To be honest, I often think I don’t want the stress of a race while exploring a new area. My usual style of travel typically involves chucking some clothes in a backpack and going…and figuring out the rest once I’m there (which I’m sure would drive this gal nuts!) If I’m running a race, that would take a little bit of the spontaneous spirit away from the trip, wouldn’t it?
Regardless, I started making a list! As of late, I’ve noticed quite a few domestic races popping up on my radar that I must run!
1. Hollywood Half Marathon. I’m harassing Cindy and Angel because I want to run this half in April, 2013! I’m sorry, but have you seen this medal? I’m not typically about the race bling (in fact, I have no idea where 95% of my medals are!), but this particular chunk o’ metal is pretty snazzy:
Also, when else will I ever get to step my bruise-covered legs on a red carpet? Probably never. So instead, I shall run across the darn thing!
2. Bird-in-Hand Half Marathon. I first read about this half mary in Runner’s World last spring. Since then, I have been intrigued by the idea of the race. For some reason, I am fascinated by the Amish culture and have watched (literally) dozens of documentaries about the lifestyle. The BiH half course runs through the “Valley of No Wires”, but even better? THERE ARE PACE BUGGIES INSTEAD OF RUNNERS!
Yes, please.
3. Key West Half Marathon. I’ve only been to Key West once and it was right after finishing my bike trip and immediately prior to departing for South America. We were definitely preoccupied with all of the surrounding plans at the time, so I truly didn’t get to enjoy Key West for what it is: a great place to relax, have some beers, and play on the beach.
Oh yeah, and run a half marathon.
4. Avenue of the Giants Marathon. I love, love LOVE redwood trees. My parents took me to Redwood National Park when I was a child, and I remember being entirely mesmerized by these massive trees. Obviously, I work in the green industry so my love of these unique trees has not gone away. I’m pretty sure I would be enthralled with the view the entire race!
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I am still beyond obsessed with The Big 5 Marathon in South Africa. Who cares about running when there are ELEPHANTS?!
24 Comments
Bird In Hand Half??????????????? Really?????? I don’t think I have ever hear someone that didn’t live here want to run that! If you decide to let me know and I’ll run it with you! (: Its probably one of the closest halfs to me.. other than the Hershey Half {which is awesome you should look into it… nothing like running around a town that smells like chocolate!!!}
Yes ma’am! It may be a possibility for 2013, so I’ll keep you posted!
Good choices! I don’t know what’s on my list anymore. It used to have Disney and NYC marathon, but turns out those are both run by huge jerks. Yours sound pretty good. I do really want to do the Napa marathon someday. Although right now my dream is to come visit Colorado! Why do flights have to be so expensive?
I don’t know but we need to have you win the lottery so this trip can happen!
LOVE this! I’m hoping to do my first half in the Spring and it would be nice if I could afford to make it a destination run!
I’ve lived somewhat close to Amish country most of my life so I didn’t think too much about it when we signed up for Ragnar PA but it was beautiful through the Lancaster area! It is very odd to be running on the road and have a buggy coming towards you on the road, no idea what the etiquette was there!
This is a great idea. May have to do a copy cat blog like this. However, I am currently working on running a half in as many European countries as possible. A true bucket list might be hard to do unless I go with a stateside list.
Again this was a great post.
That sounds like an awesome list…for me I would love to travel to Hawaii for a race…but who wouldn’t right?
Great list of destination races! I’m not sure what’s on my list but I’m sure Spain is on the top of Allan’s since he lived there for two years.
I was considering trying to go to Athens next November but I might be in Africa instead. I want to run all the big ones, London, Paris, NYC, Boston, LA… Already did Chicago. Ave. of the Giants sounds awesome. I visited the redwoods a few years ago, and was just stunned by their beauty. Its a shame they were nearly decimated by loggers.
I’ve made half baked plans to do the Iron Girl triathlon in Boulder, but I’ve never followed through. If I ever ran a half marathon, I would want to run the Big Sur Half Marathon.
Where I live is a great place for destination races. We have the Lake Tahoe Marathon week, a Tough Mudder, the “World’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride” and a bunch of other races.
My number one destination race is the Bear Chase Race in Colorado! I live in England. If I don’t make it out there next year, can you do it for me and get the pictures?!
Ah, yes. Would love to do the Hollywood Half. Had been eyeing it for this upcoming April too as well but you know how it goes with my funds….not to mention, will I even be running at that point….
More races to add to my list!
Avenue of the Giants (and Humboldt Redwoods) Marathons are my local races. Photos never do the course justice. It is incredible. I’m honored to live near such a magnificent product of nature.
I’d like to do the Resurrection Pass 50 miler.
Oh my gosh. Running in the red woods would be absolutely amazing. After living in Hollywood for a while, I can tell you there are lots a great places to run there, none of which are in the city, but if you ever really do decide to go, you better get me to make you a list of must see’s while you’re there!
Ooooh, those are good ones!!
BiH is in beautiful territory!! I am running Hollywood Half this year. My friend did the inaugural last year, loved it! You get a red carpet finish!! Perhaps we will run into each other there!!
i have always wanted to do the las vegas rock n roll half, and i might do a half marathon in tampa FL as a destination run in the new year. I ran a full marathon in rome last year, i love destination races, you have some great choices!
OOOH HOLLYWOOD? Ill be in Ca soon 🙂
fun!!
Wow! Yes, I think running through the redwoods would be amazing!!
Love your post! This also makes me more antsy and jealous and I WANT TO RUN ALL THE RACES. Avenue of the Giants must be incredible. Hershey is on my list, as is Los Angeles, as is San Diego RnR (from So Cal, so going home would be great)!
Wow.. the Redwoods one sounds awesome! I’m going to run my first marathon in Carlsbad, CA in Jan… will be great to get out of CO in January and run by the ocean!
My bucket list race? Pikes Peak Marathon… but that’s not a destination race since it’s just down the hill from me 🙂
If you ever run Avenue of the Giants, you must eat at Los Bagels for recovery fuel! Humboldt native recommendation…