Before the pandemic, a favorite pastime of many runners was to travel for races, especially for those looking to run a half or full marathon in all 50 states, or all the marathon majors (in New York, Boston, Chicago, Tokyo, Berlin and London).
I’ve been wondering: now that we’re a little over two years into this, and most places around the world have opened back up, are you traveling (or planning travel) for races again? Or, are you sticking closer to home to participate in events already near you?
Really interested to hear how the past couple of years have changed how you approach the thing we all love to do. — Terrell
Runners cross the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge at the 50th New York City Marathon on Nov. 7, 2021. (Photo: Marc A. Hermann / MTA)
Hey, back at school so time is just so way of [a week late, as you can see]. I'm planning on run in St. Pete in Sep; Sanibel in Oct; St. Augustine in Nov; Key West in Jan; either Sarasota or Ave Maria in Feb - real wishful thinking so we'll see if they all "happen".
First off, my apologies for the slow reply, last weekend before I start school again [tchr] so trying to get it all in!
I've tried to plan this years races around places I've always wanted to visit. Running in St. Pete, @ Fort De Soto Park [historic site and beachfront] in Sep; planning a run on Sanibel Island [obvious reasons!] in Oct; St. Augustine [one of 1st Florida cities] in Nov, Key West [been canceled on me 2x] in Jan; Either Sarasota [one of the top areas on Florida on the West Coast] or Ave Maria [Catholic so one of the most beautiful Churches in SW Florida] in Feb. Just trying to be busy, travel in the home state a little and run some good races. Looking for one up near the University of Florida in Gainesville too, maybe Dec or Mar, if anyone knows of one...
GM. I still plan to travel within Florida [my home state] at least until I cover all the main areas. The pandemic definitely curtailed that for these last two years but getting all set to ramp up for this fall/winter run season again. One thing I did do this off-season was to join a group to look into world marathons. That would be a "different" kind of travel and a little more costly but am hopeful, at some time, will take off and go somewhere for a run...
I used to travel all the time for races, and one of the things that has stung the most about the world shutting down was that it killed off two things I like to do: travel and go running (well, that plus losing my job).
I am of the opinion that traveling with a host of restrictions is not really worth the time and expense, so I have been waiting for the world to get back to normal (very few people here in NYC are willing to admit that we can go back to normal). I was all set to run my first travel-race in March, but after much time waiting at the airport, American Airlines was unable to get me to Kentucky for the Bluegrass Half. I've signed up for next year's race. My next travel-race is the Mt. Desert Island Half in Maine this September (I was supposed to race it in 2020). Let's hope that trip doesn't succumb to the travel gods, too.
I’ve always run halves or whole marathons out of town. My husband always goes with me but also sometimes other family members and friends. I’ve run in Chicago, Washington DC, Pittsburgh, Savannah, Orlando, and my favorite New York! I just completed 2 halves in New York. It’s my favorite because my son lives there, I love the city, and love the running community there! Next race will be NYC Marathon.
Drove up to Vermont for the Vermont City Marathon & Relay (we did the relay) last weekend. Great time. Love Burlington & Vermont in general. Then over to the Adirondacks in New York for a week. Felt very comfortable everywhere.
When I retired at the end of 2019, "Runcations" were going to be a big part of my plan for retirement. That plan of course got put on hold. Last September was my first outing to do the Chicago Half, and in May of this year I did the Chicago Spring Half. I'm in Milwaukee, so Chicago is relatively close to home, but it was still so nice to get back out there and feel the energy among runners, and feel like life was somewhat back to normal. One more Chicago Half in September of this year for me, and the next one after that is the Miami Half in January next year. Happy Running!
I’m traveling again! Just did the Indy Mini and had a great time! It was so fun to get back to a race with so many people! The excitement was re-energizing! Looking for my next half! 13 done, 12 states in!
I'm always traveled for racing I did not travel on 2020 because everything was canceled but I kept up with all my RACING And virtual racing. In 2021 I went back to the races I was supposed to go to. I've always traveled because I like to take vacations incorporated with my racing. I've done a lot of rock and roll racing and Vacation racing. I'm doing local racing sometimes as well. I think it's good when you travel to races because you see other people and experience their culture. And then you get to see the local scenery as well. It also helps to the economy in these areas too because you have to book hotels and restaurants.
Last year was milestone birthday. The plan was to run the five burrows of New York in the NYC Marathon for that birthday. But because of all the restrictions tied to the race. I chose to break it into two halves. One in Cherokee,NC and one more local, The Honor Run Half.
Since I had a stem cell transplant this past February, I still have to be cautious about running in crowds. I have lost all my immunities and will begin getting shots for various childhood diseases this next August. My next scheduled in-person race will be in December at the Space Force 10-miler. I will be running the Peachtree Road Race virtually this year.
Actually I just got back from a racation. I planned to do the 2020 Brooklyn Half Marathon. I got a guarantee entry by running 6 virtuals in 2019. Well, it got deferred and playing the odds I took the entry for 2022. That leads me to my issue last half of the year with back issues. Now with that in my rearview mirror I am working on my next goal. 13 halfs in 13 months. I have done the first 3, and I have 4 on the books. It is a trail half about an hours drive away. The problem I am having is finding a reasonable driving half in the midwest. For number 5 in mid July, after that I have another trail run about the same distance only in a slightly different direction, for August.
It was not the weather that affected me as much as my starting location and the continuing issue I am having with my running. I will admit it was a little warmer than optimal and I should have planned better in the way of fuel. I have run in worse conditions so I know how my body was going to respond. It is more of a lament of not doing as well as I have when I run my event rather than having to conform to the pace of the runners around me.
