Destination: Race

Jetting to a far-off place to run is more popular than ever. Thinking of doing it? Here’s how to make it a great experience.

- Rozalynn S. Frazier

MANY SAY that the best way to see a new city is to run through it—I’m a big believer in this concept. From 5Ks on the West Coast to half marathons down South to international marathons (I recently ran 26.2 miles in Tokyo!), traveling for races has given me the opportunity to see the world while staying fit. And I’m not the only one who has fallen in love with this idea. “To combine these two passions is an incredible experience for people of all ages and abilities, and we are fortunate to see an increase in popularity each year,” says Jim Heim, senior vice president, event development and production, and race director of the TCS New York City Marathon, who notes that 40 percent of NYC marathon finishers are from outside the U.S.

While jet-setting for a race is fun, it’s not without challenges. It’s important to “prepare for the worst so the worst doesn’t happen,” advises Jes Woods, a Nike+ running coach. That means taking into account everything from navigating travel delays to figuring out food that won’t upset your tummy when you’re in a new country. To help you focus on the bliss of running in a far-off place, we’ve mapped it out for you.

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