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Planning to run your dream marathon in Europe? Here’s how to make the most of it while dealing with jet lag, travel, and unfamiliar race logistics.

Best Ways to Travel for Destination Race

Running a marathon abroad isn’t just about booking a flight and packing your sneakers, it’s a full-on logistics game. There are similarities for domestic destination races. You’re still doing familiar things like picking up your bib, laying out your gear, and planning your pre-race timeline. Now you’re doing these rituals with a language barrier, in another time zone, and another currency. 

Expo policies might be stricter. Instead of mile markers they have kilometer markers. Aid stations might serve tea (learned this in Berlin). It’s not necessarily harder, but it does require a different kind of planning, especially if you’re used to driving to the start line or having friends cheer along the course. The good news? With a little prep, it becomes part of the adventure.

Related Post: Traveling for a race near home? Here are road trip travel tips for a destination race.

Planning for a European Marathon

There’s something magical about combining travel with running, especially when the finish line is in breathtaking historical locations. Traveling overseas to run a marathon comes with a learning curve. From time zone changes and different fueling stations to unfamiliar race day rules, a little prep goes a long way.

I learned a lot from running the Berlin Marathon in 2024 and this year I’m gearing up for the London Marathon. I’ve learned that success on race day starts well before the starting line. These five tips helped me while I planned for my first international marathon. I’m sharing this so you feel confident and calm heading into your European vacation race adventure, especially if it’s your first time running internationally.

How to Plan for Currency on a European Trip

While it may not seem like a big deal, it’s important to understand your options for currency once you arrive and you may need to plan in advance!

• Check with your bank if you can order currency before your trip. Give yourself plenty of time for the order, as it can take 1-2 weeks. You can also get cash from a local ATM if you don’t have enough time ahead of your trip.
• Check with your credit cards if they waive foreign translation fees and bring a card that will make using your card in another country simple. If you need to apply for a card, opt for a travel card that includes Global Entry.

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Tip #1: You’re Traveling for a European Marathon, Not the Other Way Around

Here are tips for how to adjust your schedule for the marathon and planning your dates around the race itself.

How Early Should You Arrive Before a European Marathon?

If you only take one piece of advice from this post, let it be this: don’t land in Europe the day before your marathon. I get nervous traveling the day before a domestic race. In addition to a long flight, adjusting to the time difference while carb-loading and figuring out race logistics is not ideal.

Plan to arrive at least 2-3 days before race day to give your body time to adjust. Arriving 2-3 days prior also gives you a buffer also gives you wiggle room for any travel hiccups, like delayed flights or missed connections.

Adjust for European Time Zones

I was so nervous about adjusting for the time difference on my Berlin trip. I would get up 2-3 hours earlier than normal for a week so I’d be ready to fall asleep on my flight headed to Germany. Not that you need to do this, but I struggle sleeping on planes, and I wanted to fall asleep quickly once I settled in. This neck pillow is my go-to for sleeping on planes! Highly recommend trying it out if you struggle sleeping on flights.

For Berlin, we flew into Frankfurt and took a short connection to Berlin. You will likely need to pass through customs on a layover, so include enough time between your flights. 

If you have time after your race, extend your trip like we did and take a train to a nearby city (we went to Munich for Oktoberfest) for a running holiday. 

Pro Tip: If you have time to explore Europe before the race, consider flying into another city. It might be a huge flight savings since the demand in the race city will be higher.

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Tip #2: Race Day Essentials Are a Carry-On Necessity

Lost luggage is always a pain, but it’s a nightmare if it contains your race gear. Your running gear belongs in your carry-on. I always pack my race kit, fuel, shoes, socks, and sports bra as a carry-on essential for any race. I make a marathon packing list with everything I need for the race, starting with my head and working my way down.

European weather can be all over the place, so pack layers for wind, rain, or cool mornings. A lightweight rain jacket, a throwaway poncho, and a few hydration tabs are smart additions to bring with you.

