The latest travel trend that’s taking off is all about merging your passion for exploration with a good run. Imagine pounding the pavements of a historic piazza in Tuscany or feeling the refreshing chill of a Pacific Northwest forest. Running vacations are here, and they uniquely blend adventure with a healthy lifestyle, offering a fresh way to see the world.
According to the Travel Trend Report by Accor, athletic excursions are one of the hottest travel trends for 2025, showing a phenomenal 50% spike in “workout holidays” compared to last year. The report highlights several factors fueling this excitement: interest in global sporting events, setting personal fitness goals, and finding races that allow a mix of physical challenge and cultural exploration.
Remember, running on vacation isn’t about breaking your personal best or pushing your limits in training – it’s about experiencing a new area. You’ll see way more than just walking and feel far more connected than if you’re stuck in a car or on public transport. Plus, trading in treadmill time for the outdoors turns a potentially exhausting war on calories into a rejuvenating adventure. Even a little exercise while you travel can chase away jet lag and boost your mood. The days of isolating jogs in empty hotel gyms are over; today’s “runcations” celebrate the spirit of fitness, culture, and beautiful scenery.
Choosing Your Perfect Running Vacation
If you’re gearing up for a running vacation, there’s a vibe for everyone—from hardcore marathon runners to laid-back trail enthusiasts. Whether you’re roaming an urban environment or exploring the great outdoors, you can opt for organized group trips, guided escapades, or plan your very own DIY itinerary. Moreover, if you’re aiming for epic athletic goals, keep in mind the famous World Marathon Majors: London, Tokyo, Boston, Berlin, Chicago, and New York, each with the prestigious “major” label as declared by the International Olympic Committee.
For beginners, the awesome folks over at Runner’s World are recommending several half-marathons that strike a perfect balance: supportive, stunning, and not too gnarly. Don’t miss events in Detroit during the fall, Houston for winter fun, New York City bursting with spring vibes, and the sun-kissed landscapes of Madison, Wisconsin in summer. For a whimsical touch, the Disney Princess Half-Marathon in Orlando will let you run through magical parks!
If you’re after more than just one country, consider the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB), a breathtaking run stretching 100 miles through Italy, France, and Switzerland. Doug Mayer, the author of “The Race That Changed Running: The Inside Story of the UTMB”, established his travel company, Run the Alps, after countless adventures in the Alps and Andes. Mayer conveys, “It’s tough to talk about the Alps without sounding cliché. Yet, here’s your truth – trail running here is absolutely unbeatable.”
Maximizing Enjoyment on Your Running Journey
When selecting your getaway, make sure it meshes with your running skills and routines. You definitely don’t want to underestimate yourself and turn down an exhilarating experience, nor do you want to overreach and find yourself facing injuries or extreme discomfort. Outdoor expert Jennifer Malloy candidly shares her lessons learned on Outside: “Regardless if you’re a seasoned runner or this is your first multi-day trail trek, be realistic. I overdid it during the Walker’s Haute Route in Switzerland, aiming to finish in four days instead of the five I truly required. By day three, I was too drained to enjoy all the sights, resorting to gondolas and buses to get to my resting spot.”
These journeys prioritize athleticism, but they’re also fantastic opportunities to meet fellow running enthusiasts who share your interests. Reddit user kellyaolson recalled a three-day Rogue River Trail hike in Oregon, covering a solid 40 miles with river guides who managed their bags, prepared meals, and provided cozy lodging along the scenic route. She noted: “While it wasn’t luxurious, it was a different kind of fun, filled with new stories and experiences from my fellow runners.”
Interestingly, author Doug Mayer discovered his significant other at the Tor des Géants, a stunning 186-mile trail race in Italy’s beautiful Val d’Aosta. Although a romantic match isn’t a usual fixture of planning a running adventure, sometimes your heart races in more ways than expected!
