“What if I’m too slow? Will I hold the group back?”
We receive these questions daily. And we get it—the running world is obsessed with personal bests and podium spots. Will a running tour be any different?
Yes. At Rogue Expeditions, we prioritize place over pace.
Our trips take you to run the world’s most beautiful places, from the Cliffs of Moher of Ireland to the Torres del Paine National Park of Patagonia.
Here are your most common pace questions, answered:
Q: Will I be too slow for a running trip?
There’s no such thing as “too slow” on a Rogue Expeditions trip. Whether you run an 8:00-minute mile or prefer a 13:00-minute pace, you’ll be in good company.
While a few of our itineraries—like the Dolomites in Italy or the Balkans in Albania—require a higher level of fitness, the vast majority are accessible to a wide range of speeds and experience levels.
Q: What’s the average pace range on your trips?
A: Much wider than you’d expect! Here are the actual training paces from our a recent running trip to Iceland:
- 8:00-9:00 min/mile
- 9:00 min/mile
- 9:15 min/mile
- 9:40 min/mile
- 9-10 min/mile
- 10:00 min/mile
- 13:00 min/mile
- 16:00 min/mile
That’s a spread from roughly 5:45 min/km to 10:00 min/km.
Each trip is intentionally designed to be able to accommodate all paces. Most trips see a similar distribution and most runners fall in the middle.
Besides the effect that running on unfamiliar roads and new terrain can have on your expected pace, so much of the joy of these tours comes from taking in the landscapes – from South African vineyards to Nicaraguan volcanoes – at a comfortable rhythm.
Q: How do you accommodate different paces during the runs?
A: Our two-guide system ensures nobody gets left behind or feels rushed.
On every Rogue Expeditions trip, we operate with a minimum of two guides:
- The Lead Guide runs at the front, marking the route, checking conditions, and making sure nobody takes a wrong turn.
- The Sweep Guide stays with the final runners, providing company, support, and often sharing the best local stories and insights along the way.
This system creates a “moving bubble” where all runners fall somewhere between the two guides. You’ll naturally find others running at your pace, or you can choose to run solo if that’s your preference.
Q: Will I be holding up the group if I’m a slower runner?
A: Absolutely not.
Every run ends with time to regroup—over lunch, a dip in the pool, or a post-run shower. Those who finish earlier simply eat, relax, or rinse off while others finish up.
Support vehicles meet the group at natural points along the route, offering water, snacks, photo ops, and moments to take in the scenery together. Then, everyone continues at their own pace.
These trails might be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The locals who’ve run them for years? They pause for the views, greet neighbors, and soak it all in. You should, too.
Q: What if I want to stop for photos or can’t complete the full distance?
A: Every day offers multiple route options with varying distances.
Some days you might feel strong and ready for every mile. Other days, you might run half the planned route and spend the rest of the morning chatting and sipping espresso at a mountainside café.
Support vehicles are always available if you want to cut a run short or skip sections.
Need to shed layers as the morning warms up? Hand them to the vehicle crew.
Feeling tired after a challenging climb? Hop in—we’ll drive you to the next scenic viewpoint where the group is gathering.
Q: What trips are best for runners who are concerned about pace?
A: We have several trips specifically well-suited for diverse pace groups:
Morocco: Gorges & Sahara
Run past ancient kasbahs and palm oases on smooth dirt roads and pavement with full vehicle support on every run. Daily runs range from 3 to 13 miles, and the terrain is mostly flat to gently rolling, making it perfect for runners of all abilities.
Ireland: The Classic Route
Mix road and trail running through County Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula. The “take your time” approach here might mean stopping to pose with sheep, marvel at castle ruins, or duck into a pub when the weather turns. Daily routes offer options from 4 to 12 miles.
Run Alpe-Adria: Slovenia & Croatia
Slovenia and Croatia offer hidden trails where you can pull fresh figs from trees mid-run, pause for espresso in medieval villages, or take a midday dip in the Adriatic. Daily runs range from 4 to 10 miles, with gentle valley trails and optional mountain climbs for those seeking more challenge.
Q: How should I prepare for a running trip if I’m worried about keeping up?
A: Focus on time on feet, not pace.
The best preparation for a running trip is simply getting comfortable being on your feet for the duration you’ll be running each day. Most of our trips feature daily runs ranging from 1-3 hours, with options for more or less.
If you can comfortably run for 1-2 hours a couple of times a week, you’re well-prepared for most trips.
Some hill training in your training may help, especially if you’re headed toward the Italian Dolomites or the Accursed Mountains of our Balkans trip, but they’re not essential for every destination.
These are running vacations, not marathons or training camps.
You’ll be stopping for photos, water breaks, and to simply absorb the spectacular surroundings. Many runners tell us they’re surprised by how manageable the daily distances feel when broken up this way.
Running with Rogue Means Running At Your Pace
Every run on a Rogue Expeditions trip is exactly that—your run. Run it at your pace. Stop when something catches your eye. Take that photo. Drink in that view.
These could be the most beautiful runs of your life. Why rush through them?
When you’re ready for inspiration, take a look at our upcoming run tour schedule here. For anything else, you’re always welcome to send us a message.
