Ready to explore new places one stride at a time? Welcome to the world of “runcations”, where your travel plans start with your running shoes and end with unforgettable memories. This growing trend blends the thrill of a race with the relaxation and exploration of a vacation. Whether you're flying cross-country (or even cross-globe) for a destination race or mapping out a weekend run through a new city while on vacation, running offers one of the most rewarding ways to stay active and truly experience a new place. 

Take the founders of Middle Trail, Kayla and Genny, for example. When they traveled to Charleston, South Carolina this past winter for the annual Half Marathon, a rare Southern snowstorm shut down the official race, but that didn’t stop them! They laced up anyway and created their own 13.1 mile adventure, exploring the city entirely on foot. Their unique route took them past cobblestone streets, vibrant pastel houses, and refreshing ocean breezes. They discovered so much of the city they might have otherwise missed, and this planned half marathon trip reminded them why they love this active way to travel.

Why We Love "Runcations"

We love planned "runcations" for several reasons: 

1. Authentic Exploration and Cultural Immersion: Running allows you to see a city from a local’s perspective - off the beaten path, early in the morning, or through neighborhoods tourists might miss. Imagine running through the historic streets of Rome, along the red rocks of Arizona, or even on snowy ice caps in Northern Norway. These unique experiences create lasting memories that go well beyond typical tourist activities. 

2. Best of Both Worlds: With a "runcation", you get the thrill of a race combined with the relaxation and exploration of a vacation. The sense of accomplishment after finishing a race in a unique setting makes indulging in vacation mode that much sweeter. Plus, a race on the calendar provides built-in motivation to stay active, even while you’re enjoying your well-deserved break.

3. Connection with Community: Whether you're high-fiving strangers during a race or waving to locals on a trail, running often creates unexpected moments of connection. "Runcations" offer a unique opportunity to bond with fellow runners and locals alike, fostering a deeper engagement with your destination than traditional sightseeing.

4. Stress Relief: Traveling can sometimes be hectic, and running offers a fantastic break, a welcome reset, and a sense of routine no matter where you are. Whether it’s a race you’ve set out to conquer, or a casual morning run to explore, running on vacation gives you those crucial moments just for yourself, helping you de-stress and recharge. 

The Magic of Spontaneous Runs

Even when you’re not planning your whole trip around a race or specific running route, some of the best runs happen unexpectedly while on vacation. That’s why we always recommend packing your running shoes - just in case 😉. 

Perhaps you wake up early in a new city and decide to explore before breakfast. Maybe you stumble upon a scenic trail while sightseeing. Or perhaps you just need a breather after a long day of travel. Whatever the reason, spontaneous runs can bring unexpected joy. They offer: 

1. Discovery: Some of our favorite places weren’t in guidebooks - we found them mid-run, uncovering hidden gems and local favorites.

2. Freedom: With no expectations, no fixed route, and no goal pace, these runs are purely about movement and enjoyment.

3. Beating the Crowds: An early morning run can offer a rare opportunity to experience popular landmarks and scenic spots before the tourist crowds descend. Imagine having a famous piazza or a breathtaking cliff view almost entirely to yourself. 

4. Stress Relief: Jet lagged? Overstimulated? A casual jog can reset your whole day, providing a valuable moment of calm amidst the hustle of travel.

5. Unscripted Memories: The runs you don’t plan often turn into the stories you’ll tell forever. Embrace the adventure - turn your running route into a photo tour or coffee run!

Pack Your Bags!

Thinking of planning your own "runcation"? Here are a few things we’ve learned to help you make the most of it:

1. Pack Smart: Don’t forget your tried-and-true running shoes, anti-chafe balm, and versatile gear that works in all weather. Trust us - we’ve even run through Southern snow! Packing smart ensures you’re ready for any adventure. 

2. Do Your Research: Before you go, take time to research race calendars or scout out potential running routes. Apps like Strava and AllTrails, along with local running clubs are great resources for discovering the best places to lace up.

3. Plan Downtime and Recovery: Both travel and running can be taxing on your body, so it’s crucial to plan for downtime and recovery. Make time for stretching, hydration, good sleep, and yes, a little pampering post-run. Your body will thank you!

4. Embrace the Fun: Remember, a "runcation" is also a vacation! After the race or your exploratory run, make sure to reward yourself with local food, explore more of the sights, and truly immerse yourself in the destination!

Kayla & Genny’s Favorite “Runcations”

We love a good “runcation” and spontaneous run while on vacation. Some of our highlights over the years include:

Kayla

Two of Kayla’s favorite spontaneous runs happened while she was vacationing in Italy with her family, showcasing just how magical these unplanned adventures can be. 

To beat the heat and the crowds in Rome, she woke up early one morning to take a jog through the quiet streets. Her adventure led her past iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps and the Pantheon. It was a truly magical way to experience the beauty and the history of the famous city. With almost no one else out and about, she felt like she had all of Rome to herself. 

Days later, in Florence, she ventured out again, but this time with a specific mission. She embarked on a very early morning run along the tree-lined Viale Michelangelo, uphill to Piazzale Michelangelo to watch the sunrise over Florence. There, she took in stunning panoramic views of Florence as the city awoke; iconic landmarks like the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Vecchio and Arno River were illuminated by the rising sunlight. Despite the early hour, the serene and breathtaking views at the end of her run were so worth it, creating a moment she will never forget.    

Kayla is also on an incredible quest to run a half marathon in all 50 states, having already checked off 24! These “runcations” are more planned, serving as a unique way for Kayla to travel with her friends and explore cities across the USA. Some of her favorite experiences so far have been in San Francisco, California, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Madison, Wisconsin, Austin, Texas and Nashville, Tennessee. While some of these trips are quick weekend explorations focused on the race, others turn into longer, immersive vacations coupled with exciting hiking adventures, thrilling ghost tours, and, of course, lots of great food!

Genny

Some of Genny’s most memorable, spontaneous runs took place during her travels out West. One of her favorites happened last year in Sedona, when she woke up early and set off on a sunrise run through the stunning red rock landscape. She took in breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, enjoyed the cool morning air before the Arizona heat climbed past 95 degrees, and even scoped out local restaurants and activities for later in the day. Her route took her past the Pink Jeep Tour headquarters which became their activity for the day as they returned later to join one of their off-road adventures through the mountains (for anyone in Sedona, highly recommend a Pink Jeep Tour 🙂!)

Another one of Genny’s favorite spontaneous runs took place during a visit to London many years ago. Staying near Buckingham Palace, she ran down The Mall, taking in the iconic Victoria Memorial before catching Hyde Park and St. James’s Park coming to life in the early morning. Along the way, she heard the chime of Big Ben, admired the grandeur of Westminster Abbey, and gave a cheerful wave towards the Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street. Seeing London in the early hours before the crowds was incredible and allowed Genny to take in both the beauty and the history of the city! Plus, by finishing her run early in the morning, she was able to treat herself to a proper English breakfast afterwards with bacon, sausages, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, and, of course, tea!

Genny’s "runcation" résumé of planned runs includes the iconic Chicago Marathon, which winds through 29 neighborhoods in one unforgettable morning. She’s also run the Chicago Shamrock Shuffle ten times - each year discovering a new reason to fall in love with the Windy City all over again.

Pictures from Kayla & Genny's "Runcations" 

Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy

Sunrise over Florence, Italy

Sedona, Arizona

London, England

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Whether you're chasing medals or simply new memories, consider making your next vacation a "runcation". Sign up for a race in a city you've always wanted to visit, or, if your plans are more spontaneous, pack your sneakers anyway - you never know when the opportunity for a memorable run might pop up. Either way, the open road and new places await!