The #1 thing that has strengthened my relationship with my long-distance bestie? Runcations. Every year, we select another city to explore on foot and get together for a race. Over time, we have gotten race travel down to a science, discovering best practices through trial and error. In this story, you’ll learn how to train, plan, book and execute the perfect runcation.
What You’ll Learn in This Post:
- Tips for staying connected during training
- How to shape an itinerary around a race
- What to pack for race day
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Tips for Staying Connected During Training
Track Progress Together
Fitness apps like Strava make it effortless to celebrate training wins. Seeing my friends log their miles pushes me to stay consistent—if they’re putting in the work, I want to show up, too!
Schedule Virtual Runs
Training for a big race gets lonely. Sync your calendar with a friend for weekly long runs so you can keep motivation high and turn solo miles into a shared effort.
Set Race Day Expectations
Are you running together, or is everyone going after a personal record? Talk through your strategy ahead of time so everyone enters race day with the same expectations.
How to Shape an Itinerary Around a Race
Book Close to the Start Line
On race day, you’ll be hauling out in the wee hours of the morning. Do your future self a favor and book accommodations as close to the start line as possible to make your morning seamless.
Prioritize Your Peace
A good night’s sleep before a race is everything. Pick a neighborhood away from nightlife, check reviews for noise warnings, and ask for a hotel room away from the elevators.
Plan for Bib Pick-Up
Don’t get caught off guard by race logistics! Some races ship your gear, but others require in-person EXPO pickup during a strict window. Check the race policy early so you can arrive a day ahead if needed.
Arrive And Depart After No Less Than 24 Hours On Either Side Of Your Race
Bake in time to settle into routines before and to sightsee and recover post-race. Traveling within a day of a race is a recipe for burnout. Bookend your stay with at least a day on each side of your race so you have time to bask in the accomplishment together.
Lock in Your Night-Before Pasta
Carbo-loading is essential, but don’t leave dinner to chance. Make reservations for an early, carb-heavy meal well in advance so you’re not scrambling for food at 8:00 p.m. the night before.
Pick a “Chill” Distance
Choose a distance that leaves you energized, not broken. If you’re used to Ironmans, a marathon might be a breeze; if you’re newer, a 5K is a huge win. If there’s a fitness gap between you and your friend, defer to the less experienced runner—nobody wants to be peer-pressured into extra miles!
Buffer Your Trip with Extra Days
Traveling right before or after a race is a fast track to burnout. Give yourself at least 24 hours on either side of the race to settle in, explore the area and celebrate your finish line victory together.
SheBuysTravel Tip: To treat yourself and help speed up recovery, book ahead spa treatments like an athletic massage as a post-trip reward.
How to Pack for Race Day
Stick to Tested Race Day Gear
Race day is not the time to pop tags on new gear. Train in your chosen outfits and shoes beforehand—even if you’re coordinating matching costumes with friends (like for a pig-themed relay!). Make sure everything is broken in to avoid unwanted chafing or blisters.
Pack Your Race Essentials
Double-check your bag for the non-negotiables: your bib, fuel, hydration, sunscreen, and weather-appropriate gear. Don’t forget the small details like headphones, extra hair ties, and headbands to keep you focused on the course.
Stick to Road-Tested Snacks
Never experiment with new foods on race morning. Test your fueling options on training runs to see what your stomach tolerates best—whether that’s Haribo gummies, a Smucker’s Uncrustable, or sports gels. Find what works, compare notes with your running buddy, and pack extra.
Bring Your Entire Sleep Routine
A good night’s rest can make or break your performance, so recreate your home setup. Pack your must-haves—whether that’s an eye mask, earplugs, melatonin, or a portable sound machine. Don’t leave your wind-down routine to chance!
Race Day Checklist
Remember to road test everything before race day!
- Running Shoes
- Bibs & Safety Pins (If Not Picking Up at Expo)
- Water Bottle
- Hydration Packs
- Hair Ties & Headbands
- Weather-Appropriate Race Outfit
- Sunglasses
- Face Paint/Face Glitter
- SPF
- Ear Plugs
- Eye Mask
- Headphones
- Sleep Aids: Melatonin, Sound Machine, etc.
- Extra Socks
- Band Aids
- Pre-Workout
- Race Day Fuel
- Theragun or Foam Roller
- Fanny Pack/Running Belt
SheBuysTravel Tip: Save space by syncing up with your friend on packing; chances are you don’t both need to bring a foam roller or massage gun.
Frequently Asked Questions
As far in advance as possible. Not only does this foresight give ample time for training, but many races are considered a “citywide” event that can make accommodations and reservations scarce. Once the race info is released, it’s not too early to think about locking in travel plans.
Unlike a visit, a girls’ getaway is away which means nobody is playing host. The best destination for a runcation is a new city you and your friend can explore. When it comes to races, make sure to look up details like the city and course elevation and train accordingly.
I recommend prioritizing a carb-heavy meal early before the race. Block out recovery time in your hotel or accommodations post-run, don’t overextend plans after the race. Once finished, bask in the post-race high and treat yourself – whether shopping for new running outfits or unwinding with a cocktail, you and your friend will have earned a treat! Planning how you want to commemorate your accomplishment together can be fun – matching tattoos? A tasting menu? You earned it.
Race vacays can be planned for any price point, from low-key to over-the-top. Sharing a hotel room or Airbnb with a friend lowers the costs and you can register early to save on race fees. If you have extra to spend, consider booking some indulgent wellness treatments after races or springing for a hotel with extra amenities.
From two to twenty, racecations can be planned at every scale. That being said, the smaller the group, the easier the coordination and the more quality time spent together. I love taking these trips as a duo with my bestie, but have also seen success with bachelorettes including a 5K in their itinerary.
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