Sightseeing Before or After the Cape Town Marathon?

The scenario is a common one: You commit to a destination race in some faraway locale, like the Cape Town Marathon, that involves a flight and possibly even a partial road trip, but when the time comes, you’re either too stressed about the upcoming race to relax or you’re too tired after the race to do much. Sound familiar?

Combining running and a destination for some sightseeing is a great way of doing two things you love. But, when, exactly, is the best time to sightsee? We all try to save energy for race day so before may not be wise, and after your race you prioritise recovery?

Unfortunately, there is no cut-and-dry answer to timing your holiday. We gathered information from some experts to find out what makes logistical, as well as physical sense for a pre- or post-race break.

Why run a destination race like the Cape Town Marathon?

As runners, we devote most of our recreational time and even some of our social time to the sport. Add family and work time, it can then be hard to set aside time for other things such as travel, so why not combine the two at the Cape Town Marathon? Cape Town, South Africa voted as one of the top destinations to visit can offer just this type of experience.

Carefully consider what you want from the experience. Decide if the race is the crucial factor or simply the excuse for the trip. Then figure out whether you want a more leisurely trip or something that is highly interactive. Finally, how will you keep your legs fresh?

Take both your fitness level and race goals into consideration. If you are planning on racing hard, you may decide to opt out of any sightseeing the day before and after the race to make the event the priority.

Our take on a pre-race holiday break

Our Cape Town Marathon itinerary is a total of 5 nights/6 days. We know as runners we all have our own marathon preparation. Some of us like a nit of a walk around. For this purpose we allow for 3 days before the actual marathon day.

This gives time to do one or more small excursions if you so choose. It is always a great idea to spend some time at the Cape Town Marathon expo.

Alternatively enjoy a post-race holiday

Our Cape Town Marathon itinerary allows for one day to enjoy some sights or maybe even an activity or two (that aren’t too physical as we all know how we feel after a marathon).

Of course the great thing about Africa Marathons is that we are extremely flexible, so for those who choose to stay behind with their family or friends and enjoy a proper holiday in South Africa, we will help you plan this. Anything from an African safari to wine tasting and more.

The bottom line – run and have fun

No matter what your marathon goals are, sightseeing can intertwine with a big goal race like the Cape Town Marathon quite seamlessly. The key is to stick to your pre- and post-race routines to make sure your body gets what it needs in the window surrounding the race.

The excitement of being in a foreign country could overwhelm you, so remember to remain focused on your race preparation. Stay hydrated and stick as close to your normal diet as possible while travelling, especially during flights and with time changes.

It’s easy to abandon race prep mode when in a new place. Just keep the pre-race process in check. Don’t eat anything new before race day, save the fun food and drink for after. Oh yes and most importantly, get sleep.

Don’t let the logistics keep you back from a destination race, let Africa Marathons take care of all this, and don’t be afraid to sit out of some sightseeing if you need to. Just the experience alone will change you.

The sport of running brings all nationalities together regardless of your race, culture or background. Travel experiences make your life that much richer and so does running.