Sure, it’s March, but with spring comes something that should excite us all. Vacation races, also known as destination races! Vacation races are an opportunity for you to take a holiday and also run a race. It’s been a long while since people had the chance to have a little fun. And, while things aren’t back to normal entirely in the sense that we don’t have travel restrictions, there’s light at the end of this long tunnel because of the vaccines.
So, let’s take a look at some of the best destination races and then discuss some tips for you to consider for running them. (In case you missed it, check out our list of 2021 in sports. It has a list of events, cool gadgets, and experiences for you to consider).
Our List of the Top 3 Vacation Races in the U.S.
Walt Disney World Marathon
This race is one of our favorites because two members of our team ran it! There’s always a special place for us with Disney. Unfortunately, for 2021, this fantastic race was virtual, and we don’t know what the deal is for 2022. However, you could still make it a destination race for next January. All you have to do is run it somewhere other than your hometown. So, pick a cool place where you want to run the race, assuming it’s virtual, and sign up! If it’s not virtual by then, then enjoy Disney!
Carlsbad 5000
The Carlsbad 5000 vacation race is considered the fastest 5K race in the world. So, if you happen to love to race and put in good time, then this one is for you! What’s more, this race is fantastic for bringing your entire family. In years past, it’s kicked off with kids-only events, including toddler trots and diaper dashes. Moreover, when you attend the Carlsbad 5000, you have the chance to enjoy lots of great music and food at their Party by the Sea celebration event.
Kauai Marathon
How about heading to one of the best destinations in the world? Hawaii. The Kauai Marathon has to be on our list of the top 3 vacation races simply because of the location. Aside from the gorgeous destination, the destination race offers opportunities for great fun. Again, you could bring your entire family and enjoy races, great food, indulge in spas, and enjoy a fast course. Also, when you participate, you help support charities.
We want to give a shout out to one other vacation race, which is the Down 2 Earth Endurance Race. As many of you know, we operate out of the great State of Florida. This particular race is not for “whiners,” according to their messaging. But, you have a chance to enjoy great Florida weather, including the beaches and state parks. So, take a look at their calendar if you want to make a quick trip to this great state for a vacation race.
Tips for Running Destination Races
Now that we’ve explored a few of the great vacation races in our country, let’s check out some tips to make sure you and your family have a great time.
Explore the Destination Races.
As you would for any vacation, take the time to explore the destination races in the U.S. and worldwide. Think about what you and your family want to do. You could race in warm weather, but you could also marathons in the snow. One of the places you could get a quick sense of vacation races is on this site. Consider your priorities as a marathoner or runner, but also take into account what your family wants to do. And remember that some races are great for families, but not all of them.
Improvise When it Comes to Vacation Races.
Another important tip is to realize that a vacation race places you in another place by definition. What that means is that your routine and how you train gets automatically disrupted. Depending on the destination and type of race you want to do, consider the facilities for training and improvising for your workout. We invite you to look at our article about running tips and tricks from our marathoners, including tips for training while away from home.
Plan Around Your Race.
At times, as you work your way through your list of vacation races, you may dream of doing some races more than others. Perhaps it’s an international race in Europe or at a destination with outstanding natural beauty. When planning, consider the goals of the race. For instance, is it a fast timed race, or more relaxed, and you’re good as long as you finish. Also, you want to think about getting the race done early in your trip so you could spend the rest of the time touring. It’s especially true if you have family and are traveling through a foreign destination. Planning your vacation race early in your trip leaves you time to play and not have it on your mind.
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