Cost-Efficient Tips For Destination Race Lodging
You're already spending on your race and travel. Check out these cost-efficient lodging tips to see how you can save money during your stay.
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.
How Can I Cut Costs For Destination Race Travel?
If you’ve ever tried to coordinate a trip for a destination race, you know that one of the most daunting parts of the entire experience can be securing lodging for the race. While many races have a recommended host hotel, it often sells out quickly. If the race is in a secluded area, there may be few other choices available, requiring you to stay far away from the race. In an extremely expensive area, like New York City, staying in a hotel may be cost prohibitive. What’s a runner to do?
Related: 5 Destination Races For The Wanderlust Runner
The answer, of course, is to grab a group of your best running buddies and sign up for that coveted destination race you’ve been dying to run. Then, search the area for vacation rental homes nearby. Vacation rentals are a great option for traveling runners for a variety of reasons. In addition to accommodating more people than a standard hotel room, vacation rental homes are often less expensive when compared to hotel rooms on a cost per person, per night basis. Furthermore, we as runners know how important that pre-race fuel can be. Having access to a kitchen in your “home away from home” means each runner can ensure that they have exactly the pre-race dinner and breakfast they need to feel their best on race day. Plus, think of the bathrooms! There’s certainly something to be said for having more than one bathroom available on race morning (if you know what I mean).
Now that you know how to take all the stress out of your next runcation, check out these amazing destination races that are just waiting for you and your running group to arrive!
Mount Desert Island Marathon, Half Marathon And Relay
October 15, 2017 in Bar Harbor, Maine
Stunning fall foliage, crisp temps and one of the most scenic races in the United States? Sign us up for the Mount Desert Island Marathon, Half Marathon and Relay, held in mid-October in Bar Harbor, Maine. You and your pals can stay in a quaint lakeside cabin and load up on all the post-race lobster you can possibly eat!
Kiawah Island Marathon and Half Marathon
December 9, 2017 on Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Looking for a pancake-flat PR course with great scenery and ocean views? Look no further than the Kiawah Island Marathon and Half Marathon, located about half an hour outside of Charleston, South Carolina. Stay on the island and you’ll be within walking distance of the race, can experience the beauty of the beaches and enjoy everything downtown Charleston has to offer.
Napa To Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon And 5K
July 2018 in Sonoma, California
If you love running and you love wine, this is the perfect race for you! Set in the most famous wine country in America, you’ll have the opportunity to explore along this beautiful point-to-point course that leads runners from Napa into downtown Sonoma. Finish at the Sonoma Plaza and dive right in to the post-race wine festival! Stay at a vacation rental close to the finish line and you’ll have quick and easy transport to the start via shuttle bus and an easy walk home from the finish.
Sedona Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K And 5K
February 3, 2018 in Sedona, Arizona
If Arizona in the middle of winter sounds like just the break you need from the snow, head to Sedona for one of the most scenic races you’ll ever run. This race is not without its challenges (it’s hilly!), but the beautiful red rock formations surrounding you in all directions make it worth the effort. Stay near quaint downtown Sedona and enjoy the views and all that the town has to offer after the race!
Related:
12 Races Around The Country That Are Cheap Destination Options