There can be no other way to enjoy exercise and vacation at the same time than joining a destination race. For most people, this is the perfect time to relax and at the same time to accomplish something big. It entails a lot of effort and practice to join a big race somewhere but you will soon realize that it is worth everything. When you train for a race especially a marathon it can be stressful but if it comes with a promise that you will be spending it in a place you have been looking forward to visit, it can make training a bit easier and more exciting. You don’t have to go somewhere costly and exotic especially if it is beyond your budget. If you’re in the US, you can find several cities that have epic races you can’t forget.
You can go to San Francisco and join the North Face Endurance Challenge.
This particular race is great for a large group of people. There are many options for the distance that you can run such as 5K, 10K, 50K, 50-mile, half marathon, and a full marathon. When you run the half marathon or much longer, you will have the chance to run across the Golden Gate Bridge.
The Bermuda Half Marathon is another option.
One thing that makes it special is that the run is in Bermuda. The terrain is a rolling loop. You get to run the coastlines on the two sides of the Bermuda Island. Runners who join are expected to finish next to pastel-colored buildings along downtown Hamilton. Those who don’t want to spend a lot of time at the beach may pursue the Bermuda Triangle Half Challenge, 10K run, and also the half marathon in three consecutive days. You will have an extra medal, a shirt, and also a great tan for the effort.
Another race to go is the Kauai Half Marathon.
Kauai is Hawaii’s fourth largest island. Running the Kauai Half Marathon means running on a looped course that comes with great view of Hawaii’s wilderness. Runners will pass by undeveloped lands with paved roads. You will be surrounded by extinct volcanoes, a scenic ocean view, and a half mile final leg of 50 feet high from the Pacific waters. Because the race starts at 6AM, runners will be able to witness the Hawaiian sunrise. You have to brace yourself for the heat since it can become sizzling 80 during September. The race will start and finish at the resort town called Poipu where you can find condos and hotels in just a short distance.
Star Wars Half Marathon at the Disneyland Resort is another race to try.
This race is held at Anaheim, California. You’ll be able to line up to many Stormtroopers, Wookies, Darth Vaders, everyone out to defeat the Galactic Empire in one hell of a run. The flat course of the race would pass by the Disney California Adventure Park during the first few miles, past the Disneyland Park off to the streets of Anaheim. You may need to compete for the bib since it runs out easily.
The Steamboat Half Marathon is one race to look forward to.
Steamboat Springs, Colorado is a great place to go on vacation, but it is also an excellent place to run. It’s a small skiing town found in the Rocky Mountains that has more to give than simply the slopes. The Steamboat Half Marathon is mostly made up of a downhill terrain from an altitude of 6,695 feet. The race route runs along the Elk River which is popular for whitewater rafting. After running the race, you can soak all your tired and sore muscles at the Old Town Hot Springs. You can find pools of naturally warm water to help soothe your muscles a short distance away from the finish line.
Joining the Sedona Half Marathon is also something exciting.
At Sedona, Arizona, you will be able to enjoy the beautiful scenery and at the same time the high altitude which can truly take your breath away. This half marathon race can be truly challenging due to the hilly terrain but it also gives you a unique one due to the gravel, trails, and paved road combined. It is one of the most beautiful courses you can run. This is a must do for people who love the outdoors. Mild Arizona temperatures all year long makes it the perfect time to tune-up.
Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon is not to miss.
You can only witness the Las Vegas strip being shut down every year. Once during the New Year’s Eve and another time during Rock ‘n’ Roll race weekend. This half marathon is held at night. The Las Vegas experience is compressed into a 13.1 mile of great run. More than half of it is on the iconic road which everyone wants to set foot on. You might find a lot of Elvis impersonators spectating and cheering for you. There is also a mass wedding ceremony at midrace down in mile three. Usually the race is pre-started with a concert featuring a famous band or performer.
One other race is Gasparilla Half Marathon.
This is in Tampa Bay, Florida. It is known as the Gasparilla Distance Classic. It’s a two-day event that features 15K and 5K on Saturday and 8K plus a half marathon on a Sunday. It’s possible for you to run all of these distances and rack up more than 30 miles. You can get an extra-large medal, a jacket, and some bling for the four races. The course is flat and it starts from Davis Islands to the Bayshore Boulevard and then to the open waters of Tampa Bay.
Queenstown Half Marathon is also one race to go.
A trip to Queenstown, New Zealand for a race is worth all of it. The race course is a combination of gravel, trail, and paved road. It weaves around Queenstown and all the other surrounding places. You can run in November when all the flowers are in bloom, and witness the beauty of mountains and the surrounding waters.
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