays & Thursdays 7pm – 8pm Waterford RSC
All groups — Weekend run Saturdays 9:30am Carriganore & Kiloteran Greenways

Training Venues

WIT Arena

Primary Cross Country base for Juveniles and Juniors/Seniors. All-weather and grass facilities on the Waterford Institute of Technology campus.

Portlaw

Thursday evening Cross Country sessions for Juniors and Seniors. A varied terrain location ideal for endurance work.

Waterford RSC

Home of Track & Field training. A fully marked synthetic track with dedicated field-event areas, used Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

Carriganore & Kiloteran Greenways

Saturday morning group runs along scenic greenway paths. Suitable for all ages and abilities; a mix of steady and tempo-paced outings.

What to Expect

Each session is structured around the discipline and age group. Cross Country sessions focus on endurance, pacing, and terrain technique. Track & Field sessions cover sprinting, middle-distance work, jumps, and throws depending on the coaching rotation. Weekend greenway runs are social but purposeful — a chance to build base mileage in a relaxed group setting.

New members are welcome to come along and try a session. For membership details and fees, visit the Membership page or contact wac-secretary@waterfordac.com.

Ready to train with Waterford AC? Check upcoming meets and club events.

View Events

Waterford Athletic Club's training programme is designed to welcome athletes of all ages and abilities, from the youngest juveniles taking their first strides in cross country to seasoned masters athletes refining their technique on the track. Sessions are structured to build endurance, speed, and strength progressively throughout the season, with experienced coaches guiding each group. The emphasis is on consistent attendance and steady improvement, creating a supportive environment where every athlete can develop at their own pace. Whether preparing for competition or simply enjoying the camaraderie of group training, members find a programme that challenges and inspires.

Cross country training forms the backbone of the winter season at Waterford A.C., with sessions held across local venues that test agility, stamina, and mental toughness. Athletes navigate varied terrain and weather conditions, building the resilience needed for championship racing. These group sessions foster team spirit as runners train side by side, pushing each other to new levels of fitness. Coaches tailor workouts to suit different age groups and experience levels, ensuring that everyone from underage novices to senior contenders benefits from structured, purposeful preparation for the cross country calendar.

When the season shifts to the track, Waterford Athletic Club offers dedicated sessions focused on technical development across sprints, hurdles, middle distance, and field events. Athletes work on starts, pacing, relay exchanges, and jumping or throwing techniques under the guidance of qualified coaches. The club's track and field programme emphasises proper warm-up routines, skill progression, and injury prevention. These sessions complement the cross country schedule, giving athletes the flexibility to specialise or maintain all-round fitness. The result is a well-rounded training environment that supports personal bests and club success at competitions throughout the year.