Running Vacations
Sprinting into Summer Vacation
ZAP Endurance Running Vacations are ideal for runners of all ages and with any type of goal, be it performance or fitness. Looking to run your first 5k?…Improve your marathon? Come to the mountains and achieve your goals!
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Blue Ridge Running Vacation
At Chetola Resort
Retreat to the Blue Ridge Mountains to relax, let running be the focus of your days, and explore all the high country has to offer. This week is perfect for beginners and experienced runners alike with daily runs catered to all levels as well as plenty of time to relax in the mountains while escaping the summer heat.
We will touch on all aspects of training, including nutrition, strength training, running form, the mental side, individualized video analysis and small break out groups on injury prevention. Additionally, you’ll get the opportunity to soar in the Blue Ridge canopy during our zip lining excursion. Our goal with this week, as with all of our running vacations, is to create an informative and truly unique running experience.
Our goal with this week, as with all of our running vacations, is to create an informative and truly unique running experience.
The upscale accommodations at Chetola Resort offer an unparalleled experience and easy access to Moses Cone National Park and downtown Blowing Rock.
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Half Marathon & Marathon Weekend
At Chetola Resort
Looking to make the most of your training or simply learn more about how to best approach the half or full? This weekend in September is another opportunity to kick off or put the final touches on your fall half marathon or full marathon training.
In addition, for first timers, this weekend is an excellent introduction to these unique distances. In this 4 day running vacation we will answer all your questions from nutrition to mileage as well as share some tips on how to mentally and physically prepare yourself in the final weeks before the big day.
We pack a lot into a short period of time, but the first-class accommodations at Chetola will make the entire weekend feel like a relaxing getaway.
Running Vacations FAQs
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What is included with my registration cost?
All your food and lodging are included with the price. Not included in the price are optional services such as massage & spa treatments that you may book through Chetola Resort at an additional cost as well as our airport shuttle service. We will have an airport shuttle from the Charlotte Airport for the price of $40 each way, or $80 round-trip. Pickup time at the airport in Charlotte will be 12:45pm on the first day of your session, and your departure flight should be booked at 1:00pm or later the final day of your session.
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What is the cancellation policy?
Your $300 deposit is non-refundable and will reserve your place in camp. If you choose to pay the full amount and cancel before May 1, 2023 we will refund the amount paid in excess of the $300 deposit less the registration and processing fees ($5.60 + 4.57% of the amount paid). You will be invoiced for any remaining balance due on April 15, 2023. Any remaining balance must be paid in full by May 1, 2023 or your registration will be cancelled. After May 1, 2023 the full payment is non-refundable.
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What does a day at ZAP look like?
We have a sample schedule available under the description for each week or weekend on the Running Vacation page.
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Do I have to share a room?
No, we have both single and shared rooms available. You will have the option to select your preference on the registration page. All rooms come with a private, full bathroom.
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Where are you located?
The location for all sessions is Chetola Resort, 185 Chetola Lake Drive Blowing Rock, NC 28605.
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What airport should I fly into?
The closest, and typically most affordable airport, is Charlotte Douglas International airport. It is located approximately 1hr 45min drive from ZAP. Greensboro, Asheville, and Bristol (TN) are also located approximately 2 hours away. We will only provide a shuttle (at the additional cost of $40 each way) from the Charlotte airport. The shuttle will depart from the airport at approximately 12:45pm the day each session begins and will arrive back at the airport at roughly 11:45am the day each session concludes. You should book your return flight on the final day of your session no earlier than 1:00pm.
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How fast do I need to be to come to ZAP?
This is the biggest concern for most people, and we cannot emphasize this enough – we have all abilities attend every session. We have everyone from true beginners who run/walk to those who qualify for Boston every year and everything in between. All of the runs are at your own pace and there is absolutely no speed requirement to come, learn and enjoy some fantastic runs. We have plenty of time for each of our runs for everyone to run the pace appropriate for them.
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What is the average age of attendees?
We have everyone from runners in the early to mid-20’s to their upper 70’s. Our average age is 40-50.
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What is the session capacity?
Our capacity for each session is roughly 25 people.