Jun 3, 2022·edited Jun 3, 2022Liked by Terrell Johnson
I live in southern CA and although many of the half marathons I normally would have run in 2020 were cancelled, I was still able to travel out of state to some that weren't cancelled. That summer I drove to southern Utah in June to run Vacation Race's Zion at Night and in July I drove to Colorado to run their Rocky Mt. Half Marathon and enjoyed a roadtrip on the way through more national parks. I enjoyed the Zion at Night so much that in September I drove back to southern Utah when they offered it again. In 2021 I drove to southern Utah, Tucson AZ, Bryce National Park (Utah again), and flew to Washington (Mt. Rainier) and later to South Dakota (Mt. Rushmore) all for half marathons with Vacation Races. I tried to stay as safe as I could while travelling. I had a blast and enjoyed being around smaller crowds. I have a big trip coming up for the Banff half and Glacier half in a few weeks. Looking forward to them. I really appreciated how Vacation Races tried to still hold the races while keeping their runners safe.
I really, really enjoyed the Zion at Night back in 2020. They have since needed to change the course so I can't comment on what it would be like now. I loved the stillness of the night. Vacation Races lets you pick the time you cross the start line and I picked 4:30am. I got to run in the dark with the moon and then watch the sunrise. Also, it was a cooler time of day. :)
Runcations have been a major part of my running program for decades, across America and Europe. They’ve been a powerful motivator for me. But, I’m not confident enough yet to make major investments in traveling to races. Too many have been canceled after they’ve taken my registration, and I’m not a believer in substituting virtual runs in which I run around my neighborhood and pretend I’m somewhere else. I hope stability and predictability will return soon. In the meantime, if it’s not within driving distance, I won’t be signing up.
Wife and I are both over 70 so travel is something we’ve done to see family. Now that we have had our 2nd Covid19 boosters, we’re travel from Fort Lauderdale to Seattle for the Jack & Jill downhill hal in July … local races in Naples, 2 hour drive, Stuart, an hour away, and Spacecoast 3 1/2 hour drive round out 2022. Still enjoy virtual since I’m a t-shirt/medal freak.
I hope so too, David. From what I’ve been able to gather, race directors right now have a big “chicken or egg”-like challenge: it’s hard to get runners to sign up early for races, because of all the issues you mention. But, when they don’t get signups early, it’s hard for them to plan their events — and, higher prices later in the signup window dissuade some runners not to sign up at all. It’s a conundrum 🤷♂️
It depends. I love to travel, my daughter, who usually goes with me, does not, and is really still afraid of CoVid. So races, even local ones are limited.
Almost registered on June 1 for the Monterey Bay Half with their coupon, but then there is a cut-off point of 3.3 hours and I don't know if I can still do their 16 minute mile limit since I have had some setbacks in my running. . . getting older does not help.
Personally, I loved Hollie Sick's newsletter of paying a little more for a race you KNOW you can attend, rather than get the Early Bird Pricing, pay in advance for travel and lodging and later on be disappointed. Made total sense. . .at least to me.
Let's put it this way. . .if I can get the cataracts removed from my eyes by July or August, if I can run my typical 11 minute mile by training, if I can buy a home and move in by October 1, I'm in! We'll have to see how the cards fall.
In the meantime, I'm going out in the rain and thunderstorms and run my 3rd Challenge Day for the Rivers! (Hey, it was Free!) Another 5K, but I'm getting into the swing of it again. Only 2 more days to go!!
Let us know your views. I'd love to see them, too! Take care.:)
I ran all during the pandemic, whether it was in person (where they were allowing people), or it was virtual. I had a few in Dallas lined up but had to change to virtual, then—but now with gas prices entirely out of control, I am making an actual budget, and I have limited my actual in-person half marathon to my favorite in San Antonio around Christmas: the Stars At Night half marathon at the J. W. Marriott. AWESOME lights all over the trees, and the course runs all through their golf course at night. Challenging, and our pacer group got “lost” a couple times, but it was still fun! Their medals are consistently excellent quality and design.
Started walking in Sept 2019 to improve health and fitness. To stay motivated signed up for a half w a walk division in Nov. 2020. I love half hr north from West Point in NY. Race was about 2.5 hrs away in PA. Due to pandemic it was cancelled. I wasn't going to let the training go to waste. Found a half called We Walk in Minnesota. Actually drove due to travel restrictions in NY at the time. 2021 did half competitive walk in WI and the original PA race I signed up for. Prefer to not travel, however halves w walk divisions r limited.
Enjoyed reading your post. Good luck w/ all your walking. I have racewalked all across the US in many races that didn’t contain a specific walk division. As long as you can meet the mile per minute (usually 16 minute per mile) requirement, you should be able the slip into any organized race. The organizers usually think if your observed, you’re doing that Galloway technique of run / walk. Of course, you may not metal if that’s what you’re training for. Good luck.
Broke 2:30:00 last yr, the pace is not the issue. My feeling is if they wanted competitive walkers in their race they wd have a division. I go with the races that want me !!!
Thank u for your posts and encouragement. I actually went to HS w Dave. He was a very nice person. He was of course focused on track, I was into weight training at the time.
Def did not intend to imply he wasn't still a good person!! Haven't seen him since HS other than casual bumping into him a cple of times shortly after. I've actually been told by others at races who have attended his clinics the same thing. Again, thank u for your correspondence and guidance from your experience.
I live in So Cal, and I drove to Mesa, AZ this past February for a race. Next month (July) I'll be flying to Burlington, VT for the Mad half marathon, which was deferred from July, 2020. Vermont will be my 27th state, but my 52nd half marathon.
Traveling for races, but not going as far as last summer (Las Vegas, NV ➡️ Estes Park, CO). Gas prices are WAY too high. Sticking around the NV/AZ/UT area.
Richard-California I have wanted to complete a 70.3 Northern California and Coeur d'aleon and & Full in San Diego but when I ran the numbers the cost of traveling that far for gas an logging (trailer) it was a bit much. I am staying close to home. Sorry!
I ran in the Madrid half marathon in early April. I enjoyed the race and ran a personal best. Since then I traveled to the Balkans and there was a half marathon in Bucharest while I was there but I did not participate. It was nice to see crowds at both events.
