2017 Running Camps You Should Check Out

Yes, you can (and should) go to a running camp this year.

Training camps are the norm for professional athletes. The singular focus on the sport, attention to nutrition and camaraderie formed at the running camps contribute not only to the athlete’s training, but also to shaping a more positive outlook and experience. Sounds amazing, right? Now, you can go to camp too. Adult running camps exist for runners of all interests and abilities—from lifelong runners zeroing in on a PR to relative newbies who want to hang out with like-minded people in a beautiful place.

Kara Goucher created her running and wellness-focused Podium Retreat for that very reason. “It’s a chance to bond with other women over your love for running,” says the two-time U.S. Olympian. “You learn so much that can help you in running and beyond.”

We’ve pulled together some of the best running camps across the U.S. Some camps focus on performance-oriented training; others focus on holistic wellness. And often, nutritious meal-sharing, stretching, yoga and other activities are often built into camp programs.

2017 Running Camps

*Check camp websites for specific 2017 program dates.

Eleven Salomon Running Experience

Crested Butte, Colo.

This trail running camp includes accommodations at a luxurious lodge, delicious meals, amazing trails, gait analysis and a variety of other activities, including stand-up paddling and mountain biking.

Info: elevensalomonrunningexperience.com

 

AREEP’s Trail Running Camp

Warrensburg, N.Y.

This summer camp for adults includes group runs, yoga and educational sessions for a weekend of fun and learning set at the Dippikill Wilderness Retreat.

Info: Areeptrailrunningcamp.com

 

Cool impossible Run Camps

Jackson Hole, Wyo.

Good form and balanced strength are essential to all types of running, but especially to mountain running. Eric Orton uses gorgeous trails as his classroom for teaching skills and an appreciation for moving in nature.

Info: Runningwitheric.com/page/eo-run-academy

 

Craftsbury Outdoor Center Running Camps

Crafstbury Common, Vt.

Get away for a weekend or a week of old-school New England summer camp, complete with running, yoga, hiking, biking and even eating in a dining hall. Meals are made with fresh, local produce!

Info: Craftsbury.com

 

CTS High-Altitude Ultrarunning Camp

Colorado Springs, Colo.

Coach and ultrarunner Jason Koop shares the same training, pacing and mountain running tips he teaches the pros (Dakota Jones, Tim Olson and Dylan Bowman), with a 50K run on the final day.

Info: Trainright.com

 

FIRST Adult Running and Learning Retreat

Greenville, S.C.

Data hounds, this camp is for you. It includes in-depth testing (like VO2 Max, gait analysis, body composition) and FIRST’s training plan to help make you a more efficient runner.

Info: Furman.edu/sites/first/Pages/RunningRetreat(Adult).aspx

 

McMillan Running

Flagstaff, Ariz.

Coach, author and runner Greg McMillan’s camps are geared toward runners of every level, and also include trail and ultra options.

Info: Mcmillanrunning.com

 

Jeff Galloway Retreats

Blue Mountain, Fla., and Lake Tahoe and Carmel, Calif.

Learn Galloway’s walk, run, walk method of running, with personalized evaluations and instruction in injury prevention, nutrition and training.

Info: Jeffgalloway.com

 

Kara Goucher Podium Retreat

Breckenridge, Colo.

Now in its fourth year, this women’s-only retreat includes informative talks and Q&As, delicious food, product demo opportunities and plenty of run time with Kara Goucher.

Info: Karagoucher.com

 

Mindful Running Retreats

Costa Brava, Spain, Reykjavik, Iceland and Moab, Utah

Elinor Fish creates a camp experience that leaves runners of all abilities energized and the tools needed to continue fine-tuning a healthy relationship with the lifestyle of running.

Info: Elinorfish.com/events

 

Rob Krar Ultra Camp

Flagstaff, Ariz.

Experienced runners get to hone trail skills while running side by side with one of the top ultrarunners (and some of his friends) in the world.

Info: Robkrarultracamp.com

 

Run Mindful Retreats

Boulder, Colo., and Malibu, Calif.

Tim Olson shares the kind of good food, meditation and yoga that has upped his running game with runners of all abilities through group runs, informational sessions and evenings by the campfire.

Info: Timothyallenolson.com

 

Run Your Way to Optimal Health Retreat

Multiple locations

Learn to improve your form and use running to establish a healthier and less stressful lifestyle. Incorporate mindfulness, yoga and eating wholesome foods at this running retreat spread across stunning locations from Colorado to Moab, Utah, Iceland and Spain.

Info: Runwildretreats.com

 

Zap Fitness

Lenoir, N.C.

Whether you’re looking for a weekend tune-up or an intensive week to reinvigorate your running program, the relaxed vibe and balance of running, seminars and free time make for the quintessential “runcation.”

Info: Zapfitness.com

 

Active at Altitude

Estes Park, Colo.

Focus options include trail, women’s only, wellness, and more, all with the added kick of taking place at a base elevation of 7,500 feet.

Info: Activeataltitude.com

 

Alaska Mountain Ultrarunning Camp

Juneau, Ala.

Whether you’re training for an ultra or like to log long miles, running wild Alaskan trails with ultrarunner Geoff Roes will boost your skills and your confidence.

Info: Akultracamp.blogspot.com