South Africa
OVERVIEW
MAP & ITINERARY
WHAT TO EXPECT
PLAN YOUR TRAVEL
BOOK YOUR TRIP
FAQ
Run Wild in South Africa
From rugged mountains to stunning coastlines, South Africa is a runner’s playground! As you explore iconic landscapes like Table Mountain and Cape Point, you'll also savor local fare from across the continent, dancing and drumming - and dive into adventures like surfing ziplining, a 216 meter high skywalk - walk with penguins, swim with seals and immerse yourself on a 4 night Big 5 African Safari.
Join us for a multi-day journey that combines the best of running, culture, and adventure in the heart of South Africa.
TRIP DATES & DETAILS:
- 8 trail runs and hikes (5-12km)
- Afternoon cultural activities
- Expert local guides, photographer, videographer and medic!
- Hotels, meals, and local transport included!
- International flight not included
- Trip #1: May 6-18, 2025
- Trip #2: Sept 9-21, 2025
- 13 days / 12 nights
- Arrive: Cape Town, SA
- Depart: Port Elizabeth, SA
"...you're guaranteed to leave with tired legs and a full heart."
- 2022 Global Adventurer
Meet Your Host Country: South Africa
Nestled at the southern tip of the African continent, South Africa boasts some of the best coastlines, mountains, and wines in the world! From the vibrant city life in Cape Town to the awe-inspiring Table Mountain up above. From the sandy beaches to the wild African safari, South Africa offers a diverse range of experiences.
Diversity is central to South Africa epitomized by having three capital cities, and eleven national languages - with five included in the national anthem. There are six floral kingdoms that cover the entire planet, the smallest by far covers the south western corner of South Africa, where our Global Adventure traverses. Occupying just half a percent of the African continent’s surface, but supporting twenty percent of its plant life, it truly embodies its reputation as a biodiversity hotspot.
CAPITAL
Pretoria, Cape Town, and Bloemfontein
LANGUAGE
11 official languages, including English
CURRENCY
South African Rand
WEATHER
72° / 56° in the Spring
LANDSCAPE
Rugged coasts and wild African bush
KNOWN FOR
Nelson Mandela's legacy, diverse African wildlife & world-class vineyards
The Global Adventures Experience
The Best Dang Team On The Planet
Tireless event directors, local guides, course designers, photographers and videographers, and a staff medic on call 24/7...we're all here to make your experience one for the ages.
Ask Us Any Question
Our event directors love to talk all things 'Global Adventures'. From travel advice to making sure a trip meets your needs, there is no question too big or too small!
All of The Fun, None of The Work
We've done the hard parts for you. Once you book your trip, our expert team handles all the details. From mapping out scenic runs to finding the comfiest beds and local grub.
Plus, we take care of that boring stuff like local transportation and even laundry.
All that's left is to book your flight and call in sick from work ;)
Who Goes On A Global Adventure?

Solo Travelers
connect with your curiosity
You can arrive solo, but you're never alone. Surrounded by like-minded travelers, you just may find your new travel companion — and a new favorite hobby to boot!

Dating + Daring
Entertain novelty
You may be partners, but that doesn't mean you want the "typical" romantic getaway. You two are more of the high-adventure type.
Hop on in!

Best Buds
LET MOMENTS BECOME MEMORIES
When's the last time your friends have had an excuse to get away? If smiling and laughing your butts off while exploring beautiful destinations isn't a good enough reason to get together, we don't know what is!

Turning a New Leaf
embolden your heart
Chin up and feet forward! You're looking for change or at least a week to turn your back on whatever you left behind. Escape, refresh, and leave with a new perspective.
South Africa Itinerary
Please note that this is an example of activities and quality stays you will enjoy with us. Changes may occur based on weather, logistics, and new opportunities. We will always search for comparable alternatives when a change is made.
Scroll to explore!
Adventure Overview
- Day 1: Welcome
- Day 2-3: Cape Town
- Day 4: Knysna
- Day 5-7: Plettenberg Bay
- Day 8: Cape Saint Francis
- Day 9-12: Kariega Game Reserve
- Day 13: Departure
Tuesday (Day 1): Welcome to Cape Town
Arrive in time to see the sun setting on the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, where you’ll meet your fellow travelers and Event Director - for drinks, a welcome presentation to brief you on the adventures ahead, followed by dinner. We’re staying right on the Waterfront, where you can enjoy the wealth of bars, shops and sightseeing activities. There is plenty to see and do in Cape Town, so if your schedule allows, spend some extra days in the city to explore all this wonderful city has to offer.
