“Runcations”, vacation races, and destination runs are not only reserved for running enthusiasts and passionate athletes, but also for leisurely travelers looking to stay for a healthy kick on their escapes. Booking a fun run for your next vacation can mean making memories while exploring a national park or partaking in pre-festival activities before the Kentucky Derby. Here’s our roundup of seven destination races for summer and fall 2023.
2023 marks the 50th anniversary of The Kentucky Derby “mini” Marathon and 22nd annual Marathon. Join in the festivities of the Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon – your way, whether it be signing up for the Marathon or “mini” Marathon, or taking a few of your favorite friends to do the Marathon Relay. The urban course starts at Louisville Slugger Field and ends at the home of the Kentucky Derby, courses through the infield of Churchill Downs racecourse, and ends at Lynn Family Stadium.
Book your stay at Best Western Premier Airport/Expo Center Hotel.
The Des Moines Women’s gives you four options to participate in their downtown courses. The Team Relay is a fun one to do with two of your girlfriends, as each participant runs 4-4.5 miles of the 13.1-mile course, passing the baton, and ending at Jasper Winery, where each member can celebrate by raising a glass to their accomplishment. The other individual courses take you through downtown Des Moines, past Gray’s Lake, and ends at the beautiful, flowering Arie den Boer Arboretum. There’s food trucks, live music, and medals at each course to meet you at the finish line.
Book your stay at Best Western Plus Des Moines West Inn & Suites.
Have you ever wanted to run on an island and inside a National Park? With the Acadia National Park Half Marathon and 10K, you can do both. Mount Desert Island is the third largest island on the East Coast, and the views on the course include gorgeous, unobstructed views of the cliffs and coastline as you run on the Acadia National Park Loop Road.
Book your stay at Best Western Acadia Park Inn.
If you’re looking for an escape this summer and a challenging course to train for, look no further than the Rocky Mountain Half and 5K. This run boasts epic Rocky Mountain views, as it’s set right outside the National Park and wraps up by the lake in Estes Park, Colorado. The course is at high altitude and is uphill, so be sure to train at high elevation to prepare for this race.
Book your stay at Best Western Plus Silver Saddle Inn.
A running calendar of events would not be complete without including at least one Rock ‘n’ Roll Run! In 2023, the Rock ‘n’ Roll® Running Series celebrates 25 years, and while there are many locations to experience the live music, urban landscapes, and genuine fun, go for their newest location in Rock ‘n’ Roll Salt Lake City. With average temperatures forecasted to be a cool 75 degrees, start and end your race at Liberty Square Plaza.
Book your stay at Best Western Plus CottonTree Inn.
This is an event that you might not even be looking for, but it is a must-do for the runner who wants a challenge and yet, also wants to chill out. Running enthusiasts looking for a supportive, relaxed but at the same time, encouraging, running community, can look no further than Run Woodstock in Gregory Michigan. With the option to run a Feelin’ Groovy 5K, a Mellow Marathon, a Hippie Half, or Michigan’s only 100 Mile and Happening 100K, you can go the distance – or you can chill out. Set on 140 acres of forests, fields, and beach, the courses are gorgeous. Head out in the fall for this unique, exciting running festival.
Book your stay at Best Western of Hartland.
If you’re the type of runner who’s motivated by medals at the finish line, the Day of the Dead Running Series medals will be sure to literally, give you a run for your money. The Dia de los Muertos themed medals are colorful and spooky, as is this run, which requires flashlights to navigate the darkness. If you’re ready for a nighttime run, head over to Las Cruces, New Mexico, for a thrilling time.
Book your stay at Best Western Mission Inn.