Training venues and times

Training sessions are conducted weeknights at Rawlinson Track & Field in Tin Alley at the University of Melbourne from 4.30 p.m. to 7.45 p.m. weeknights, and Saturday and Sunday mornings from 9 a.m. to midday. The track is reserved exclusively for Club members at these times, allowing them to enjoy complete concentration on their training without distraction.  The MUAC Club Rooms, next to the track, are open for club members whenever we are training.

The Melbourne University Sports Centre provides complementary facilities including weight training rooms, cardio-equipped gymnasiums and a 25 metre pool. Physiotherapy and massage is available.

Training times

Sprints, hurdles, throws

Monday-Thursday: 5:15pm

Saturday: 10am

Sunday: 11am

New athletes: Monday and Thursday, 5:15pm

Contact Manfred Lewandowski or Terry Reade

Middle and long distance, cross country

Advanced

The advanced squad caters for athletes who are focused on training and competing in AV/AA middle and distance events. Currently invitation only to manage numbers given current COVID restrictions and to provide appropriate levels of attention for your development. Further details about the squad can be found here.  

Track: Tuesday (5:30pm), Thursday (5:30pm), Saturday (9am)

New athletes: Contact Tony Brain prior to coming to a session (contact details below) 

Development 

All welcome! The development squad caters to all levels and abilities, whether you are a recreational runner or a more seasoned competition-focused athlete. The aim of this squad is to create a fun, inclusive and motivating training atmosphere to support you to develop a sustainable running practice.

Session times: We meet at the track on Monday (6pm) and Wednesday (6pm)

New athletes:  Email devsquad@muac.org.au  for more information on how we are running the sessions given the current COVID restrictions. 

Contact Elly Benson, Daniel Sier, Rosie Donegan and Ally O’Brien. 

Jumps

Located in the “D” of the track, the separate pole vault and high jump areas provide international-standard facilities. Poles and bags are available for use by members. Well-maintained synthetic run-ups and sand bunkers are available for long- and triple-jumpers.

Pole vault skills development: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday

Strength training: Monday, Wednesday, Sunday

New athletes, pole vault: Tuesday and Thursday, 6:30pm

Contact Warren Hill

Long- and high-jump skills development: Saturday & selective evenings

Contact Sandro Bissetto

Throws

Shot putters are catered for with a ring and bunker at the west end of Rawlinson Track. We are currently exploring options for training locations for our discus, hammer throw and javelin members; however the Club does provide these throwers with equipment for use in competition.

Princes Park and Royal Park

The vast open spaces of Princes Park and Royal Park are conveniently located within a few minutes’ jog of Rawlinson Track. Princes Park boasts a 3.2km soft gravel running circuit with 500 metre markers all the way around, making it ideal for repetition training. Royal Park’s myriad of pathways and varied undulations provide ideal hill and off-road training in an environment that feels miles away from the city.

A favourite MUAC run.

Après training

Melbourne University is on the doorstep of Melbourne’s famous Little Italy precinct in Lygon Street. Take a shower after your session and you’re within a few minutes’ walk of Melbourne’s best carbo-reloading zone. Melbourne University Athletic Club is proudly sponsored by The Clyde Hotel, where athletes will often gather for a post training meal.

Coaching

One of the great strengths of Melbourne University Athletic Club is its coaching tradition. A team of highly qualified coaches with extensive experience coaching top-level athletics is available for training and competing MUAC members.

The Club welcomes prospective member enquiries about coaching. Simply contact any coach from the list below to discuss training, programs, competition or any aspect of athletics.