- Radisson Red Cape Town
- Arrive in Cape Town, South Africa
Wednesday (Day 2): Cape Point and Penguins
Our first full day starts with the stunning coastal drive past the 12 Apostles and over the epic Chapman’s Peak Drive. We’ll arrive in Noordhoek, which means North corner, the setting for the first run of our South African adventure. Cape Point Vineyard is nestled in a mountain amphitheater, with views down to the miles long expanse of Noordhoek Beach. There will be some sneaky climbs to earn these views, a taste of things to come in South Africa. Talking of taste, after our run we’ll get to try some of the wines with a picnic lunch on the estate.
In the afternoon, we head to Cape Point for a scenic walk visiting two iconic landmarks - Cape Point Lighthouse and the Cape of Good Hope! Then, it's off to view the delightful African Penguins at Boulders Beach, the only penguin species found on the African continent.
Tonight, the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is your culinary playground, for a truly world-class dining experience on your own or with some new travel friends.
- Chapman's Peak Scenic Drive, vineyard lunch & wine pairing, Cape Point and penguin viewing
- Cape Point Vineyard Run (5km)
- Radisson Red Cape
- Cape Town, South Africa
Thursday (Day 3): From the Mountains to the Sea
When in Cape Town, it feels like Table Mountain is always quietly watching over you. So, this morning, we’re venturing out to climb to the Table via Platteklip Gorge and look down on the city and sea below. This climb is challenging, all the more reason to take breaks and enjoy the experience.
We will have lunch on the bus on our way to our next adventure. This time, we’re going surfing at Muizenberg Beach, which holds the Guinness World Record for most surfers on a single wave! Muizenberg is the ideal place to be introduced to surfing. We'll get a lesson and spend time practicing in the waves. If you prefer to just enjoy the beach, you can do that too, or take a walk on the seaside path to the St James tidal pool.
After heading back to the hotel, we’ll meet up again in the evening for a dinner extravaganza at Gold Restaurant. We’ll enjoy 13-dishes from across the African continent, accompanied by a live djembe drumming show, which we will learn and drum along.
- Table Mountain Cable Car, surfing at Muizenberg, drum lesson, African tasting dinner
- Table Mountain via Platteklip Gorge Run (3km)
- Radisson Red Cape
- Cape Town, South Africa
Friday (Day 4): Journey up the Garden Route
Rise and shine! We will have a packed breakfast and are hitting the road early! We are going on the Langeberg Meander. Langeberg means Long Mountain, and we will drive through a long mountain to get there, literally! Our route takes us through the Cape Winelands and into the 2.5 mile long Hugenot Tunnel! We’ll emerge to stunning peaks either side as we make our way past more wine farms to the Langeberg. We are going to run through vineyards and working farms, before getting to sample the produce of the region. We'll get a true South African culinary experience as we taste our way through wines, cheeses, olives, snails...ice cream, the list goes on! All produced right there in Langeberg.
Then onwards to the Garden Route and our next destination, Kynsna. A quaint and historic coastal town surrounding the lagoon that enters the sea through the infamous Knysna Heads. After checking into our hotel on the waterfront our adventurous day continues as we board the Featherbed Paddle Cruiser, for dinner exploring the lagoon and getting a sense of the run that awaits us tomorrow.
- Langeberg culinary experience, dinner on a paddlesteamer boat
- Langeberg Meander (8km)
- Protea Hotel Knysna
- Knysna, South Africa
Saturday (Day 5): Knysna Heads and Featherbed Nature Reserve
This morning we'll enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before climbing aboard for a scenic boat ride to the Featherbed Nature Reserve. There we'll enjoy a short but dramatic run up to the views from the Western Head, before dropping down to the cave at the water’s edge. We’ll follow the path along the side of the lagoon, before finishing at a private beach where we can swim in the open waters!
Our coastal adventure continues with a hands-on oyster shucking experience, before settling in for a beautiful buffet lunch including some of the oysters we've prepped!