Love the photo here. i was on the left side of the bridge that day. Such a great experience for a marathon and for my first marathon. I've run some other races where I live in Florida, ran the Greenville, SC half and the RBC Brooklyn half a few weeks ago which were also great experiences. Plan for this summer is to train and run the Des Moines Marathon in October. Running it with my gf and her friend who is working her way through the states. I believe this is number 17 or something like that. Future plans will likely include some more trips out west and probably running in Europe. I am not hesitant at all right now about signing up for races.
NYC was awesome! The atmosphere and the course are amazing! As for my performance, I finished. It was way tougher than I expected and I definitely wasn't ready for the bridges and hills. Hamstrings were cramping from mile 8 on. Brooklyn was a lot of fun. From the subway ride to Grand Army Plaza that every car was full of runners to the finish at Coney Island it was a great experience. Met some great people and the weather, in spite of what many have heard and said, was not brutal. Race started at about 61 degrees and when I finished around 10:30 it was about 73. I'll do both again if I get the chance.
I’m in Maryland and traveled to North Myrtle Beach, SC, to run a half this past March. I’m totally open to traveling for races, but hesitant to sign up very far in advance, just because of possible changing restrictions. I’m eyeing Vacation Races Grand Teton (next year) and Rock’n Roll Las Vegas.
Courtney, Like you, I'm hesitant to register too far in advance these days. Ended up eating a lot of non-refundable reg fees in 2020-21. But I was able to run VR Tetons last year and I've done RnR Vegas in the past. Highly recommend both!! Good luck :)
I have ran two half marathons in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico recently - Nov 2021 and March 2022. A beautiful place to race (and relax, dine, beach, etc.)! I have zero issue with traveling to race and would do it all the time if I could!
Great topic Terrell! In the past, I have stayed locally or travelled to a neighboring state. Now, I do want to see more of our beautiful country and find myself looking for races in other states. I met a fellow runner in this running community at the Indy Mini who has inspired me to run in all 50 states - thank you Jennie! I’m looking forward to the journey!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE that you guys met in person at the Indy Mini! I'd love to do more of that in an organized way for more people in this group. (That was part of my plan for THM before Covid.) Would love any ideas/suggestions you might have on that!
Yes, I was so happy to meet a fellow runner and getting Donna on board was a big plus!! She just suggested the Run Sedona and we will be doing that together in February of next year. Hoping we can find many many, more to do together as my other running partner has done most of the states already. I’ve also noticed how fast she is and it’s inspired me to get back to where I used to be!!
Travel has gotten so much better..nearly back to normal. No more masks in the airports or airplanes, that I know of, unless you want to and we respect others’ choice to mask or not mask. I’d say most things have opened back up. Some places officially closed due to the pandemic, which makes me sad. For the most part, things are back to normal and I’m happy about that.
Just a thought, we might be able to select a half marathon at the end of the training program done in the winter/spring timeframe. We could do a vote on which race at the beginning of the training program and meet up/celebrate at the finish line. I know there were quite a few folks in this running community that did participate in the Indy Mini, not all of us met up in an organized manner though.
i used to travel for races all the time. now i stick closer to home and rarely sign up for anything. i have been injured so my momentum has slowed. i did sign up for a new 10k yesterday that is happening in october. but right now i've just been running on my own and i guess saving money from not signing up for races.
This summer, cherry Festival Half in Traverse City! (My home state, traveling from Tampa), then MCM 50k (pacing) and Space Coast Marathon, and hopefully pacing Disney Marathon & other Half races again this season with Galloway (about an hour from our front door, which helps)! I’ve done run-walk-run method several years now, even at under 8 min/mile pace and it’s cut down on my injuries and even at longer distances my times :-) Such a blessing to have races open up again, hope to see everyone out there! Mark, “The Running Anthropologist”
Hi Terrell, public media project started here at USF, purpose is to explore & share the culture of running- research, interviews and some audio documentary- would love to talk more!
I did a lot of exploring near home during the last 2 years, but I'm excited to expand my horizons again. I've postponed the Eiger 100k in Switzerland and the Chicago Marathon for 2 years so I'm looking forward to finally toeing the line at both of those this year. I've already raced in California and Boston this year and traveled to AZ for Rim to Rim to Rim. Travel costs are a bit crazy right now, but I'm trying to do what I can, when I can!
Last year we went to Chicago to run the Hot Chocolate 15K and last month we ran Flying Pig in Cincinnati. In 2020 we were supposed to run Berlin Marathon and then deferred 2021 to 2022 since Oktoberfest was cancelled. We are definitely running Berlin this year! On the plus side, I was able to add days to the Germany trip since I have accumulated a bit of vacation time over the past couple years. We will run the marathon, go to Oktoberfest, and then spend 6 nights in Austria before flying home. Berlin will be my 3rd world major marathon and hoping to complete all 6 within the next few years. There is no better way to see a city than while running through the streets!
I have a 16 week marathon training plan that I am using. To be honest, I haven't been running very well as of late and motivation is at a low ebb. My plan starts on Monday, so I am hoping that I will be able to find my mojo. I think since we have been pushing back this trip since 2020, it's almost hard to believe that we are actually going. I think once I get going on training that the excitement should kick in.
In 2020 we had to cancel 4 travel races. Some were planned to be a bigger trip than just the race, but with the world mostly closed we canceled them. We did still do a couple within our home state of Florida, but were very cautious.
In 2021 we started traveling again. we started the year very cautiously and drove from Tampa to Atlanta to run the Atlanta Marathon weekend. We didn't leave the hotel except to go to the race. Later in the year we went to Rhode Island and then to Virginia Beach for races. Since we were vaccinated we started going out again to enjoy the travel experience.
Already in 2022 we have had 2 travel races and we have at least 3 more booked.
The positive part of 2020 was that we saved a LOT of money from the canceled trips that we have rolled into 2022 and 2023 to have even better experiences and more planning rather than just picking a trip to take where there happens to be a race.
I have also rededicated myself to my commitment to run a Half Marathon in all 50 states... 17 down and a lot to go though!
Great! Where are the three that you have booked coming up?
