Behind the Scenes of Our Custom Running Club Retreat in Mammoth Lakes and Yosemite
Behind the Scenes of Our Custom Running Club Retreat in Mammoth Lakes and Yosemite
After years of online training logs and virtual high-fives, we hosted an online running team so that they could meet in person for a custom running retreat in Mammoth Lakes and Yosemite National Park, California. Over fours days of one long weekend in the Eastern Sierra, we connected over singletrack trails, logged miles side by side, and discovered the power of real-life connection within their strong online community.
This retreat was designed to work for every runner—no matter their speed or experience. With multiple pace groups and distance options each day, everyone found their rhythm and their people. Some chose a more relaxed pace run through scenic runs through alpine meadows; others took on challenging climbs at high altitude trail running. What mattered most was that every runner felt supported, included, and part of something bigger than themselves.
For running coaches and club leaders, hosting a team running retreat like this is a game-changer. It deepens relationships, strengthens motivation, and transforms a virtual team into a real-world community. The shared miles, post-run meals, and mountain views create the kind of connection that lasts long after the final cooldown.
Why Your Online Running Team Needs a Real-World Retreat
Running is about connection — with nature, with movement, and with each other. While online training groups keep runners accountable, there’s something different about meeting in person. The conversations flow more easily between breaths, the laughter comes naturally, and the miles seem to pass faster when you’re sharing them side by side.
For many runners, the biggest surprise of our custom team running retreat wasn’t the scenery — it was the sense of support and community. These were teammates they’d only known through screens, suddenly cheering each other up switchbacks, sharing snacks at trail junctions, and swapping stories at nightly dinners courtesy of our retreat chef. Those moments turn a running group into a running family.
A running club team retreat is also a reset button. Away from work, schedules, and screens, runners reconnect with the simple joy of running. Coaches see their athletes in a new light. And teammates rediscover why they started running in the first place. It’s not just about pace or performance — it’s about running in beautiful places, the people, and the shared passion of challenging yourself to new running goals.
Multiple Pace Groups, One Team
We design custom running retreats for private groups to welcome every level of runner. Many of our guided and self-guided running vacations can be customized for running team retreats. With multiple pace groups and different distances and elevation gain to choose from, everyone can choose their effort each day. Each group follows a supported route with experienced trail running guides and run coaches leading the way.
Outside of the run, the group still gets a chance to connect with other running club members at meals and in post-run recovery sessions and social time. Whether that’s enjoying a post-run soak in natural hot springs like our custom Mammoth running retreat team did, or participating in afternoon team bonding sessions, there are plenty of opportunities to get to know your running teammates.
No matter your pace, the finish line feels the same: shared high-fives, tired smiles, and the satisfaction of running together.
Highlights from Our Custom Team Retreat
Whether it was the shared breakfasts in nervous anticipation of the trail running route for the day or the shared sense of fatigue and accomplishment afterwards, every moment felt like a celebration of running and connection. Runners who started the weekend as strangers left as friends — and as teammates for life.
“This trip was absolutely spectacular! Our guides, Liz, Ben and Marissa were so amazing. They made sure everyone was comfortable and well taken care of and provided a great atmosphere to help us grow as runners. The sights were amazing and even a beginner like me was able to participate! I will definitely be back!”
“What a wonderful trip! Liz, Marissa, Brigette, and Ben were amazing! All four were incredibly easy to talk to and I truly enjoyed their company. This was my first time in California and I will honestly remember it forever. I loved all of the trails they picked for our runs and the other activities they planned. I will definitely be coming back and look forward to my next Runcation adventure!”
Why Coaches and Clubs Host Custom Retreats
For coaches and running club leaders, a custom running retreat is one of the most effective ways to build trust and loyalty. It strengthens your community and keeps athletes engaged long-term.
At Runcation Travel, we handle all the details — from route planning and logistics to lodging, meals, and transport — so you can focus on connecting with your athletes and enjoying a new trail running experience. Whether you want a weekend getaway or a full week of running and relaxation, we’ll tailor the experience to fit your team.
You can learn more about our custom running retreats here. For inspiration, check out our guided and self-guided offerings in Yosemite and Mammoth Lakes, the Italian Dolomites, the Tour du Mont Blanc, Slovenia, the Balkans, Pyrenees, Patagonia, and more! Most of our trips can be customized for a private running group to fit your levels. To learn more about trip difficulty and trip levels as well as different options in style of accommodations for a trail running trip, visit here.
Real Connection Starts With Shared Miles
Whether you coach a global online running team or lead a local run club, a custom team retreat offers something no training app can replicate: genuine connection. With flexible pace groups, supportive logistics, and beautiful trails, every runner finds their stride — and every team leaves stronger.