We will return to Knysna on the ferry, before the short drive across to Plettenberg Bay. Drinks on the hotel rooftop await, with views over the bay from Robberg Peninsula in the West, past Bloukrans in the East - our playgrounds over the next few days . After sundowners, a relaxed evening with dinner at the hotel.
- Boat cruise, Featherbed Nature Reserve, oyster shucking workshop
- Featherbed Nature Reserve Run (4.5km)
- Plett Quarter Hotel
- Plettenberg Bay, South Africa
Sunday (Day 6): Forest Run and Gorge Zipline
Today is a higher adrenaline day! We're starting off with a 12km forest run to take us into the lush Harkerville Forest and down to the cliffs overlooking the ocean.Then it's time to don harnesses for a ziplining excursion that will have you flying high over the stunning gorge that opens to the sea!
Tonight we'll balance out the last few busy days with a free evening. Enjoy the hotel amenities or head out for a quiet dinner on your own, there are a number of options within a short walking distance of our central hotel.
- Knysna Gorge Zipline
- Kranshoek Forest Run (12km)
- Plett Quarter Hotel
- Knysna to Plettenberg Bay, South Africa
Monday (Day 7): Seal Mountain and Seal Swim
Our morning hike in the Robberg Nature Reserve takes us high above the coastline, down to the beach and even around an island. Robberg means ‘seal mountain’, and seals you will most definitely see from the cliffs that you walk, there are 6000 of them in the marine protected area.
After lunch and a beach swim, we'll charter a boat out to the seal colony that we looked down on a few hours before! Grab a snorkel, dive in for the once in a lifetime opportunity to swim with the Robberg seal colony.
- Beach time, seal colony excursion
- Robberg Hike (5 or 9km)
- Plett Quarter Hotel
- Plettenberg Bay, South Africa
Tuesday (Day 8): Walk the Bloukrans Bridge
Today let's run through pine forests and look out over the bay to Robberg in the distance before approaching a nerve testing challenge. Our run finish lines up to view the 216 meter drop off the Bloukrans Bridge, where we will be taking on the world famous Skywalk. Step out onto a scenic and gravity defying walk for unparalleled views of the Bloukrans River Gorge. Our thrill-seekers can also upgrade to leap off the bridge, the world’s 4th highest bungee jump!
We’ll recover with lunch watching others bungee jumping and reliving our experience on TV’s. Then we head off to surfing mecca Cape Saint Francis, home to the South African calamari industry. We’ll enjoy sunset at Sunset Rock before beginning dinner with a fascinating talk and calamari tasting.
- Bloukrans Skywalk (optional bungee jump!), calamari tasting
- Bloukrans Run (8km)
- Cape St. Francis Resort
- Plettenberg Bay to Cape Saint Francis, South Africa
Wednesday (Day 9): Safari Time at Kariega Game Reserve
Greet the day with a sunrise run to wake up our bodies, before grabbing breakfast and heading on safari at Kariega Game Reserve, and our search for the Big 5 and their friends. We’ll break up our journey with a stop at Nanaga Farm stall, a local favorite. Once we arrive, we’ll settle into the safari lifestyle with a buffet lunch, before heading out for our very first game drive.
The Kariega Game Reserve offers us a family-owned stay and ethical safaris to meet the Big 5 of African wildlife - lions, leopards, elephants, hippos, and black rhinos. We’ll spend the next five days getting to know these animals in their own habitat. Plus, we’ll meet a host of other characters from zebras and giraffes to beautiful birds.
Our safari welcome will continue at the Boma dinner, where we'll enjoy our meal around an open fire accompanied by traditional singing and dancing, thanks to local performers. What a way to begin our safari!
- Evening game drive, Boma (traditional fire) dinner
- Sunrise Surprise (6km)
- Kariega Main Lodge
- Kenton-on-sea, South Africa
Thursday (Day 10): Meet the Big 5
Today is all about slowing down and being present. Instead of a run today we will relax, explore, and experience the South Africa with all our senses. Our morning and evening will be spent on game drives or river safaris, when most of the animals are active and the best sightings are possible.
When the sun is high, we’ll relax at the lodge, in our chalets overlooking the reserve or at the pool. No reason not to sign up for a spa treatment, relaxing is the order of the day. All meals at the lodge are experiences - social, sensory and culinary.