One of the things I miss most about the pre-pandemic days was the New York Times travel series called "36 Hours In." They'd have a writer visit a city -- like, say, Barcelona or Buenos Aires or Charleston, S.C. -- and find all the best things you could do there in a weekend. Some of my most fun running travel memories have been combining a race with a weekend like that. Hopefull will get to do again soon.
Good Morning last year I went to London, then New York to run both fulls. Our local run group all went and we had a wonderful time. We never really stopped running even during the virus. We ran our routes locally and were happy to be able to do that especially with all that went on. We even made our plans to next to go Boston this year and we did. This fall NYC will be my 3rd time.
Even though I've (probably) sworn off 26.2-milers, I've still always wanted to run the NYC marathon. I got in one year, but couldn't do it. So jealous!
Since a cross country move preceded the pandemic by just a few of months, most of my travel has involved going home to visit family. I’ve driven to a couple of regional races but airfare has all been Jacksonville, FL to Sioux Falls, SD. Luckily, my hometown has two gems each year, the SF Skedaddle (half) in Apr. if you like winter weather 😅 and the SF Marathon (+ half, 10K, etc.) in late Aug. if you want it to be nicer. ☺️ I know South Dakota isn’t a premier travel destination for most and Sioux Falls isn’t as touristy as Mt. Rushmore and the Black Hills but these races are top notch. Yes, I am biased but I also think I’m right. 😂
I've actually been to Sioux Falls! (On a trip across the country about 20 years ago.) I visited the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore too -- I loved that part of the country. August sounds perfect there!
Good morning Terrell. The last two years were interesting for the most part. I do like to travel, in this case to see various places in Florida my home state, for races. Last year, between injuries and cancellations, I was not able to travel anywhere that was still hosting an event. This year, or at least the end of this year and into the new year, I have expectations of being able to travel throughout Florida again. I have a plan for September, November, January and February for now, all of which would be outside of SW Florida, my home location. Things opening up and showing prices, I anticipate all of those going through and, absent injury, look forward to being able to run those races in some great locations.
This is awesome, Stan! I know it's been tough for a lot of race directors out there, but I'm glad to hear they're bringing their events back. Is Key West on your list?
Yes sir. You too? In addition, there's a 15k in St. Pete [De Soto Park]; a half in St. Augustine [cancelled last year],; the half in January in Key West; a half in Sarasota or Ave Maria in February and I've still got another owed to me - may do that in March. Good thing this season is it will be cost efficient as I'm owed almost all of my races from the covid years.
Thanks! Did Space Coast last November, loved it! Have done a half in Naples but I know there’s a couple more there. Was gonna do an Elite in Port Charlote in Marxh last year but got hurt.
I am reconsidering my race schedule and locations for the summer and maybe fall due to gas prices. Hotel and restaurant costs had already narrowed the races to those within driving distance. Now I am seeing fuel costs beginning to equal the entry fees for my two hours one way travel limit I had imposed. Doesn't help that I have been racing nearly every weekend. (21st for the year tomorrow). Anybody got an electric car their not using?
I had a lot of races I planned to travel to in 2020 (including a bucket-list trip to Banff with a race through the park) that were all cancelled, so I've been trying to make up for lost time once in-person races started coming back. Last year I did Atlantic City, Acadia, Surftown RI and Rehoboth (with a couple local races in there as well). This year I did the OneAmerica 500 Festival in Indy and I'm looking for my next race and trip so any suggestions welcome!
Great question, about traveling for races. I've been doing it for years, actually... and now after the worst of the pandemic is over, I'm doing it again. I'm 63, it's sort of a "bucket list" thing for me now.
I live in Westchester County, NY (just North of the city), and my next "travel race" is Chatham Harbor 10K on Cape Cod. Not a half marathon, but who's counting? I'm thinking about running in Nova Scotia and coupling it with a road trip up the coast. Or running every remaining race I can find along the Eastern coast. I've already done Bridgeport & Greenwich CT, Cape May & Wildwood NJ, Rehoboth DE, Long Beach & Jones Beach & Rockaway Beach & Pelham & Shore Road/Brooklyn NY, and probly others I cannot think of right now.
Nice to have something other than just running nondescript road races, to get me motivated! :)
I'm in Colorado (from Texas) right now for the Revel Rockies Marathon/Half tomorrow. It should be about 40F at the start, and it is all downhill. (That's like what an E-bike is to a normal bike.) One of my favorites and a beautiful course along a winding creek from Evergreen to Morrison near Denver.
Amazing! Good for you. Have a wonderful race. Having a positive experience is so much more than a finish time so don’t forget to take it all in and reflect on all your hard work. 🤗
Hey, back at school so time is just so way of [a week late, as you can see]. I'm planning on run in St. Pete in Sep; Sanibel in Oct; St. Augustine in Nov; Key West in Jan; either Sarasota or Ave Maria in Feb - real wishful thinking so we'll see if they all "happen".
First off, my apologies for the slow reply, last weekend before I start school again [tchr] so trying to get it all in!
I've tried to plan this years races around places I've always wanted to visit. Running in St. Pete, @ Fort De Soto Park [historic site and beachfront] in Sep; planning a run on Sanibel Island [obvious reasons!] in Oct; St. Augustine [one of 1st Florida cities] in Nov, Key West [been canceled on me 2x] in Jan; Either Sarasota [one of the top areas on Florida on the West Coast] or Ave Maria [Catholic so one of the most beautiful Churches in SW Florida] in Feb. Just trying to be busy, travel in the home state a little and run some good races. Looking for one up near the University of Florida in Gainesville too, maybe Dec or Mar, if anyone knows of one...
GM. I still plan to travel within Florida [my home state] at least until I cover all the main areas. The pandemic definitely curtailed that for these last two years but getting all set to ramp up for this fall/winter run season again. One thing I did do this off-season was to join a group to look into world marathons. That would be a "different" kind of travel and a little more costly but am hopeful, at some time, will take off and go somewhere for a run...
How cool, Stan! Any particular races/places you picked out, if nothing else as 'bucket list' runs?
I used to travel all the time for races, and one of the things that has stung the most about the world shutting down was that it killed off two things I like to do: travel and go running (well, that plus losing my job).
