Vacation Races Global Adventure Review (New Zealand First Hand)
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For those of us who have a deep passion for both running and travel, there’s nothing better than designing a trip that allows you to see new places on foot and through other incredible activities. But the planning…that can make it difficult to go to some unique places. Enter Vacation Races!!!
Being able to run in new places is one of my greatest pleasures. And I’ve made it a personal goal to start doing even more of that now, while my body feels strong and my bank account can handle it, ha! None of this “waiting til I retire” to go after these bucket list goal trips.
If you’ve been pondering one of thee Vacation Races Global Adventures, but have some questions, I get it. It’s a lot of money and we want to make sure it’s worth it. So let me take you through some of the key points and once we finish our trip in March I’ll give you even more updates!
Running while traveling isn’t just about maintaining your fitness routine; it’s about unlocking the world through a unique, unfiltered lens. From the rugged trails of national parks to bustling city streets and tranquil coastal paths, each run in a new destination is a thrilling adventure waiting to be experienced.
Let’s talk more about what to expect and what the experience will be like. (or you can skip right down to hear more about our personal experience in New Zealand!)
Vacation Races: Where Running Meets Adventure
Vacation Races is a company that has carved a unique niche in the world of running events by combining the thrill of long-distance running with the wonder of travel and exploration.
Founded on the idea that running should be an adventure, not just a race, Vacation Races has redefined the running experience for thousands of participants. Here’s a closer look at who they are and what they do:
1. The Concept
Vacation Races understands that runners are not just athletes; they’re also adventurers, nature enthusiasts, and travelers. This understanding is at the heart of their approach.
The company is dedicated to creating race events in some of the most breathtaking and iconic locations across the United States and globally. Rather than truly racing through these stunning destinations, participants are encouraged to soak in the natural beauty and cultural richness of each place.
2. Race Locations
Vacation Races organizes events in a diverse array of locations, from national parks to scenic destinations. Each race offers runners the chance to experience unique landscapes and immerse themselves in the local culture. Notable race locations may include Zion National Park, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Glacier National Park, and many more.
ANDDDD of course the thing I am most excited about are their Global Adventures which include places like Patagonia, New Zealand and Japan.
3. Race Distances
Vacation Races caters to runners of all levels and offers a variety of race distances. Whether you’re an experienced marathoner or a novice runner, you’ll find something suited to your abilities. Races range from 5Ks to half marathons and even ultra marathons, ensuring there’s an option for everyone.
For the Global Adventures, there are daily distances and options for length based upon pace. This ensures you get to explore each new location at your pace.
4. The Experience
What sets Vacation Races apart is the experience they provide. Participants receive not only the satisfaction of completing a challenging race but also access to a range of amenities, including quality race shirts, medals, post-race celebrations, and the opportunity to connect with like-minded runners.
The emphasis is on the journey, camaraderie, and the shared love of running.
AND for the global adventures it goes well beyond the run! You’ll be rafting or ice climbing or taking a plane over the area. It’s all designed based upon the specific location to enhance your experience and truly connect you to the location.
5. Environmental Stewardship
Vacation Races is committed to minimizing its environmental impact. They work to ensure their events are sustainable and eco-friendly. This includes minimizing waste, supporting local conservation efforts, and encouraging runners to respect the natural beauty of the locations they visit.
6. Community Building
Beyond the race experience, Vacation Races fosters a sense of community. Runners who participate in multiple races can become “Legend Runners,” earning special recognition and perks. This community of passionate runners often returns year after year to experience new adventures and forge lasting friendships.
Vacation Races offers a fresh perspective on running, framing it as a gateway to adventure and exploration.
Their events are more than races; they are immersive experiences that inspire participants to appreciate the stunning landscapes and unique cultures of the destinations they visit. If you’re a runner who craves both physical challenges and wanderlust, Vacation Races provides an ideal opportunity to combine your passions in a way that’s both memorable and rewarding.
Vacation Races Discount Code:
After registering for our trip, I got some codes to share with you! So if you’re looking for either a global adventure or trail race, here ya go:
- Use code runtothefinish200 for $200 off any Global Adventures trip that is not currently sold out
- Use code runtothefinish15 for 15% off any half marathon or ultra marathon that is not currently sold out (this code excludes Trailfest events and Global Adventures)
Vacation Races Global Adventures
Above I noted a few of the differences, but let’s talk a bit more about what is a global adventure!
As the name implies, these are much more than a weekend trip to run in a cool place. These are 7-9 day trips that involve seeing incredible locations around the world from Japan to New Zealand to Patagonia and more.
As someone who travels a lot, I was drawn to the idea because it took so much planning off my plate!!
- Daily runs planned
- Additional daily excursions to explore the area are planned
- Nightly hotels already booked
- Most meals already handled
- Transportation between each place all set
That means all I need to really think about is getting packed, booking a plane ticket and then enjoying myself!! And it made it easy for us to tack on a few days where we would plan some things, but with so much less stress.
They’re a running travel company unlike any other because they aren’t just taking you to a big race like the London marathon. Instead, they’ve created these entirely unique experiences to get you in to nature and really immersed in these other countries.
We’ll be doing the New Zealand trip in March 2024, so I can’t wait to update this article with WAY more details about our experience and exactly how it all shakes out.
Packing Essentials for Running Travelers
When you’re a running enthusiast with an itch to explore new horizons, packing efficiently is crucial to ensure you have everything you need for your running adventures while keeping your luggage manageable.