- Morning and evening game drives, river safari, time to relax at the lodge
- Kariega Main Lodge
- Kenton-on-sea, South Africa
Friday (Day 11): Run, Learn, and Connect with Community
Seeing wildlife from a vehicle isn’t enough for us - so this morning we’ll head onto the reserve for an epic morning run among the wildlife! Spot antelope, giraffe, zebra, and more on this safe, immersive run. Don't worry, there's no dangerous game on this route.
Our stay at Kariega Reserve helps to fund the Kariega Foundation, a non-profit organization leading efforts in conservation and community development. In the afternoon, we’ll gather to learn stories about rhino poaching and the Kariega Foundation's effort to protect rhinos in the Eastern Cape. Then, we'll visit the Bushwillow school for a community sports day!
The stories we'll hear today are both heart breaking and heart warming, as they weave a clearer picture of the community that calls this area home.
- More game drives, Rhino Conservation talk, Bushwillow School visit
- Kariega Game Reserve Run (9km)
- Kariega Main Lodge
- Kenton-on-sea, South Africa
Saturday (Day 12): The Search Continues
Another full day on safari. A day to focus on experiencing life in the African wild. A day to listen and learn as our rangers share their knowledge and show us how they immerse themselves into the flow of life away from bright lights and big city. The biggest lesson we can learn is how to let go of our lives back home, and truly engage with the way of life in the African bush.
On our last night together, we will gather at the Boma for dinner and a farewell celebration. There will be music and laughter as we relive our adventures of the past 12 days!
- Morning and evening game drives, river safari, time to relax at the lodge, and farewell Boma dinner
- Kariega Main Lodge
- Kenton-on-sea, South Africa
Sunday (Day 13): Our Final Farewell
Our last morning on safari, our last chance to find an elusive animal we have not yet seen, or a chance to step away from searching and let Africa happen around us. Our time in the wild is now short, but it can stand still for a final few special hours. We’re saying treasured farewells today, and our final game drive is the perfect setting to do so.
Pack up and wrap up for the drive to the Port Elizabeth airport - homewards or onwards, the most incredible memories will be part and parcel of our journey.
What to Expect from Your Global Adventure
Quick Planning Guide
- 1-3 months from your trip: We'll send packing info, weather updates, and a group WhatsApp chat to get acquainted!
- Warm and temperate weather. Bring layers.
- Plan to carry South African rand with you for snacks and tips for our local staff
- Average 40-65 people per trip
Daily Life on a Global Adventure
MORNING Run (~7:00 am)
Ok, we know you're on vacation, but starting the day early means we get to show you so much more. You didn't think we'd be sleeping on this trip...right?
On most trips, we'll have breakfast at the hotel before departing for a 7-12K trail run. Pack your day bag (included as trip swag!) with a fresh outfit and an activity for the journey.
After the race we'll regroup to shower (when available) and refuel with lunch.
AFTERNOON activity (~11:00 AM)
After our run, each day brings something new! We'll have lunch and then head out for a range of activities depending on your Global Adventure.
Active Adrenaline - Zipline over Knysna Gorge, snorkel with the seals, and brave the heights on the Bloukrans Skywalk.
Culture Kick - Experience a traditional Boma dinner, feel the rhythm with a drumming lesson, and learn about African wildlife conservation and youth development with the Kariega Foundation.
Expect to have a few hours of free time each afternoon to explore the towns we visit and take in the grandeur of the landscape. Our goal is to have enough adventure to fill your days without feeling rushed from location to location.
Check out your trip itinerary for more details.
Evening wind down (6-8:00 PM)
It's time to wind down and enjoy the night! We'll have dinner together as a group at a local restaurant or at the hotel. Dinners typically include set menu options and wine or beer.
For two of the evenings you will be free to explore and find dinner on your own (not included in trip cost). Ask our local team for recommendations...or grab some food at the hotel, turn your phone on silent, and enjoy hotel amenities to re-coop from an active day. The night is yours!
We got you! Expect a team text before bed with details on tomorrow's race, weather conditions, and packing suggestions.
Before You Arrive
What to Expect From Us
After registration, you'll receive a welcome email with information to get ready for your Global Adventure! After this initial email, you can expect to hear from us regularly starting about 3 months before with further trip details, a packing list, and more!
Keep an eye on your mailbox - we'll also send you a welcome packet one month before your trip.