I am of the opinion that traveling with a host of restrictions is not really worth the time and expense, so I have been waiting for the world to get back to normal (very few people here in NYC are willing to admit that we can go back to normal). I was all set to run my first travel-race in March, but after much time waiting at the airport, American Airlines was unable to get me to Kentucky for the Bluegrass Half. I've signed up for next year's race. My next travel-race is the Mt. Desert Island Half in Maine this September (I was supposed to race it in 2020). Let's hope that trip doesn't succumb to the travel gods, too.
I’ve always run halves or whole marathons out of town. My husband always goes with me but also sometimes other family members and friends. I’ve run in Chicago, Washington DC, Pittsburgh, Savannah, Orlando, and my favorite New York! I just completed 2 halves in New York. It’s my favorite because my son lives there, I love the city, and love the running community there! Next race will be NYC Marathon.
Drove up to Vermont for the Vermont City Marathon & Relay (we did the relay) last weekend. Great time. Love Burlington & Vermont in general. Then over to the Adirondacks in New York for a week. Felt very comfortable everywhere.
When I retired at the end of 2019, "Runcations" were going to be a big part of my plan for retirement. That plan of course got put on hold. Last September was my first outing to do the Chicago Half, and in May of this year I did the Chicago Spring Half. I'm in Milwaukee, so Chicago is relatively close to home, but it was still so nice to get back out there and feel the energy among runners, and feel like life was somewhat back to normal. One more Chicago Half in September of this year for me, and the next one after that is the Miami Half in January next year. Happy Running!
I’m traveling again! Just did the Indy Mini and had a great time! It was so fun to get back to a race with so many people! The excitement was re-energizing! Looking for my next half! 13 done, 12 states in!
I'm always traveled for racing I did not travel on 2020 because everything was canceled but I kept up with all my RACING And virtual racing. In 2021 I went back to the races I was supposed to go to. I've always traveled because I like to take vacations incorporated with my racing. I've done a lot of rock and roll racing and Vacation racing. I'm doing local racing sometimes as well. I think it's good when you travel to races because you see other people and experience their culture. And then you get to see the local scenery as well. It also helps to the economy in these areas too because you have to book hotels and restaurants.
Last year was milestone birthday. The plan was to run the five burrows of New York in the NYC Marathon for that birthday. But because of all the restrictions tied to the race. I chose to break it into two halves. One in Cherokee,NC and one more local, The Honor Run Half.
Since I had a stem cell transplant this past February, I still have to be cautious about running in crowds. I have lost all my immunities and will begin getting shots for various childhood diseases this next August. My next scheduled in-person race will be in December at the Space Force 10-miler. I will be running the Peachtree Road Race virtually this year.
Glad to hear everything went well...
Actually I just got back from a racation. I planned to do the 2020 Brooklyn Half Marathon. I got a guarantee entry by running 6 virtuals in 2019. Well, it got deferred and playing the odds I took the entry for 2022. That leads me to my issue last half of the year with back issues. Now with that in my rearview mirror I am working on my next goal. 13 halfs in 13 months. I have done the first 3, and I have 4 on the books. It is a trail half about an hours drive away. The problem I am having is finding a reasonable driving half in the midwest. For number 5 in mid July, after that I have another trail run about the same distance only in a slightly different direction, for August.
If it makes you feel any better, the weather for the Brooklyn Half was really hot and miserable this year.
It was not the weather that affected me as much as my starting location and the continuing issue I am having with my running. I will admit it was a little warmer than optimal and I should have planned better in the way of fuel. I have run in worse conditions so I know how my body was going to respond. It is more of a lament of not doing as well as I have when I run my event rather than having to conform to the pace of the runners around me.
I tip my hat to the trail runners of the world … me? I’m sticking to asphalt!
I live in southern CA and although many of the half marathons I normally would have run in 2020 were cancelled, I was still able to travel out of state to some that weren't cancelled. That summer I drove to southern Utah in June to run Vacation Race's Zion at Night and in July I drove to Colorado to run their Rocky Mt. Half Marathon and enjoyed a roadtrip on the way through more national parks. I enjoyed the Zion at Night so much that in September I drove back to southern Utah when they offered it again. In 2021 I drove to southern Utah, Tucson AZ, Bryce National Park (Utah again), and flew to Washington (Mt. Rainier) and later to South Dakota (Mt. Rushmore) all for half marathons with Vacation Races. I tried to stay as safe as I could while travelling. I had a blast and enjoyed being around smaller crowds. I have a big trip coming up for the Banff half and Glacier half in a few weeks. Looking forward to them. I really appreciated how Vacation Races tried to still hold the races while keeping their runners safe.
Michelle, that is awesome. I live in Utah was the Zion race worth it? Please post a picture of the Banff Half that sounds incredible!!!
I really, really enjoyed the Zion at Night back in 2020. They have since needed to change the course so I can't comment on what it would be like now. I loved the stillness of the night. Vacation Races lets you pick the time you cross the start line and I picked 4:30am. I got to run in the dark with the moon and then watch the sunrise. Also, it was a cooler time of day. :)
Great points thanks!!
Runcations have been a major part of my running program for decades, across America and Europe. They’ve been a powerful motivator for me. But, I’m not confident enough yet to make major investments in traveling to races. Too many have been canceled after they’ve taken my registration, and I’m not a believer in substituting virtual runs in which I run around my neighborhood and pretend I’m somewhere else. I hope stability and predictability will return soon. In the meantime, if it’s not within driving distance, I won’t be signing up.
Wife and I are both over 70 so travel is something we’ve done to see family. Now that we have had our 2nd Covid19 boosters, we’re travel from Fort Lauderdale to Seattle for the Jack & Jill downhill hal in July … local races in Naples, 2 hour drive, Stuart, an hour away, and Spacecoast 3 1/2 hour drive round out 2022. Still enjoy virtual since I’m a t-shirt/medal freak.
