Am I Fast Enough to Go on a Running Holiday?
- Laura Whyms
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
One of the most common questions people ask before booking a running holiday is a simple one:
“Am I fast enough?”
If you’ve ever looked at a running retreat or active holiday and thought “That looks amazing, but it’s probably not for someone like me”, you’re not alone. Many runners, from beginners to experienced marathon runners, worry they won’t be fast enough, fit enough, or experienced enough to join a group running holiday.
The short answer is this:
Yes — if you enjoy running, you are fast enough for a running holiday.
In this guide, we’ll break down what running holidays are really like, who they’re for, how pace works, and why running retreats such as those offered by Run Weekends are designed to be inclusive, supportive, and enjoyable for a wide range of runners.
Contents
Why “Am I Fast Enough?” Is Such a Common Concern
Many people associate running with races, finish times, and personal bests. Social media often reinforces the idea that running trips are only for elite athletes or ultra runners.
But running holidays are not races.
A running holiday or running retreat is an active holiday, not a competition. The focus is on:
Enjoying running in beautiful places
Exploring new destinations on foot
Being part of a supportive, social group
Combining fitness, travel, and relaxation
Speed is rarely the priority and for many people, it’s not relevant at all.
What Running Holidays Are Actually About
At their core, running holidays combine running, travel, and experience. They sit somewhere between a fitness holiday and an adventure holiday.
Most running retreats include:
Daily guided runs
Scenic routes (often trails, coastlines, or mountains)
Small, supportive groups
Time to enjoy food, conversation, and the destination
For companies like Run Weekends, running holidays are designed around enjoyment, scenery, and community, not pace charts or time cut-offs.
Are Running Holidays Suitable for Beginners?
Yes — many running holidays are ideal for beginners.
If you can comfortably run for around 30–60 minutes (even with walk breaks), you’re likely more than capable of enjoying a running holiday.
Beginner runners often enjoy running retreats because:
There’s no pressure to perform
Groups are supportive and non-judgemental
Routes are chosen for enjoyment, not speed
Walking sections are completely normal, especially on steep trails
Many people book their first running holiday before they’d ever consider entering a race.
What About Slower Runners or Those Returning to Running?
Running holidays are also perfect for:
Slower runners
People coming back from injury
Runners who don’t enjoy racing
Those who prefer relaxed, social running
On trail running holidays in particular, pace naturally varies. Hills, uneven terrain, photo stops, and navigation all mean that no one expects constant running.
If you enjoy moving through landscapes at your own pace, you’ll fit right in.
Can Experienced and Fast Runners Enjoy Running Holidays Too?
Absolutely!
Many experienced runners book running holidays not to train harder, but to:
Reconnect with why they started running
Enjoy running without a stopwatch
Explore destinations they wouldn’t see in a race
Share running with like-minded people
Fast runners often appreciate the mental break from structured training that a running retreat provides.
How Pace Works on Running Holidays and Running Retreats
This is where many people worry unnecessarily.
On most running holidays:
Groups stay together
Walk breaks are normal, especially uphill
The emphasis is on shared experience
At Run Weekends, trips are designed so that no one is left behind, and the pace is adapted to suit the group.
Running holidays work because they remove the pressure to “keep up” and replace it with encouragement and flexibility.
Trail Running vs Road Running: Why Speed Matters Less on Trails
Most Run Weekends trips focus on trail running, which is naturally more inclusive than road running.
Trail running:
Involves varied terrain and elevation
Encourages walking on climbs
Slows everyone down equally
Prioritises experience over pace
This makes trail running holidays ideal for runners of mixed abilities, as speed becomes far less important than effort and enjoyment.
The Social Side of Running Holidays
One of the biggest surprises for first-time guests is how social running holidays are.
Running together quickly builds connection. Shared meals, conversations after runs, and exploring destinations as a group often become the highlight of the trip.
Many runners arrive solo and leave with:
New running friends
Increased confidence
Motivation to keep running at home
It’s not unusual for people to stay in touch or meet up again after a running retreat.
What Really Matters on a Running Holiday
When it comes down to it, running holidays aren’t about how fast you are.
They’re about:
Enjoying running without pressure
Spending time outdoors in beautiful places
Feeling supported rather than judged
Sharing experiences with like-minded people
If you enjoy running, even if you don’t feel “fast”, you’re exactly the kind of person running holidays are designed for.
Why Run Weekends Running Holidays Are Designed for Everyone
Run Weekends offers small-group trail running holidays focused on scenery, inclusivity, and connection.
Trips are:
Fully guided and fully inclusive
Designed for mixed abilities
Social, supportive, and relaxed
Built around beautiful destinations, not finish times
Whether you’re a beginner runner, a casual weekend runner, or an experienced athlete looking for something different, Run Weekends running holidays offer an active holiday experience where enjoyment always comes first.
Explore upcoming running holidays at Run Weekends and find a trip that suits you.
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