Your Pre-Trip Homework
boOK YOUR FLIGHT
Flights or other transportation to our host country are not included in the trip cost. You'll want to book these well in advance to get the best prices. For this trip, please fly into Cape Town Airport (CPT), South Africa.
GET COVERED
We recommend having travel insurance to keep you protected while you're out enjoying each day. Companies like Safety Wing offer flexible coverage for your trip.
While we no longer require participants to be vaccinated, we encourage you to understand the travel requirements of each country you will visit or pass through on a layover.
COMPLETE YOUR TRAVELER PROFILE
Once registered, you'll have a traveler profile with us in Run Signup. Leading up to the trip, we will ask you to complete this profile with information about your flights, dietary needs, etc. This information is private to our event directors and is used to coordinate nitty-gritty trip logistics.
Want to chat with other Global Adventures runners?
Join our community of travelers on Facebook!
Trail Runs and Hikes
Our trail runs will take you into the countryside, where you'll feel like part of the iconic landscapes that drew us here. We'll have crew on course to mind you, markings to guide you, and finish line food to revive you. Plus, a photographer and videographer on the trail capturing your run!
You can take these runs at your own pace - or go for gold! At the end of the week everyone earns a Global Adventures finisher medal, plus special awards for our fastest racers.
run difficulty & training
A typical Global Adventures trip includes 6 trail runs ranging from 7-12K in length, though South Africa's trails are on the shorter side. Most of these trail runs will have a decent amount of elevation gain and terrain will be varied. It is not uncommon for us to walk the uphill portions and run when the terrain is flat or downhill. If you want to train, we recommend working up to back-to-back trail runs with varied elevation gain.
We ask runners to maintain at least a 25-minute trail pace on these runs.
South Africa trail Runs
Exact trail runs may change based on permitting and weather.
Cape Point Vineyard (5km)
Terrain: Dirt trail
Incline: Steep ascent & descent
Difficulty: Challenging
Table Mountain via Platteklip Gorge (3km)
Terrain: Dirt trail, stone steps
Incline: Steep ascent
Difficulty: Challenging
Langeberg Meander (8km)
Terrain: Dirt trail
Incline: Not steep
Difficulty: Moderate
Featherbed Reserve (5km)
Terrain: Cement path
Incline: Steep ascent for 2km
Difficulty: Challenging
Kranshoek Forest (12km)
Terrain: Single-track dirt trail
Incline: Flat and downhill
Difficulty: Moderate
Robberg (5 or 9km)
Terrain: Technical dirt trail
Incline: Mostly flat with some short climbs
Difficulty: Moderate and easy options
Bloukrans (8km)
Terrain: Dirt trail
Incline: Mostly flat
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Sunrise Surprise (6km)
Terrain: Dirt trail with some soft sand
Incline: Flat course
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Kariega Game Reserve (9km)
Terrain: Dirt trail
Incline: Mild ascent and descent
Difficulty: Moderate
Plan Your Travel
Now that you're as excited as we are, let's get down to the gritty details of your adventure.
Travel Details
Arrival (Tuesday):
- Please plan to arrive in Cape Town, South Africa by mid-afternoon on the first day of your trip. We recommend arriving 1-2 days early.
- Cape Town International Airport (CPT)
- Check in at our hotel (Radisson Red Cape Town)
Depart (Sunday):
- We plan to arrive at PLZ Airport at midday. Please plan onward travel from 2pm at the earliest.
- Port Elizabeth International Airport (PLZ)
- Check out of our hotel (Kariega Main Lodge)
Travel Tips
- South Africa is far and the time difference is 7-10 hours depending on where you reside in the US. We advise arriving as early as you can to recover from travel, get over some of the jet-lag, and avoid travel delays impacting your trip.
- United Airlines has direct flights to Cape Town from Newark and Washington D.C. airports
- Delta Airlines has direct flights to Cape Town from Atlanta
- From Port Elizabeth, book a short domestic flight back to Cape Town and then an international flight onwards.
Packing & Prep
Coverage: You may want to consider travel insurance for such an epic adventure! While it is not mandatory to travel with insurance, we do advise investing in it. Having insurance could prevent you from losing thousands of dollars if something unexpected like weather, work, illness, etc. prevented you from traveling.
Travel Restrictions: Vacation Races does not require a COVID-19 vaccine to attend our trips. Please check with the local authority of your destination country to see the latest travel recommendations.
Kayak.com also maintains a useful tool for checking international travel restrictions.
