Hotels Are Helping Runners Stay on Track

If the idea of running a marathon sounds intriguing but at odds with your travel schedule, think again. Certified running coach and author Amanda Brooks of the website Run to the Finish says even frequent jetsetters can make their marathon or half-marathon dreams a reality. It’s all about how you approach it. “Runners can make anything work if they are willing to find ways to make the mileage happen,” Brooks says.

How can travelers juggle the two? First, plan your trips around your running schedule, whether it’s heading home for key training weeks or staying long enough in one place to complete and recover from a long run. “One thing that can work well is scheduling your training to make travel part of a cutback week,” Brooks says. “That means you’ll have less mileage planned and your body is ready for a break, so the extra recovery will be a benefit when you return home.”

Even if you’re forced to hit the road during an important run week, all is not lost, says Brooks. “If it’s a big week of training, you might choose the most important workouts and cut them down a bit.” This could mean you “complete a portion of your speed workout or three-quarters of your long run,” she says. “In the end, I don’t worry too much about one week of training being a little off schedule as long as most other weeks are consistent.”

Another way to get in those miles: Use race training to sightsee. “Think of your run as a way to get to know the area better than you would from a car,” Brooks says, noting that the sport can also help you meet like-minded locals. “If you’re more of a social runner, do a quick search for local running stores that can point you to a lot of good group runs and trails.” Through innovative gear-rental programs, private training and group runs, hotels are making it easier than ever to train while traveling.

Take the Westin. In 2023, the brand introduced WestinWORKOUT, a gear-lending initiative that helps fitness-focused travelers stay healthy and active. Rentals, requested via the Marriott Bonvoy app or in person at more than 230 properties, include Hyperice recovery gear like handheld percussion massagers, yoga mats, and bands and blocks from the wellness brand Bala. Westin’s run concierges also have maps featuring scenic local jogging routes from three to five miles long. At properties such as Texas’ The Westin at The Woodlands, 30 miles north of Houston, run concierges also host free guided runs to help guests log miles while getting the inside scoop on the area.

Running at The Westin at The Woodlands, Texas / Photo: Courtesy of Marriott

Fairmont Hotels and Resorts is another brand helping runners prioritize training via Fairmont Fit. This program includes everything from gear rentals and spa experiences to customized coaching. At the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, downloadable audio guides help travelers learn about the destinations and local trails as they run. Meanwhile, personal trainers at the property’s on-site health center can help runners target weak spots or areas for improvement in their race-training regimens.

The Hoxton hosts guided runs in many of its U.S. locations. Instead of coordinating their own private runs for guests, the hotels tap into existing events in the local fitness community—an opportunity that lets travelers explore each destination while meeting new running mates. In Brooklyn, the program includes all-paces-welcome training runs with Adidas Runners on the second Monday of each month—complete with a cooldown and nonalcoholic beverage back at the hotel. In Chicago, the local GumboFit community invites runners, including Hoxton guests, on a circuit around the West Loop.

King room with workout space at Even, Tinley Park, Illinois / Photo: Courtesy of Ken Steele

Another property where runners can log miles is Even, an IHG Hotels brand in destinations such as Austin and Atlanta. It offers a 1,000-square-foot athletic studio for running and training and an in-room fitness zone to work on functional strength and flexibility.

These innovative race-training-meets-travel services take the guesswork out of running, but getting those miles in requires more than gear and great routes. You need to stay healthy and hydrated, especially if you’re traveling before long runs or race weekends. “One of the big things while flying is to drink more water with electrolytes,” suggests Brooks. “Flying can dehydrate us and changing time zones usually makes us feel a little fatigued, so staying on top of hydration can keep our energy levels up and ensure we arrive at the starting line feeling good.”