I hope so too, David. From what I’ve been able to gather, race directors right now have a big “chicken or egg”-like challenge: it’s hard to get runners to sign up early for races, because of all the issues you mention. But, when they don’t get signups early, it’s hard for them to plan their events — and, higher prices later in the signup window dissuade some runners not to sign up at all. It’s a conundrum 🤷♂️
It depends. I love to travel, my daughter, who usually goes with me, does not, and is really still afraid of CoVid. So races, even local ones are limited.
Almost registered on June 1 for the Monterey Bay Half with their coupon, but then there is a cut-off point of 3.3 hours and I don't know if I can still do their 16 minute mile limit since I have had some setbacks in my running. . . getting older does not help.
Personally, I loved Hollie Sick's newsletter of paying a little more for a race you KNOW you can attend, rather than get the Early Bird Pricing, pay in advance for travel and lodging and later on be disappointed. Made total sense. . .at least to me.
Let's put it this way. . .if I can get the cataracts removed from my eyes by July or August, if I can run my typical 11 minute mile by training, if I can buy a home and move in by October 1, I'm in! We'll have to see how the cards fall.
In the meantime, I'm going out in the rain and thunderstorms and run my 3rd Challenge Day for the Rivers! (Hey, it was Free!) Another 5K, but I'm getting into the swing of it again. Only 2 more days to go!!
Let us know your views. I'd love to see them, too! Take care.:)
3.5 hours is a 16-minute mile … you can do it.
I can! Thanks for the encouragement!! :)
I ran all during the pandemic, whether it was in person (where they were allowing people), or it was virtual. I had a few in Dallas lined up but had to change to virtual, then—but now with gas prices entirely out of control, I am making an actual budget, and I have limited my actual in-person half marathon to my favorite in San Antonio around Christmas: the Stars At Night half marathon at the J. W. Marriott. AWESOME lights all over the trees, and the course runs all through their golf course at night. Challenging, and our pacer group got “lost” a couple times, but it was still fun! Their medals are consistently excellent quality and design.
Started walking in Sept 2019 to improve health and fitness. To stay motivated signed up for a half w a walk division in Nov. 2020. I love half hr north from West Point in NY. Race was about 2.5 hrs away in PA. Due to pandemic it was cancelled. I wasn't going to let the training go to waste. Found a half called We Walk in Minnesota. Actually drove due to travel restrictions in NY at the time. 2021 did half competitive walk in WI and the original PA race I signed up for. Prefer to not travel, however halves w walk divisions r limited.
Enjoyed reading your post. Good luck w/ all your walking. I have racewalked all across the US in many races that didn’t contain a specific walk division. As long as you can meet the mile per minute (usually 16 minute per mile) requirement, you should be able the slip into any organized race. The organizers usually think if your observed, you’re doing that Galloway technique of run / walk. Of course, you may not metal if that’s what you’re training for. Good luck.
Broke 2:30:00 last yr, the pace is not the issue. My feeling is if they wanted competitive walkers in their race they wd have a division. I go with the races that want me !!!
Then look up information and races on Dave McGovern on Facebook and there’re races out there for serious walkers. Good luck.
Thank u for your posts and encouragement. I actually went to HS w Dave. He was a very nice person. He was of course focused on track, I was into weight training at the time.
He’s still a nice person and now teaches race walking everywhere. I’ve had the good fortune to train with him twice.
Def did not intend to imply he wasn't still a good person!! Haven't seen him since HS other than casual bumping into him a cple of times shortly after. I've actually been told by others at races who have attended his clinics the same thing. Again, thank u for your correspondence and guidance from your experience.
I live in So Cal, and I drove to Mesa, AZ this past February for a race. Next month (July) I'll be flying to Burlington, VT for the Mad half marathon, which was deferred from July, 2020. Vermont will be my 27th state, but my 52nd half marathon.
I traveled to Austin in Feb and going to Chugwater, WY over Labor Day for half marathons.
Traveling for races, but not going as far as last summer (Las Vegas, NV ➡️ Estes Park, CO). Gas prices are WAY too high. Sticking around the NV/AZ/UT area.
Richard-California I have wanted to complete a 70.3 Northern California and Coeur d'aleon and & Full in San Diego but when I ran the numbers the cost of traveling that far for gas an logging (trailer) it was a bit much. I am staying close to home. Sorry!
I ran in the Madrid half marathon in early April. I enjoyed the race and ran a personal best. Since then I traveled to the Balkans and there was a half marathon in Bucharest while I was there but I did not participate. It was nice to see crowds at both events.
Wow! How was that trip?
Love the photo here. i was on the left side of the bridge that day. Such a great experience for a marathon and for my first marathon. I've run some other races where I live in Florida, ran the Greenville, SC half and the RBC Brooklyn half a few weeks ago which were also great experiences. Plan for this summer is to train and run the Des Moines Marathon in October. Running it with my gf and her friend who is working her way through the states. I believe this is number 17 or something like that. Future plans will likely include some more trips out west and probably running in Europe. I am not hesitant at all right now about signing up for races.
Love that, Phil! How did the NYC Marathon go for you? And how was the Brooklyn race?
NYC was awesome! The atmosphere and the course are amazing! As for my performance, I finished. It was way tougher than I expected and I definitely wasn't ready for the bridges and hills. Hamstrings were cramping from mile 8 on. Brooklyn was a lot of fun. From the subway ride to Grand Army Plaza that every car was full of runners to the finish at Coney Island it was a great experience. Met some great people and the weather, in spite of what many have heard and said, was not brutal. Race started at about 61 degrees and when I finished around 10:30 it was about 73. I'll do both again if I get the chance.
I’m in Maryland and traveled to North Myrtle Beach, SC, to run a half this past March. I’m totally open to traveling for races, but hesitant to sign up very far in advance, just because of possible changing restrictions. I’m eyeing Vacation Races Grand Teton (next year) and Rock’n Roll Las Vegas.
Rock and roll Las Vegas was a lot of fun … in 2018. Crowds cheering on LV Blvd make it great
Courtney, Like you, I'm hesitant to register too far in advance these days. Ended up eating a lot of non-refundable reg fees in 2020-21. But I was able to run VR Tetons last year and I've done RnR Vegas in the past. Highly recommend both!! Good luck :)
I'm in San Diego and just signed up for Rock'n Roll Las Vegas!