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How can I contact someone with other questions?
Please feel free to contact us with any questions at: zapendurance@gmail.com or call 828-295-6196
What to expect from your Running Vacation
The summer of 2024 will be our 22nd year of ZAP Running Vacations and we are excited to host our sessions at Chetola Resort in downtown Blowing Rock.
At Chetola guests will stay in 3-4 bedroom condos located in the 78-acre resort. Most bedrooms have a single king or queen bed while some have 2 twin beds. Each bedroom has it’s own bathroom, and the condos have shared living spaces. The condos are near each other and a short walk to Moses Cone Park. You can find more information on Chetola’s amenities and housing here. All of our running vacations are all-inclusive.
Come join us in the mountains, and work towards your goals in idyllic setting surrounded by runners who love this sport as much as you do. Here’s what to expect from your running vacation:
- Daily Runs with our staff and athletes
- All-Inclusive experience
- Personalized Coaching
- Expert staff to lecture on training theory, programs, nutrition, and more
- Time to relax and enjoy the surrounding area
- Planned excursions and more!
Why come? A camper’s experience
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What was your experience like at ZAP Endurance?
I have attended eight ZAP Endurance camps or its predecessor, Maine Running Camp. The first year I attended I kept notes from each lecture or seminar I attended. With all my previous running experience, I could not believe how much I learned. Eight years later, I have the same notebook. It is filled with notes from every talk from each year’s camp. I’ll take it with me when I return this July.
Because of the magnificent mountain trails, the running is invigorating and relaxing. All runs are flexible to meet the needs of each runner.
With the running, seminars and other activities, there is still plenty of time to relax and enjoy the Blue Ridge Mountains and Blackberry Canyon. Although there are plenty of activities to keep you busy, nothing is mandatory, not even the runs. You set your own schedule and no one bothers you. I always find time for a late afternoon nap in the hammock. Remember, it is a vacation.
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Why did you decide to go?
I had taken some time off from running and I was looking for something to get me started back. The scenery around the camp looked beautiful and the dirt carriage running trails were inviting. The price was extremely affordable. The pleasant surprise was the amount I learned about running, fitness, diet, strength and stretching, and race tactics. The most unforeseen plus was the friendships I made with other campers. At the Rocket City Marathon last December I ran into a member of the camp staff from 1999. I immediately started recalling his talk on running and aging and how his points had come true as I have gotten older. I travel a great deal on business and I occasionally get to run with someone I met from camp who lives in another state. I have even been in the wedding party of a couple I met at camp.
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What has it done for you?
Listening to running greats like Bill Rodgers and legendary coaches who attended ZAP, I have improved my running and fitness. Two years ago I learned a new approach to running hills and it has helped my racing. Also, I am better at avoiding injury. I have developed a better understanding of the history of the sport and a keener sense of its perspective.
The staff is knowledgeable, friendly and approachable. At the end of camp, each person sits with one of the coaches and develops a personalized running program.
Also, I have a network of running friends throughout the world that I keep in touch with or get a chance to visit on occasion.
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Why would you recommend someone to the camp?
The purpose of camp is to improve your running. Your goal could be anything from setting PR’s to qualifying for the Boston Marathon to running your first 5K. Many people think they are not good enough to attend a running camp. At ZAP it is not about how good you are, it’s about how good you want to be. Take a look at the camp photos on the ZAP website. You’ll find someone in those pictures who resembles you.
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What was the highlight of your experience?
The people, first and foremost (coaches and campers) is the main reason I love this vacation and will keep returning. Love the camaraderie, energy, positivity, fresh air, loved Chetola and the beautiful scenery, good food choices, liked the running routes (such a nice change from city running), I always learn something new… mostly I love coming away feeling completely refreshed, inspired, and rejuvenated by all the incredible stories and seeing old friends and making new ones. ZAP is wonderful and I am a big fan. I hope to return every summer for many years to come. Thank you!
Our Summer Staff
Each summer we at ZAP bring you a diverse, well informed and energetic staff. Our knowledgeable staff and guest speakers will educate and challenge you to be your best. Our 2023 staff includes…