Here are some packing essentials to consider when preparing for your running-infused travel adventure:
1. Running Shoes
Your choice of running shoes is paramount. Select a pair that’s comfortable and well-suited for the type of terrain you’ll be running on during your trip. It’s advisable to break in a new pair well before your travels to avoid discomfort.
Personally, I will take 2 pairs. One trail shoe and one road shoe and rotate through those daily.
2. Appropriate Apparel
Depending on the destination’s climate and weather, pack running clothes suitable for the conditions. Moisture-wicking materials are essential to keep you comfortable during your runs and usually roll up nice and tight, compared to big bulky sweatshirts.
I find it easiest to bring a jacket that can allow me to layer things instead of needing lots of extra long sleeve shirts. And if the trip is going to be over a week, I plan ahead for doing laundry to keep the total gear needed down.
3. Hydration Gear
Staying hydrated is vital, especially in new environments. Consider a hydration belt, handheld water bottle, or a hydration pack, depending on your preferences and the length of your runs.
AND since you may not easily have access to your standard drinks, don’t be afraid to pack your own electrolytes and/or protein powders.
4. Accessories
Don’t forget accessories like a hat, sunglasses, wireless headphones, and sunscreen. I’ll also be throwing some KT Tape in my bag in case something hurts, a plastic bag in case things get wet and still need to be packed and compression tights for recovery.
5. Energy Snacks
Pack some energy gels, chews, or your preferred running fuel to keep your energy levels up during long runs, especially if you’re running in remote areas. Honestly even in main areas, in a new country you’re unlikely to find the things your gut is used to so it’s best to bring what you can with you.
Remember that the specific items you pack will depend on the duration and nature of your running travels, as well as the destination’s unique challenges and climate. Efficient packing ensures you’re well-prepared for your runs without being weighed down by unnecessary items, allowing you to fully enjoy your running-infused travel adventure.
New Zealand Global Adventure
All right, now let’s talk about our experience on the New Zealand trip in March 2024! I have so much to say this could be like a 10 part article, but I want to give you the highlights to understand if this is the style of travel you might enjoy.
You get SO MUCH information before traveling, that if you have any nerves about the process, trust me they really are helping you with every step. What you need to know at airports, exact details to get to the first hotel and from there they pretty much have you covered in person.
The Runs
Each day begins with a run in a new location. These runs are all on trails and vary in difficulty. The early trails we did had some STEEP inclines and often some really technical rocky spots.
The good news about this is you aren’t truly racing each other, so you can take your time if something feels tough and well…you HAVE TO STOP FOR PHOTOS. (technically a few folks were in it to run as fast as possible and kudos to them, but I think they missed out)
The locations for the runs were stunning and I guarantee many are places you wouldn’t seek out on your own. But once you’re there, it’s like I can’t believe I might have missed this.
Here’s an example of the start line from our final run on day 7 of the trip. And you end up getting the views throughout the run, which is just…sigh…joy.
The Activities
Pretty much every day, Vacation Races has also found some unique adventure for you to do that afternoon. In some countries this might be a more cultural option, but the New Zealand trip was built around adventure and we loved it.
I absolutely would NEVER have done some of these things on my own and that’s the whole point.
One night we sat in hot tubs while an expert gave us a less on star gazing. In Tekapo, it’s a dark sky city, so the views were simply stunning. Meanwhile another afternoon, we climbed aboard a teeny tiny plane to do a fly over of Mount Cook (covered in snow) and the surrounding lakes that are turquoise from the glacial waters.
It’s so clear they put a lot of effort in to working with local event planners and guides to create a really unique experience. This doesn’t feel like some cookie cutter trip.
The Schedule
Be prepared to go, go, and go. You only have 7ish days in this new country and the goal is to run as many cool places and do as many cool things as you can.
That means you’ll be on a bus for a portion of every single day moving from location to location. I have to say this sounds like BLEH, but really was pretty interesting. The countryside was beautiful and you had to think about absolutely nothing! No planning needed, just get on your bus and then chat, sleep, read a book, sing karaoke, there were a lot of options that made the rides go pretty fast.
Basic Schedule:
6:30 wake up – go get breakfast at hotel buffet
7:30 load all your luggage on to the buses and drive to your run
9 start running or walking or yogging, no cares
10ish group finish, with snacks, clean up at nearby restrooms or on the bus
11 start driving to the adventure for the day
— sack lunch
–afternoon activity as mentioned above
— keep driving to hotel for the night
— group dinner
— get your gear ready for the next day and pass out 🙂
The People
Of the 42 in our group, 17 were people who had done a previous Global Adventures trip and often multiple. What does this tell you?
1. The guides are really friendly, super knowledgable and keep these trips running smoothly.
2. It’s fun to travel with other runners! We have an immediate bond.
3. Folks who thrive in groups, just said this made seeing places so much more fun and created so many more memories.
I can’t say enough about the staff and have heard from all the other trips that people love them as well.
Our group ranged in age from 30’s to 60’s and everyone jelled really well. Some folks are super outgoing and ready to crack a beer to celebrate each finish line and some of us were happy to just watch it unfold. You can truly just be you and have a great time.
They also have a medical person on staff the entire trip. So if you take a little dip like I did, he or she will be there to clean you off and bandage you up as need.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely.
Listen we lost our 21 year old cat like 2 days before the trip, so admittedly I was in kind of a weird headspace. BUT that just meant it was even nicer not to need to make any decisions. To know I had a nice hotel room and good meals ready all along the way, plus really interesting people to distract.
I was also really impressed with how they handled food allergies or sensitivities. They go above and beyond to make sure you have what you need.
It just feels like the guides truly care about your and your experience, which is a really nice feeling!
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