Traveling across the world for a few days of skiing or a beach escape has long been the norm. But lately, more people are packing their bags for a different kind of holiday: a running vacation. The growing trend of runcations is all about going on trips with one main focus: to explore through the lens of a long run.
Described by National Geographic as “part sport, part pilgrimage” runcations blend fitness with sightseeing, taking enthusiasts everywhere from remote wilderness trails to bustling cities. And although a runcation can be perfectly executed as a solo mission, it seems that for most runners, it’s not just about clocking miles, but about time together.
Strava’s 2024 Year in Sport report revealed a 59 percent increase in global participation in running clubs, many of which started organizing trips for their members. With a strong focus on community, these events offer a chance to meet new friends and build relationships with like-minded people.
In addition, running is a great way to sightsee, allowing you to truly experience the places you visit and connect with them more closely, especially if you rely on local guides. ”[It] becomes a vehicle for having enriching cultural experiences that are completely outside the norm,” says Elinor Fish, former editor at Trail Runner magazine.
In 2010, Fish went ahead of the curve and founded Run Wild Retreats, a women-only running and wellness tour operator. Today, the company operates within a rapidly growing ecosystem of running holiday providers that offer everything from intimate backcountry retreats to large-scale race travel packages.
Marathon tourism is another growing trend, and it involves participating in a well-established race and building a city break around it. In Europe, the most popular are London, Berlin and Paris, while in the U.S.. Boston, New York and Chicago draw the biggest crowds. And although an urban marathon holiday tends to be easier to organize than an ultra-trail trip, statistics show that most runners prefer to travel in groups. With 59 percent of marathon participants staying between three and five nights at their destination, they provide a significant boost to the local economy.
Running travel’s popularity also creates opportunities for less popular destinations such as Hungary’s Budapest, whose annual race is drawing an increasing number of foreign visitors or, far from the city’s bustle, France’s Bordeaux. The Médoc Marathon, through its picturesque vineyards, has recently become something of an esoteric revelation for the running community, with participants hydrating on… wine.
Whether opting for wild trails or historic streets, running holidays are proving to be more than a passing trend. And the best part? You don’t even have to travel far to enjoy a fabulous runcation. As running offers a fresh way to engage with your surroundings, you might just uncover hidden gems on nearby public lands or in a city you’ve never had reason to visit.
