I’ve run everywhere from Las Vegas to NYC to Disneyworld to Israel. I love running and I love traveling. Here are some of my best tips when you are traveling to an international marathon or half marathon. Happy running and safe travels!
My favorite thing in the world is traveling to a new place to run a marathon. My second favorite thing is traveling just to run and eat (without a race). I was invited to run the Nevis Marathon this weekend but had to cancel due to a personal health issue. I’m super disappointed. Ugh. I was really excited to run on a Caribbean Island!! I want to go somewhere tropical and gorgeous!
As I was preparing to make the trip I put together this list of travel tips for running an international marathon. Hopefully, you can use it to travel and run somewhere awesome. And hopefully I can use it for another race soon! If you run the Nevis Marathon or another tropical race tell me all about it so I can go next year!!
Travel Tips for Running an International Marathon
1. Make a packing list.
In addition to the usual clothes, toiletries and electronics – when you are traveling for a race you need all your running gear.
Make a list specifically for your running needs. Go from top to bottom (hat/visor down to shoes) and list everything you put on your body for a race.
Tip: Don’t forget sunblock, running fuel and your running watch!
I write my list right on the gallon sized ziplock for all my non-clothing running needs:
2. Pack two days before you leave.
So if you realize you forgot anything you have time to get it. This is better than running around like a crazy person the day before you leave.
This also leaves time in case something you want to bring (but didn’t make the list) just suddenly pops in your head in the shower/middle of the night/whenever stuff pops in your brain.
3. Check the weather report.
Check what the weather will be on race day – specifically during the race. If you’re living somewhere cold and traveling to a tropical climate you might have to dig out your summer running gear (or vice versa). Pack for the weather, but bring a few warmer or cooler options in case it changes or your body responds differently to the weather.
4. Passport, immunizations, doctor’s notes…
Make sure your passport is valid and the expiration date is not coming soon. Some countries require a ‘cushion’ of time from where you’re traveling to when it will expire. Astons immigration advisers can guide you through the usa investor visa process with due diligence and care and ensure that your application is submitted correctly and followed through to application approval.
Check the CDC website to see if travel to that country requires any immunizations or special health advisories.
Make sure you can drink the water. If you can’t drink tap water there hit up a store and stock up on bottled water right away so you are hydrated for the race.
Check the race website for any other requirements. I was going to run a race in France two years ago and needed a health record when registering.
5. Running food – Pack some snacks you can eat before the race. Pack the fuel you’ll want to eat during the race.
Depending on where you are going you might not have access to your usual pre-race bagel and PB. If you have a sensitive stomach and can’t just switch out the usual food for something else you have to bring fuel with you.
6. Travel in comfortable clothes.
Consider wearing compression socks or sleeves on your flight. Wear something you can move around and sleep in. Sitting in a small plane seat for hours at a time can cause you to tighten up – get up to stretch if needed. Walk around the airport in between flights and stretch.
I have full-on traveled with and used my foam roller in an airport! No one cares. Yes, they looked at me like I was weird but um… I am.
7. Get some sleep.
Look up the time difference from home to where you’re traveling. What time will the race begin? This might throw off your usual schedule so be prepared for it.
Consider bringing a sleeping aid to help you wind down. Bring or request chamomile tea from the hotel. Melatonin is a more natural option if you don’t want to take a sleeping pill.
Bonus tip: In addition to sleep make sure you’re getting rest before the race. Try to schedule major sightseeing and time on your feet for after the race.
8. Carry on.
Keep calm and carry on – your running gear. Put the clothes you want to wear for the race in your carry on. Hopefully the airline won’t ever lose your checked bag, but just in case at least you have your running essentials.
9.Research the race.
Check the race course elevation profile (and try to train for that).
Is the race measured in miles or kilometers? <- When I ran the Jerusalem Marathon the race was in km and it was a little confusing at times.
When is the expo and what documents do you need to bring to it? Print out race confirmation forms at home before you go.
Where is the start and finish line of the marathon? Can you get a hotel nearby to make it easier?
10. HAVE FUN!!
This is (probably) the only time you are going to run this race in this country. It’s a once in a life time experience. You are running in a new place! Soak it in. Take pictures. Enjoy every single minute!
