As summer winds down, runners with fall races on the calendar are in full-on training mode. But if you want to work on running technique, increasing mileage without getting injured and taking your running to the next level, you might benefit from attending a fall running camp. With options for those who want to work on technique, love road and trail or are looking for a run-centric get-away, chances are there’s a running retreat experience that speaks to your needs and budget. With options across the country, you can even make a vacation out of it. These days camp isn’t just for kids!
Active at Altitude
Active at Altitude Trail Running Camp
Sept. 7-10, Estes Park, Colorado
$600, including meals and lodging
Hone your trail running skills trails in the Rockies at an ideal training elevation of 7,500 feet at this co-ed camp. With a focus on form, helpful drills, trail etiquette and more, this camp is for trail runners of all abilities, but it is recommended that attendees are able to comfortably run 10K on the road to get the most out of the experience.
Zap Fitness
Zap Fitness Half Marathon and Marathon Weekend
Sept. 7-10, Lenoir, North Carolina
$750, including meals and double occupancy lodging
Whether you’re training for a longer race or considering registering for one, this camp will give you the tools you need to have your best event. The program covers training, nutrition, gear and mental preparation between runs. For a true camp-like experience, there’s even a campfire and an ice cream party on the schedule.
Hut Run Hut
Hut Run Hut
Sept. 18-23, Aspen, Colorado
$2,499, includes meals, lodging and hut-to-hut gear transportation
Spend six days, running 100 miles in the Colorado Rockies from Aspen to Vail, with Aspen-native Rickey Gates who just finished running from coast-to-coast of the U.S. In addition to Gates, the group will be joined by professional mountain guides, enjoy catered meals, and sleep in 10th Mountain Division Huts along the way. Gear is carted between huts for you and everyone gets a Salomon Advanced S-Lab Skin pack. While the idea of running on home trails with a pro may seem intimidating, Gates says fun is the focus of this adventure.
Krissy Moehl Running Camp
Sept. 29-Oct. 1, Richmond, Vermont
$325, does not include lodging
Camp attendees will run the trails at Cochran Ski Area with Moehl and several of her ultrarunning friends. The program also includes yoga and instruction on topics such as foam rolling, running with poles, packing for an ultra and training tips with plenty of time for conversation. All attendees get a free pair of Julbo eyewear.
Craftsbury Outdoor Center Foliage Weekend
Oct.5-8, Craftsbury Common, Vermont
$694, including meals and double-occupancy lodging
Combine a running weekend with fall colors and enough other activities (think hiking, yoga, leaf peeping and delicious food) to keep non-running family and friends entertained. Attendees will experience running clinics, one on one time with coaches, soft dirt roads and, if you time it right, trails exploding with an eye-popping Vermont fall color show.
Rob Krar Trail and Ultra Running Camp Photo: James Q. Martin
Rob Krar Trail and Ultra Running Camp
Oct. 12-16, Flagstaff, Arizona
$1,350, including meals and meals and double-occupancy lodging
Meet mountain, ultra- and trail runner Rob Krar in Flagstaff to improve your running and explore Krar’s favorite trails. The shortest day on the schedule includes 9 miles of running with longer options available. There are enough coaches so that no one will run alone, but it is important to be rested, healthy and ready to run when you get to camp. Campers will enjoy a couple dinners with Rob and his wife, Christina, in their home.
Podium Retreats Photo: Aric Van Halen
Podium Retreats
Oct. 19-22, Boulder, Colo.
$1,000, including meals but not lodging
Running may be the common denominator for this girl power weekend led by world championships silver medalist Kara Goucher, but strength and empowerment are the real messages. Get ready for track workouts and casual runs, inspiring talks about finding your inner strength and workshops on strength training, Pilates and self defense, all fueled by delicious and healthy meals.
Run Wild Retreats
Run Wild Retreats Moab Mindful Running Retreat
Oct. 26-29, Moab, Utah
$1,950, including meals and lodging
Spend time running and finding balance between your fitness and other areas of your life amidst the stunning red rock canyons around Moab. The basic tenets of mindful running are to train smarter not harder, recover better and find more flow in your life. With retreats in beautiful places, with yoga and running form and trail running instruction all included, you’ll leave rejuvenated and ready to run.
Jeff Galloway Training Carmel-by-the-Sea Scenic Fitness & Nutrition Retreat
Nov. 16-19, Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
$579, does not include lodging
Take some time just for you to run, learn and recharge by the Pacific Ocean before the holiday craziness kicks into over drive. Run and hike by the Ocean, have discussion sessions with Jeff Galloway and participate in sessions on topics ranging from nutrition and exercising without pain to proper form and training for a 5K, 10K or a half marathon.