Packing List: These are fast-paced events. We'll send you a packing list before the trip to help you feel ready to tackle...well, just about anything!
Training: Adventurers of various skill levels can enjoy our running adventures. If you want to train, we recommend working up to back-to-back trail runs with varied elevation gain.
Check out the South Africa trail runs for more info on what to expect!
Ask Us Any Question
Our event directors love to talk all things 'Global Adventures'. From travel advice to making sure a trip meets your needs, there is no question too big or too small!
Upcoming Trip Dates
2025 Dates
May 6-18, 2025
13 Days | 12 Nights
$7,950
per guest
Based on double-occupancy rooms. Flights not included.
Register now with just a $500 deposit
INAUGURAL TRIP
Sept 9-21, 2025
13 Days | 12 Nights
$7,950
per guest
Based on double-occupancy rooms. Flights not included.
Register now with just a $500 deposit
Got Questions? We've Got Answers:
Unique Trip Inclusions
- Extended trip: 13 days and 12 nights
- Social impact: Our stay at Kariega Game Reserve helps fund wildlife conservation and community developments.
- African Safari: See lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and more!
Included in all Global Adventures
- Guided trail runs or hikes (5-12km each)
- Expert local guides, photographer, videographer and medic!
- Daily activities and outings
- Hotels and lodging
- Most meals (plus, wine and beer!)
- All local transport
- Travel swag and race medals
Global Adventures Frequently Asked Questions
The answers below reflect general guidelines for our Global Adventures events. For trip-specific information, chat with our team!
Registration & Trip Planning
Will I need a passport or visa?
If our destination country is different from your country of residence, yes, you will need a valid passport. Though every country is different, a good rule to follow is that your passport should not expire within 6 months of your planned travel. It is your responsibility to verify that your passport meets our destination country's criteria.
Visa requirements vary by country and by nationality. Please reference the state department website of the destination country to determine if a visa is needed. Ultimately, you are responsible for securing all necessary visas and documentation required by the destination country.
Will I need a COVID-19 vaccine?
While we will no longer require the vaccine, we strongly encourage everyone traveling with us to make sure you're aware of the Covid-19 travel restrictions of each country you will visit or pass through on a layover. Please visit the State Department website of your destination country to up-to-date travel information.
While on your trip, our staff medic will be able to help you locate and schedule Covid testing as needed. We will also have rapid tests and masks on hand.
We ask all our adventurers to respect each others boundaries and preferences. If you remain unsure of the risks, we encourage you to wait to take a Global Adventures trip until you feel confident joining us!
How much does a Global Adventures trip cost?
All Global Adventures trips include the cost of daily hotels, included group activities and entrance fees, domestic transportation in the host country, and most food and drinks.
The cost of your flight to and from the host country is not included to allow participants to choose the travel options that are right for them.
Looking for the exact cost of this trip? Head to the Book Your Trip tab!
Are there discounts available?
We do not currently offer any discounts for Global Adventures trips.
Can I receive a refund for trip activities that I don't want to participate in?
No. We cannot offer partial refunds for unattended components of the trip. Our travel packages are thoughtfully curated, taking into consideration various factors to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for all participants. This includes pre-booking accommodations, activities, meals, transportation and other components well in advance.
How can I complete my registration payment?
- Login to runsignup.
- Select "Manage Registration" next to the race
- Select "Add Ons" at the top of the page
- Update the selection for "Do you want to pay the remaining balance today?"
- Select "Continue" and complete payment.
How can I update my address in Runsignup?
- Go to your Profile
- See Upcoming Races
- Click Manage Registration next to the registration that you are editing
- Click the Shipping tab.
Who goes on Global Adventure trips?
From solo travelers to groups, teens to the silver-haired, seasoned thrill-seekers to those ready to step out of their comfort zone for the first time - these trips offer an experience for everyone. Our past adventurers come from all walks of life but all share a love of life and a willingness to challenge themselves.
Seriously. Don't be afraid to come alone. You are sure to leave with new friends, new confidence, and approximately 800 photos of moments that took your breath away!
How much free time will we have?
Our days start between 6:30-7:00 am for breakfast before we head out run the trails. Expect to have a few hours of free time each afternoon to explore the towns we visit and take in the grandeur of the landscape. Our goal is to have enough adventure to fill your days without feeling rushed from location to location.