Question: What is your dream travel destination or race?
Me: ALL of them. All all all of them 
I would love to run a race in the Caribbean or somewhere island-y . And I’d love to do the Great Wall of China. And Comrades. And Berlin. Is there a race on the moon yet?
Your tips are really helpful! Great post! 🙂
My first marathon is going to be an international one in New Zealand. So this was really helpful before packing. Although I have made training and relaxing in advance a bit difficult by not actually being able to do any… https://runningtomtravels.wordpress.com/2016/09/15/how-not-to-train-for-a-marathon/
It is definitely on my bucket list to run an international marathon. I would love to do Greece or New Zealand, more realistically – Canada would do in a pinch. I think I’d want to get there at least a couple of days early to acclimate to temperature and elevation. Perhaps I should start with getting my passport.
In the US, I want to do a Disney marathon and the Goofy challenge. So many marathons, so little time…
I can highly recommend the Queenstown Marathon (New Zealand). Beautiful location and perfect place to holiday too!
Noted! I think that’s where my friend’s running group is going this year! I should have went.
I would love to run big sur. So just opposite coast. But travel non running related is Australia and Greece.
Such a great post! i really enjoy how personable your blog is! Like you, I am a foodie, travel obsessed and running lover! i have wanted to always start a blog and write about my experiences, but im scared sometimes to do so. You are definitively an inspiration!
You can start a blog! It’s easy and a great way to document your running and life and whatever else you want to talk about.
Is it zika-related? If so I feel ya girl. I’m changing travel plans because it’s just not worth the risk.
I ran Berlin with a company called Marathon Tours & Travel- It was amazing! They don’t go to the moon yet, but they do offer trips and guaranteed race entry to races ALL around the world (including Antarctica, which is kind of like the moon). That was my only international race (so far) but I also ran New York & Big Sur with them. Definitely check them out! http://www.marathontours.com
I listened to a podcast with someone who ran in Antarctica – it sounded amazing and so scary at the same time Well, scary because it was so COLD! I am a wimp in the cold.
I traveled to Reykjavik, Iceland with Marathon Tours and Travel in 2014. Excellent tour group. Great marathon race location. Late August.
Thanks for the recommendation! Always good to hear when someone else has a great travel/race experience!
You SO must do Comrades Monica – it is an Epic race and you will love every second of it as everyone is as friendly/chatty as you are! Loved these tips – soooo true. Why do I always leave it till the day of the flight and then almost faint with panic? Also remember that for races in France you need a medical certificate from your doctor saying you’re fit to run!
If I do Comrades you have to do it again too – I’m going to be so scared!!
This is super helpful. I’m running a half in DC next weekend. While it’s not international, it’s in a different state, which will be the first time I’ve done that. The packing tips are helpful! My dream race is a half in the Bahamas or anywhere in Europe. 😉
Good luck!! Yeah, these tips work for any out of town race really. It’s extra stress to travel for a race! Hope you have a blast 🙂
I’m dreaming about running a race in Disney, which is not really difficult because Orlando is only 4 hours away from home.
I would love to run the Chicago Marathon as well. That’s one of my father’s favorites (he has done it twice)
Disney races are awesome and fun! I’d love to do Chicago too!
Have you had any issues carrying on race fuel?? I worry about gels and such going through security…
For the most part I travel with shot blocks and 1 gel. I’ve never had an issue. But I’m going to ask on FB and see if anyone else has.
I travelled to run Boston this year all the way from Australia – 30+ hrs of travel to get there. I luckily packed my gear in my carry on as they lost my checked luggage for a couple of days – it didn’t show up until after the race. This saved heaps of stress!!
You need to add the Great Ocean Road to your overseas marathon list, it’s amazing!
That is a long haul!! So glad you had your running gear – that would have been so stressful. I’ll definitely look into that marathon. I would love to visit Australia!
Dang it, it’s too bad you couldn’t make it to the race, looks beautiful! Thanks for the tips!
http://www.castawaycouple.com
You’re welcome! Sounds like you travel a lot from that blog title 🙂
One more tip – go online to search out local running groups and connect with them.
Good tip Sue! Thanks 🙂