How to Plan a Race Week with a Campervan (Plus 5 Event-Based Itineraries)

Race weeks are usually exciting — but stressful. Hotels get expensive, gear gets cramped, and getting to the start line on time can feel like a mission.

A campervan flips that script. You get freedom, control, and a home base that moves with you. Here's how to do race week right — and 5 camper-friendly race ideas to inspire you.

🧭 Step 1: Start with the Event, Then Build the Journey

Pick your race first, then look at where you can explore nearby. Good campervan race weeks are built around gentle warm-up runs, scenic stopovers, and post-race recovery days.

🏕️ Step 2: Camp Near the Start Line (or Join a Basecamp)

No 5am taxis. No gear stress. Just roll out of your van, eat your normal breakfast, and jog to the start line.

We even run event basecamps for select races — think: shared meals, ice baths, and other runners who get it.

🥣 Step 3: Prep Your Meals + Routine

Use your camper’s kitchen to prep race-week meals. Pack your own fuel and recovery snacks. Store your gear properly. Having your kit and food exactly how you want it can be the difference between “fine” and “dialled in.”

🏃♂️ Step 4: Build In Time to Move — and to Rest

Good race-week trips aren’t packed. Plan one short run per day before the race, and a few scenic, non-run options after. Recovery is easier when your bed, fridge, and foam roller are within reach.

🧩 Five Race Week Itineraries That Work Brilliantly with a Campervan

Berlin Marathon + Saxony Scenic Road Trip
Start in Munich, build up with forest jogs and river walks, then end with the flat, fast Berlin race. Basecamp includes ice baths and shared pasta dinners. 7 night trip from €495 or €1140 per person
Cape Town Marathon + Garden Route Trail Escape
Drive west from Port Elizabeth, run cliff trails and forests, then sleep in a race-week basecamp. Post-race? Stellenbosch wine and whale watching. 8 night trip from €800
Amsterdam Half + Tulip Fields Tour (Spring Only)
Run the fast city course, then head into the countryside for flat rides, colourful fields, and Dutch lakes.
Chamonix Trail Festival + Lake Annecy Recovery Loop
Race in the Alps, then relax with glacier views and cold lake swims.
Athens Authentic Marathon + Delphi + Meteora Loop
A spiritual run followed by mythic mountains and stone monasteries. Starts historic, ends mystical.