In addition, all Global Adventures will have 2 free evenings- you'll be able to walk around town and maybe stop by that cute pub you passed earlier in the day for dinner!
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
We can accommodate most dietary restrictions with some advance notice. Please fill out your traveler information in Run Signup after you register so that we can make plans successfully.
If you have a particularly specific or complex dietary requirement, please reach out to us. While we cannot guarantee full accommodations, we'll always try our best!
Exceptions:
Japan - in Japan, restrictions are harder to accommodate and are not culturally normal. As such, most restaurants struggle to accommodate restrictions beyond vegetarian, pescatarian, or dairy-free diets. If you have a restriction outside of these three diets, please book a 15-minute call here.
What are the hotels like?
We typically have 3-star and 4-star lodging booked for you. Rooms will be comfortable, clean, and safe; a place that you would feel ok relaxing in!
On some adventures, we have alternative lodging like glamping tents. Check your itinerary and the photo gallery for pictures and additional information.
Are there any age restrictions?
These trips are mainly enjoyed by adults, and as long as you are comfortable with the runs, activities, and group setting, we'll be glad to have you! For parents/guardians who may want to bring their children who also like to run, we recommend children be 14 years or older.
For activity-specific restrictions, read below:
Patagonia Trips: The glacier hike is restricted to ages 64 and under. Individuals 65 and older are not permitted to participate, but we will try to find an alternate activity for them.
Ireland Trips: The whiskey tasting event is 21+
Will I receive swag items before my trip?
We ship all travelers a swag package about 3 weeks before the event. We are only able ot ship within the US at this time. You can update your preferred shipping address by following these steps in your RunSignup account:
1. Log into your RunSignup account
2. Under Upcoming Events, click Manage Registration for this event
3. Click the Shipping tab and update your shipping address
The Races & Activities
How difficult are the runs?
Global Adventures are meant to challenge you. That being said, we welcome runners of various levels and will support you towards the finish line.
Each day we’ll be running/hiking between 7-12K (approx. 3-6 miles). Most of these runs will have a decent amount of elevation gain. It is not uncommon for us to walk the uphill portions and run when the terrain is flat or downhill.
We plan for runners to maintain at least a 20-minute per mile trail pace on these runs. If we believe this pace becomes too difficult for a runner, we may ask them to sit out a run or offer a shorter course for them.
Do I have to run every day?
This is your vacation- you should do what you want!
If you want to take a break for a day or two, then by all means do it. Our goal is to make sure you have the best possible experience on the trails, whatever that means for you.
Are there aid stations?
There are no aid stations in these trail runs.
Most adventurers choose to wear a hydration backpack or carry a water bottle in hand (along with a few gels or other snacks as needed).
You are required to bring your own hydration system. Our team loves the hydration options developed by Nathan Sports. Give them a look!
Will we run into animals on the trails?
Most Global Adventures: if you are lucky, you’ll get to see some local wildlife (Moose, goats, whale, oh my!) We will be visiting wild places and encounters with animals are always a possibility. However, we will be on well traveled trails which tend to keep the animals away.
South Africa: Seeing wildlife is an essential part of this trip! You will run into typical small wildlife while on most trails. During our stay at the Kariega Game Reserve, you'll have the opportunity to run with game like giraffes and zebras in a safe environment.
All Global Adventures trips partner with expert guides from the area to provide tips on staying safe on the trails. Mosquitos will vary greatly with the climate and even changes year-to-year. We recommend packing mosquito repellent.
Can I bring someone who doesn't run?
If you want to bring a partner to the event that doesn’t want to participate in the runs, that’s totally fine. They'll still get to join in the daily activities and explore the destination - just not on the trails. They can join us as a fast hiker (20 minutes per mile) if they choose!
Just sign up for the event as a regular participant, but let us know in the registration notes that your partner is not running.
What other activities will we be doing?
Each Global Adventure is different - expect a range of activities like historical tours, boat cruises, hands-on workshops, and more!
For activities specific to this trip, check out the itinerary. You'll also receive a detailed daily itinerary a few weeks before your arrival date.
Ask Us Any Question
Our event directors love to talk all things 'Global Adventures'. From travel advice to making sure a trip meets your needs, there is no question too big or too small!
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Still got questions? Our team loves to talk to new adventurers! Schedule a chat with us.

