The Business of Run-cations

Race organizers are cashing in on the trend by offering full-blown tour packages. Hrefna Hlin Sveinbjörnsdóttir, director of the Reykjavik Marathon, has partnered with international travel agencies to bundle races with classic sightseeing. "It’s the whole package. You come, see a stunning country, and run with us," she says. Reykjavik also offers shorter distances to attract "regular people who just started their running era."

"Running a city is the ultimate way to hack sightseeing. You see the landmarks without the traffic and with a crowd cheering your name," notes a fitness editor at GQ.

While some run for the post-race beers, others fly halfway across the world for extreme challenges. Management consultant Jack Levy tackled an ultramarathon in the Argentine Patagonia. El Cruce is a three-day, 100km (approx. 62 miles) race involving thousands of feet of elevation gain through mountain passes.

Levy and his colleagues "built a whole trip around it." They spent a few days in Buenos Aires before flying to the mountains for the race, followed by a week of trekking through Patagonia. "The scenery was unreal. It was the kind of trip I never would have taken if it weren't for the run," he shared.

Why is Active Travel Exploding?

As Levy noted, "nothing beats the feeling of doing something like this in a group." It’s a recurring theme: racing gives a vacation a sense of purpose and collective pride that you just don't get from the usual beer-and-ice-cream conveyor belt. The global obsession with Strava and community runs like Parkrun (a 5K series born in London but now a global phenomenon) has made running abroad feel accessible and social.

Gillibrand, the marathon veteran, is seeing more friends eager to join his run-cation squad. Journalist Daphne Bugler ran half-marathons in Verona and Stockholm last year and has Madrid on the calendar for April. For her, racing with friends is a "shared experience." Even when you pin on that bib, there’s a sense of community that leads to more conversations with strangers than a typical vacation. It’s good for the body, but even better for the soul.

Upcoming Bucket-List Races for Marathon Tourists

Midnight Sun Run, Reykjavik

Beyond the main marathon in August, Reykjavik hosts an evening half-marathon in June. Thanks to Iceland's northern latitude, it stays bright as day. "We start at 9 PM and finish around midnight," says Sveinbjörnsdóttir. Afterward, you can soak in the country's famous geothermal hot springs until dawn. (June 19)

The Great Wall Marathon, China

The Great Wall stretches over 13,000 miles, so you could technically run hundreds of marathons there, but just one (or a half) is enough for a lifetime of bragging rights. This race is seeing a massive surge in popularity as China’s domestic running scene booms. (May 17)

Valencia, Spain

This race is a runner favorite for its flat and fast course. "Valencia was the best route I’ve ever run. They turned old waterways into sunken parks, and you run right through them, past the museum complex and over the water. It’s incredibly cool," says Maycock. (Oct 26 — Half-Marathon, Dec 7 — Marathon)

Boston Marathon, USA

The Holy Grail of marathons. It’s the world’s oldest annual marathon, running since 1897. It’s notoriously difficult due to the rolling hills, including the infamous Heartbreak Hill near the end. Few races offer the same level of history and electric atmosphere. (April 21)

Lake Garda, Italy

This relatively new race traces the northern shores of Italy’s stunning Lake Garda. "The scenery is fantastic: mountains, tiny villages, and the lake itself. It feels like a massive local race but with an international crowd," says Gillibrand. For those looking to extend the trip, Milan and Venice are just a two-hour drive away. (April 6)

Recommended products

Filson

24 Hour Tin Cloth Briefcase

Shop

Oakley

Tincan Hat

Shop

Filson

Tin Cloth Bush Hat

Shop