What to Pack for an International Trip

In addition to your race kit, keep a few items that will keep you comfortable on your flight on a running vacation. I like to include some face wash wipes to feel fresh and a hairbrush. A an automated travel massage tool is also a nice carry-on! These items can easily go in your post-race bag so you can put yourself back together once you have your medal.

I swear by these packing cubes for organizing race day gear. They make it easier to organize and compress my race kit for my carry-on. If you need a large tote for a carry-on, this bag is extra large and is a great overnight/weekender bag. I’m also loving the idea of a backpack/suitcase and this one comes in multiple colors and can hold a 17.3″ laptop.

Pro Tip: If you’re worried about post-race soreness, pack recovery tools in your carry-on for the flight. The Original Stick is a lifesaver. The beads on the stick massage your muscles similar to a foam roller, but you can do it standing.

Tip #3: Know the Local Race Rules & Logistics

Every marathon has its quirks, so be prepared ahead of time. Do a little research and understand the local policies of the race to ensure you don’t have any surprises when your trip arrives.

Here’s what to check ahead of time:

• Medical Certificates: Some races require a doctor-signed medical certificate to participate. London and Berlin didn’t, but always double-check.
• Hydration/Fueling: Depending on the race, the beverage options may be different than you’re used to. Berlin served tea at some aid stations. If you’re used to a specific gel or drink, bring your own. Also, check the race policies for what’s allowed on the course, such as hydration packs or flasks.
• Transit and Bib Pickup: You’ll likely need your passport to collect your bib, so don’t leave it at the hotel. Also, some races (like Berlin and London) offer free public transportation on race day, so check if yours does and learn how to participate. I found this passport holder that’s Find My-enabled for my upcoming trip!

Related Post: Looking for tips to make your marathon experience special? Check out these ideas to make your marathon experience truly magical!

Tip #4: Train for the Terrain and Race Conditions

European cities are beautiful, but that beauty sometimes comes in the form of cobblestones and narrow turns. You’ll want to consider the European terrain as part of your overall conditioning.

Do your research when running a race in another country. Read reviews and understand if you need to adjust your training for the following conditions.

• If you’re running in places with older streets like Rome, Prague, or Paris, incorporate trail runs or agility work into your training.
• For spring races like London or Vienna, watch for cooler temps or rainy conditions and test gear in similar weather. It could also be warm, as it was in 2025, so be prepared for both.
• Understand the course terrain beforehand since some parts of Europe have steep mountain terrains.
• Some races start later than U.S. races, so practice eating breakfast later and training mid-morning if possible.

Related Post: Here are my recommendations for what to do in London, whether or not you’re there for the London Marathon!

Tip #5: Recover and Sightsee Strategically

If you’re staying in Europe post-race (and I hope you are), plan your itinerary with recovery in mind. After the Berlin Marathon, we went to museums in Berlin, took a train to Munich, and spent a few days eating pretzels at Oktoberfest.

Avoid booking walking activities the day before your marathon. Instead, opt for:

• Boat Cruise or Sightseeing Tour Bus: Taking a guided tour is a great way to sit and stay off your feet prior to the race. 
• Social Sitting Events: Opt for socializing sitting down when you can! Chose events like high tea or socializing in a café.
• Visit the Hotel Spa: Don’t elect for a service that’s too intense. Focus on relaxation zones for tranquility before your race.

After the race, here are some options for post-race recovery: 

• Food Tours: Get a little post-race replenishment and taste the local fare!
• Get a Massage: Your muscles might be really tender but getting a massage is one of my favorite post-race activities.
• Visit a Museum: Stay active the day after your race to help with your post-race recovery.

Final Thoughts: Make It Memorable, Not Miserable

Traveling to Europe for a marathon is a once-in-a-lifetime experience or maybe the start of a new travel tradition. With a bit of thoughtful planning, you can focus on enjoying the run, soaking in the sights, and celebrating the finish line with a croissant or pint in hand.

Have you run a marathon abroad or are you planning one? Drop your best travel tips (or your questions!) in the comments below. I’d love to hear what’s on your race calendar!

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