Grand Teton will be AMAZING, no doubt!
I ran the Edinburgh half marathon virtually in 2021 due to pandemic. Cool they allowed that option. Goal is to run it in person in 2023.
You'll love Edinburgh! I had the chance to visit there (many) years ago. Just an amazing city.
I have ran two half marathons in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico recently - Nov 2021 and March 2022. A beautiful place to race (and relax, dine, beach, etc.)! I have zero issue with traveling to race and would do it all the time if I could!
How cool is that?! What were the races? What a great place to run 😃
Both were half marathons. Yes it's a great place to run for sure!
Great topic Terrell! In the past, I have stayed locally or travelled to a neighboring state. Now, I do want to see more of our beautiful country and find myself looking for races in other states. I met a fellow runner in this running community at the Indy Mini who has inspired me to run in all 50 states - thank you Jennie! I’m looking forward to the journey!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE that you guys met in person at the Indy Mini! I'd love to do more of that in an organized way for more people in this group. (That was part of my plan for THM before Covid.) Would love any ideas/suggestions you might have on that!
Yes, I was so happy to meet a fellow runner and getting Donna on board was a big plus!! She just suggested the Run Sedona and we will be doing that together in February of next year. Hoping we can find many many, more to do together as my other running partner has done most of the states already. I’ve also noticed how fast she is and it’s inspired me to get back to where I used to be!!
Travel has gotten so much better..nearly back to normal. No more masks in the airports or airplanes, that I know of, unless you want to and we respect others’ choice to mask or not mask. I’d say most things have opened back up. Some places officially closed due to the pandemic, which makes me sad. For the most part, things are back to normal and I’m happy about that.
Just a thought, we might be able to select a half marathon at the end of the training program done in the winter/spring timeframe. We could do a vote on which race at the beginning of the training program and meet up/celebrate at the finish line. I know there were quite a few folks in this running community that did participate in the Indy Mini, not all of us met up in an organized manner though.
i used to travel for races all the time. now i stick closer to home and rarely sign up for anything. i have been injured so my momentum has slowed. i did sign up for a new 10k yesterday that is happening in october. but right now i've just been running on my own and i guess saving money from not signing up for races.
I know the feeling (as I've been recovering from my own injury). It's a season of rest right now -- hopefully it doesn't last forever!
This summer, cherry Festival Half in Traverse City! (My home state, traveling from Tampa), then MCM 50k (pacing) and Space Coast Marathon, and hopefully pacing Disney Marathon & other Half races again this season with Galloway (about an hour from our front door, which helps)! I’ve done run-walk-run method several years now, even at under 8 min/mile pace and it’s cut down on my injuries and even at longer distances my times :-) Such a blessing to have races open up again, hope to see everyone out there! Mark, “The Running Anthropologist”
Mark, God willing I'm also doing Cherry Festival! Heard Traverse City is beautiful. Probably won't see you at your speedy pace! :)
Tell me more about “The Running Anthropologist”! Very intrigued...
Hi Terrell, public media project started here at USF, purpose is to explore & share the culture of running- research, interviews and some audio documentary- would love to talk more!
I did a lot of exploring near home during the last 2 years, but I'm excited to expand my horizons again. I've postponed the Eiger 100k in Switzerland and the Chicago Marathon for 2 years so I'm looking forward to finally toeing the line at both of those this year. I've already raced in California and Boston this year and traveled to AZ for Rim to Rim to Rim. Travel costs are a bit crazy right now, but I'm trying to do what I can, when I can!
Hi Carissa! 👋 It's been a long time! How was Rim to Rim to Rim?
Beautiful, humbling, hard, and incredible. 😃
Last year we went to Chicago to run the Hot Chocolate 15K and last month we ran Flying Pig in Cincinnati. In 2020 we were supposed to run Berlin Marathon and then deferred 2021 to 2022 since Oktoberfest was cancelled. We are definitely running Berlin this year! On the plus side, I was able to add days to the Germany trip since I have accumulated a bit of vacation time over the past couple years. We will run the marathon, go to Oktoberfest, and then spend 6 nights in Austria before flying home. Berlin will be my 3rd world major marathon and hoping to complete all 6 within the next few years. There is no better way to see a city than while running through the streets!
Did Pig in ‘13 … perfect event … expo, pigpens-not-corrals. To start. … large crowds cheering on the masses.
Your trip to Germany/Austria sounds so great, Stacy!!! Good luck in Berlin! How are you approaching your training for it?
I have a 16 week marathon training plan that I am using. To be honest, I haven't been running very well as of late and motivation is at a low ebb. My plan starts on Monday, so I am hoping that I will be able to find my mojo. I think since we have been pushing back this trip since 2020, it's almost hard to believe that we are actually going. I think once I get going on training that the excitement should kick in.
Best of luck, Stacy … one foot in front of the other … enjoy the day.
In 2020 we had to cancel 4 travel races. Some were planned to be a bigger trip than just the race, but with the world mostly closed we canceled them. We did still do a couple within our home state of Florida, but were very cautious.
In 2021 we started traveling again. we started the year very cautiously and drove from Tampa to Atlanta to run the Atlanta Marathon weekend. We didn't leave the hotel except to go to the race. Later in the year we went to Rhode Island and then to Virginia Beach for races. Since we were vaccinated we started going out again to enjoy the travel experience.
Already in 2022 we have had 2 travel races and we have at least 3 more booked.
The positive part of 2020 was that we saved a LOT of money from the canceled trips that we have rolled into 2022 and 2023 to have even better experiences and more planning rather than just picking a trip to take where there happens to be a race.
I have also rededicated myself to my commitment to run a Half Marathon in all 50 states... 17 down and a lot to go though!
Great! Where are the three that you have booked coming up?
