Immersive wellness festival Runningman returns for second year, September 13-15

The Drop: Runningman is set to return to Kingston Downs in Rome, Georgia, from September 13-15, 2024. The event offers a diverse range of activities including running, yoga, saunas, cold plunges, and educational sessions.

The Details: A unique running and wellness festival

Co-founded by Jesse Itzler, Devon Levesque, and Olympian Chris Hauth, Runningman is aiming to build on the success of its inaugural 2023 event, which attracted over 1,000 participants.

The festival’s centerpiece is a unique race format set on a one-mile grass loop. Runners can choose any distance from 5k to 50k over an eight-hour period. Last year, over 85% of Runningman attendees surpassed their initial set distance goal.

Runningman’s unique race format set on a one-mile grass loop. (Credit: Runningman)

The continuous loop format allows participants to create connections. Unlike traditional races that have a linear start and finish, the Runningman format allows for continuous interactions with friends and strangers throughout the entire race no matter the pace.

“There is so much going on at Runningman,” says co-founder Devon Levesque. “Plus, the ability to interact is unmatched. You get to run or walk alongside people that you only hear on podcasts or see on social media. You’re never far from some of the best minds in wellness or the best runners in the world.”

The first Runningman attracted over 1,000 participants. (Credit: Runningman)

Runningman is also “home to the world’s largest sauna.” The 4,500-square-foot sauna boasts 25 wood-burning stoves and is equipped with a DJ booth, couches, and lounge chairs. Surrounding the sauna are various cold plunges and recovery stations, allowing attendees to experience contrast therapy and optimize their recovery

What else you can expect at the 2nd annual Runningman:

• Breakout Sessions with Industry Leaders: Intimate breakout sessions happening all day, every day. Hear from industry leaders in health, wellness, and fitness.
• Inspirational Speakers: Hear from top speakers in personal development, mindset, running, and wellness. Last year’s speakers included: Rich Roll, Harvey Lewis, Courtney Dauwauter, and Mat Fraser.
• Live Music: Runningman features an outdoor stage and hosts incredible live entertainment and DJs.
• Yoga, Breathwork, and Cold Plunge: Throughout the weekend, join master instructors leading guided yoga, breathwork, and cold plunge sessions.
• Amazing Vendors: Explore leading brands in fitness and wellness ranging from recovery and performance to healthy fuel and hydration products at the Runningman Vendor Village.
• Expert-Led Training Plans: Leading up to the event, attendees have access to training plans built by world-class coaches, including two-time Olympian Chris Hauth.

Runningman’s outdoor stage hosts expert talks, music, and more. (Credit: Runningman)

“Runningman is in a league of its own. No other running or wellness event offers a festival-type experience like this,” adds co-founder Jesse Itzler. “We built the world’s largest sauna. We partnered with brands to set up experiences that you can’t find anywhere else. We have incredible speakers to learn from, and our unique race format allows people to choose any race distance to walk or run.”

The festival offers on-site accommodation options, including self-supported camping and glamping upgrades. Off-site options are also available at nearby hotels and rental properties.

Where to buy tickets

Tickets for Runningman this September start at $395 and can be purchased online here. Tickets are limited and be quick as the organizers expect the event to sell out fast.