Vermont is known for its beautiful forests, unbelievable mountains, world-class hiking trails, and delicious local foods. Combine all of those elements together, and you get a must-visit destination for running – and the ideal spot for a running camp Vermont.
As famous for the Green Mountain National Forest as being the home for Ben & Jerry’s, Vermont is a great place to get some serious running in (followed by some seriously delicious ice cream).
A running camp in Vermont can help you take your running more seriously. With many of them happening in September, this could be the challenging (and charming!) running retreat you need to get you in shape for your fall race.
So, if you’re looking for a running camp Vermont, you’re in the right place. Below you’ll find our regularly updated guide to adult running camps in the Green Mountain State so you can find the just-right camp for you.
Why Train For Trail Runs In Vermont?
Known for its luscious hiking trails that lead to mountaintops with expansive views, it’s no surprise Vermont is a popular trail running destination.
After all, from fresh air to a nearly bottomless supply of maple syrup, what more could runners ask for? An endless number of forested mountains to run up and down?
Well, Vermont has that, too. These are just a sampling of trail runners favorite places to run in Vermont:
- Camel’s Hump State Park
- Green Mountain National Forest
- CC Putnam State Forest
- Underhill State Park
- Mount Philo State Park
- Moosalamoo National Recreation Area
- Mount Mansfield State Forest
When there is so much choice, it can help to have some experts guide us to the ideal spots. That’s why these running camps in Vermont have become so popular.
Top Picks For Running Camp Vermont
Below you’ll find our picks for Vermont running camps, along with a brief description of the kinds of trail running you’ll do there, the length of the camp, and where to go for more information.
Running Camp Vermont #1: Craftsbury Women’s Running Camp
If you want to train in one of the most beautiful spots in Vermont while also being surrounded by greatness, the Craftsbury Outdoor Center is not a bad spot to be. This cross-country ski center (where Olympians regularly train), offers training in skiing, sculling, biathlon, cycling, and running.
Craftsbury prides themselves on over 40 years of “expert coaching, camaraderie, local food and an unmatched natural environment,” making this an ideal setting for a challenging, engaging running retreat.
This four-day running retreat brings a more holistic approach to running, using body and mind training to focus and embrace the runner’s body, runner’s mindset, and runner’s dreams.
What makes this a great spot for a trail running camp is more than just their athletic pedigree, it’s their commitment to the land that makes that training possible. By prioritizing stewardship of the land and sustainability, they’re a leading example of what it means to have a responsible relationship with the land.
Plus, the dining hall you’ll enjoy meals at is made up of 50% fresh, local ingredients – something to look forward to after a great day on the trails.
This Vermont running camp for women takes place from Thursday, September 15th, 2022 to Sunday, September 18th, 2022.
Learn more about Craftsbury’s Women’s Running Retreat here. Keep an eye on their other camps on their regularly updated schedule here.
Running Camp Vermont #2: Run Wild Retreats Vermont Trail Running Wellness Retreat
Set at the base of Stowe Mountain, Vermont’s highest peak, this Vermont Trail Running Wellness Retreat by Run Wild Retreats is as much about getting in great runs as it is prioritizing your overall wellness.
We’ll start with what makes this an ideal Vermont run camp: as a low-mileage running retreat, beginners get to learn the fundamentals of trail running in one of the country’s best trail running environments. Gentle rolling hills through forests of changing foliage – and a waterfall run! – are a powerful way to learn to connect regular runs with the beauty of nature.
That beauty is accentuated with an emphasis on wellness and mindfulness through guided mindful run-walks, yoga, hot tubs, and time spent at the stunning Lodge at Spruce Peak.
This running camp takes place Saturday, September 24, 2022 through Tuesday, September 27th, 2022.
Get the day-by-day details and sign-up for Run Wild Retreat’s Vermont trail running camp here.
Running Camp Vermont #3: Run Wild Retreats Vermont Trail Running + Culinary Retreat
Whether you run to eat or eat to run, you’ll be in good company at Run Wild Retreat’s Vermont Trail Running + Culinary Retreat in Burlington, Vermont.
This women-only, four-day retreat combines an appreciation for the beauty of the environment with the culinary excellence of Vermont.
Runners will enjoy a balance of trail runs in Vermont mindfulness and meditation, access to a full-service spa, and cooking classes at the Essex, one of New England’s top culinary resorts.
From cooking classes to a private farm-to-table dining experience, this retreat is one that helps its women runners connect more fully to the delights of the region.
This camp takes place Sunday, September 17th, 2023 and goes until Wednesday, September 20th, 2023 in Essex, Vermont.
Running Camp Vermont #4: Womens Quest Vermont Adventure Retreat
Need a Vermont run adventure that’s more than just running? Then you’ll want to see what Womens Quest puts on each September!
With a base camp at the Trout Club nestled on a private lake and direct access to the 256-mile Long Trail, you’ll be in prime position to enjoy the adventure. And oh, the adventures you’ll have!
In addition to hiking, biking, canoeing, and yoga, you’ll also have access to trail running through the gorgeous Vermont forests.
(Plus, there may or may not be a scheduled tour of the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream factory.)
For more on this Vermont running retreat, including the September 2023 dates, check out Womens Quest’s official page.
Where To Run In Vermont
Even if you’re not able to make it to one of these Vermont running camps, there’s still plenty of running out there for you in the Green Mountain State.
Great Runs, one of our favorite resources for local runs, has a number of great places to run in Vermont, including runs in Craftsbury, Burlington, and Stowe.
For some scenic Vermont road running, the Covered Bridges Half Marathon is a charming crowd-pleaser (and some call it the best road race in New England, so that’s something).
And if you’re looking for other races to run in Vermont, you can see what’s upcoming on Running In The USA’s Vermont page.
If you’d just like to hit the Vermont trail runs for some expansive views, the Trail Run Project has a formidable directory of trails, including 308 easy Vermont trails, 379 intermediate trails, and 104 difficult trails. Just think of all the maple syrup you can enjoy after all that elevation gain!
Find Your Next Run Adventure
Looking for other running retreats in the U.S.? Want to run while you see the world? From running camps to trial run adventures, we’ve got plenty of US-based and international running experiences to check out on Voyoji.