One of the things I miss most about the pre-pandemic days was the New York Times travel series called "36 Hours In." They'd have a writer visit a city -- like, say, Barcelona or Buenos Aires or Charleston, S.C. -- and find all the best things you could do there in a weekend. Some of my most fun running travel memories have been combining a race with a weekend like that. Hopefull will get to do again soon.
I have races in Seattle, Outer Banks, NC and San Antonio.
Good Morning last year I went to London, then New York to run both fulls. Our local run group all went and we had a wonderful time. We never really stopped running even during the virus. We ran our routes locally and were happy to be able to do that especially with all that went on. We even made our plans to next to go Boston this year and we did. This fall NYC will be my 3rd time.
Even though I've (probably) sworn off 26.2-milers, I've still always wanted to run the NYC marathon. I got in one year, but couldn't do it. So jealous!
Since a cross country move preceded the pandemic by just a few of months, most of my travel has involved going home to visit family. I’ve driven to a couple of regional races but airfare has all been Jacksonville, FL to Sioux Falls, SD. Luckily, my hometown has two gems each year, the SF Skedaddle (half) in Apr. if you like winter weather 😅 and the SF Marathon (+ half, 10K, etc.) in late Aug. if you want it to be nicer. ☺️ I know South Dakota isn’t a premier travel destination for most and Sioux Falls isn’t as touristy as Mt. Rushmore and the Black Hills but these races are top notch. Yes, I am biased but I also think I’m right. 😂
I've actually been to Sioux Falls! (On a trip across the country about 20 years ago.) I visited the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore too -- I loved that part of the country. August sounds perfect there!
Especially for those of us living in the southeast. 😉 I have super powers when I go home. 😂
Good morning Terrell. The last two years were interesting for the most part. I do like to travel, in this case to see various places in Florida my home state, for races. Last year, between injuries and cancellations, I was not able to travel anywhere that was still hosting an event. This year, or at least the end of this year and into the new year, I have expectations of being able to travel throughout Florida again. I have a plan for September, November, January and February for now, all of which would be outside of SW Florida, my home location. Things opening up and showing prices, I anticipate all of those going through and, absent injury, look forward to being able to run those races in some great locations.
This is awesome, Stan! I know it's been tough for a lot of race directors out there, but I'm glad to hear they're bringing their events back. Is Key West on your list?
Yes sir. You too? In addition, there's a 15k in St. Pete [De Soto Park]; a half in St. Augustine [cancelled last year],; the half in January in Key West; a half in Sarasota or Ave Maria in February and I've still got another owed to me - may do that in March. Good thing this season is it will be cost efficient as I'm owed almost all of my races from the covid years.
Consider Naples and Punta Gorda, both Put on by Elite, Space Coast in Cocoa, too.
Thanks! Did Space Coast last November, loved it! Have done a half in Naples but I know there’s a couple more there. Was gonna do an Elite in Port Charlote in Marxh last year but got hurt.
I am reconsidering my race schedule and locations for the summer and maybe fall due to gas prices. Hotel and restaurant costs had already narrowed the races to those within driving distance. Now I am seeing fuel costs beginning to equal the entry fees for my two hours one way travel limit I had imposed. Doesn't help that I have been racing nearly every weekend. (21st for the year tomorrow). Anybody got an electric car their not using?
This is one of the main reasons I'm sure my next car will be electric!
I had a lot of races I planned to travel to in 2020 (including a bucket-list trip to Banff with a race through the park) that were all cancelled, so I've been trying to make up for lost time once in-person races started coming back. Last year I did Atlantic City, Acadia, Surftown RI and Rehoboth (with a couple local races in there as well). This year I did the OneAmerica 500 Festival in Indy and I'm looking for my next race and trip so any suggestions welcome!
Katy, How did you like the Rehoboth race? Considering it for December.
All of those events sound so great! What's the race in Banff like?
Unfortunately it was cancelled because of COVID, so it's still on my bucket list!
Headed to Chicago (from Holland MI)for a half marathon, getting ready for the full marathon in October.
Very cool, Pete! How are you approaching training for the full marathon, btw? (Do you often run fulls?)
Hi Terrell, I really don't need training,I run all year. I average 35 to 45 milesa week.
Great question, about traveling for races. I've been doing it for years, actually... and now after the worst of the pandemic is over, I'm doing it again. I'm 63, it's sort of a "bucket list" thing for me now.
I live in Westchester County, NY (just North of the city), and my next "travel race" is Chatham Harbor 10K on Cape Cod. Not a half marathon, but who's counting? I'm thinking about running in Nova Scotia and coupling it with a road trip up the coast. Or running every remaining race I can find along the Eastern coast. I've already done Bridgeport & Greenwich CT, Cape May & Wildwood NJ, Rehoboth DE, Long Beach & Jones Beach & Rockaway Beach & Pelham & Shore Road/Brooklyn NY, and probly others I cannot think of right now.
Nice to have something other than just running nondescript road races, to get me motivated! :)
Races for me are opportunities to learn about the destination … recent trip to Naples included post race trip to zoo.
Exactly! I love your passion, Nathan. The Cape Cod race sounds like a ton of fun -- they have some great races there.
I'm in Colorado (from Texas) right now for the Revel Rockies Marathon/Half tomorrow. It should be about 40F at the start, and it is all downhill. (That's like what an E-bike is to a normal bike.) One of my favorites and a beautiful course along a winding creek from Evergreen to Morrison near Denver.
Nice, Daryl! I've wanted to run that race for a long time.
Currently in Wichita for a race. The only reason I stopped traveling for races is they were cancelled.
Nice! What's the race in Wichita?
It is the Marriott 10k/5k. Not a Half but a nice restart. Looks flat.
Have a wonderful time with a race you'll remember forever!
Amazing! Good for you. Have a wonderful race. Having a positive experience is so much more than a finish time so don’t forget to take it all in and reflect on all your hard work. 🤗
This is so cool, Jennifer! So awesome to have a support team with you there. How's the weather in Jackson Hole looking for the race?
My first half that I traveled for was the Grand Teton Half with Vacation Races in 2018, and it is STILL my favorite race I've ever done!