Long-distance running events are no longer limited to simply completing the 26.2 mile (42 kilometer) mark in one's hometown. A new trend has swept the running community: the "race-cation".
What was once a distinct personal interest has become a global phenomenon.
The Year in Sport Trend report by running tracker app Strava shows a 9 percent rise in marathon and ultra-participation over the past twelve months.
According to the 2024 Global Runner Survey conducted by Running USA, runners rank location as the most important factor when selecting a race.
Transforming race schedules into travel plans
This trend, often referred to as "marathon tourism", sees an increasing number of runners converting their race calendars into travel itineraries at exotic locations.
coach Roel Spierings.
People find travel to be more appealing as we can afford it, view it as a source of enjoyment, and experience a sense of accomplishment.
is over.
As work-life balance becomes more flexible and health-focused lifestyles become more popular, running in bucket list locales now offers an activities option filled with purpose and excitement for people seeking leisure time pursuits.
Taking pictures in front of the Eiffel Tower is now being replaced with photos showcasing medals you've won with hard work and dedication," says Gauri Jayaram, the founder of Active Holiday Company. "Twenty years ago, socialising centred around pubs and is now a mainstay at running clubs.
Marathon tourism generates significant economic benefits for destinations participating in the event.
Industry specialists and survey data both indicate that marathon tourism is here to stay. In 2024, the New York City Marathon established a new benchmark with more than 55,000 finishers, exceeding preceding records held by the Paris and Berlin Marathons earlier that year.
Seventy-five percent of respondents from Running USA's survey plan to compete in the same number or even more competitions in 2025.
and their travel companions.
Valencia promotes itself as the City of Running, providing guidance on popular jogging spots and hotels catering to the needs of runners, according to Jayaram.
Destinations with marathons can no longer be limited to the 'Big Six', which include Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, New York City, and Tokyo, drawing hundreds of millions of euros in local spending annually.
Fill up on your choice of drinks or sustenance, the Midnight Sun Marathon in Norway and the Petra Marathon in Jordan.
Most marathon runners travel in the company of friends or colleagues, with many preferring groups of two or three. Others opt for organized group tours, often led by specialist travel companies, which typically cater to a limited number of participants, fostering a sense of camaraderie and community.
Instead of just staying for a couple of nights, nearly 6 in 10 runners prolong their stay to three to five nights or extend their trip to other nearby tourist attractions.
Individuals who have successfully completed the London Marathon may then choose to travel to the Isle of Skye in the Scottish Highlands for a couple of nights in a natural setting.
The extended stays emphasize the marathon's significance as a multi-day event that positively impacts hotels, restaurants, and local attractions.
‘You’re really running alongside the wild’: Why People Run Marathons
Extreme physical challenges offer considerable psychological benefits, particularly when combined with the excitement of visiting unfamiliar destinations.
Heat, and the transformation that typically takes place.
One of the most memorable experiences for Spierings was the For Rangers Ultramarathon, a five-day, 250-kilometer stage race through five Kenyan national parks.
He vividly remembers running alongside wild animals in a completely self-sufficient setting.
.
Beyond personal fulfillment, Spierings believes that travel amplifies the psychological rewards: "You have to combine the suffering with the environment. The adventure makes you want to play the game."
Participating in a race can also provide you with unique travel experiences.
"The Great Wall Marathon or the Mont-Blanc, for instance, are running events that showcase the destination of the run," says Jayaram.
Quite frequently, it provides the opportunity to experience something extraordinary like running through historical landmarks or running on an iconic bridge, as is the case in Lisbon, which might not otherwise be accessible.
Achieving a balance between leisure and rivalry requires a thoughtful approach.
and climate shifts.
It is advisable to arrive a few days in advance to adapt to different time zones and weather conditions. The day prior to the event, ensure you have prepared your equipment properly. Prior to the race, it is essential to get sufficient rest and eat well, and avoid making drastic changes to your diet at the last minute.
Rest assured, no need to alter your entire routine, the work is complete, and any final changes won't have any significant impact.
These travel obstacles make the ultimate achievement even more fulfilling. "That's why it has to be abroad; it has to be challenging, and you need to have people around you to share it with," he says.
