In August 2021, Elizabeth Arnold and her daughter embarked on a trip to Greece from Denver, Colorado, but their plans didn’t include lounging on Mykonos beaches or visiting Athens’ historic sites.
Instead, they explored the rugged coastal path of Kastro in Sifnos, stopping to enjoy the sound of a piano drifting from a nearby window, breathing in the fresh scent of crushed eucalyptus, and dipping their toes in the clear waters.
For Arnold, who has been a long-time runner and leads retreats, traveling and running naturally go hand in hand. And she’s not an outlier.
The trend of “runcations,” where vacations revolve around running, is growing. These range from destination races to resorts that feature lovely trails, even hotels with dedicated “running concierges.”
Interest in runcations has surged since the pandemic, as many shifted to running for fitness while gyms were shut down. The role of social media and the rise of running clubs has also played a part, attracting newer participants to the sport.
Strava’s report for 2026 noted a remarkable 59% increase in global participation in running clubs, with the number of clubs surpassing 1 million.
According to a 2026 trend analysis from TripAdvisor, “sweat” travel, focusing on sports and activities, is becoming one of the quickest-growing sectors in tourism. Predictions from Accor suggest “athletic adventures” will dominate, with a 50% rise in searches for “workout vacations.”
Runcations generally fall into two categories: those centered on races and those where running serves as the main method of exploring a location. As interest builds, more hotels and resorts are offering guided runs, specialized routes, wellness initiatives, and additional amenities.
Marathons Around the World
Molly Baker, 34, has run since childhood and often arranges her holidays around destination marathons. When there are no races planned, she and her husband still gravitate toward locations that are runner-friendly.
“I’m not really drawn to the Caribbean because it’s hard to run on some islands,” Baker remarked. During a recent trip to St. Barths for her babymoon, she managed to stick to her routine. “There was this teeny gym with enormous windows overlooking the ocean where I could run.”
Typically, these races mark the beginning of further adventures.
“I usually run a marathon first and then travel,” she explained. After completing the Tokyo Marathon, the couple explored Kyoto, discovering a beautiful riverside path for additional runs.
For Baker, running fosters connections with places and people in ways traditional tourism often misses.
Travel Around the World and See the Sights
For Andy Sollers, running complements any travel experience. The 36-year-old lifelong runner and founder of PR Running Hut sometimes selects races as travel destinations but often uses running to delve into new environments.
When he’s away, he usually seeks advice from hotel staff about running routes or explores using Strava, though he doesn’t mind venturing out on his own. He typically covers between 3 and 16 miles daily, allowing himself time to recharge.
Following the Berlin Marathon, Sollers and his partner kept up their routine, running in both Paris and Portugal. They sometimes combine errands with exercise, jogging to the bakery for pastries. “We’ve got to get there somehow. So why not run?”
Running World Tour
While some prefer organizing their own trips, the demand for structured marathon travel has more than doubled post-pandemic, according to Jeff Adams, president of Marathon Tours & Travel. Runners frequently bring friends or family along, with women aged 25 to 34 being the fastest-growing demographic.
“There’s a sense of being a global citizen along with the sense of achievement in sports,” he shared.
That said, not every runner is in pursuit of a finish line. Michael Mazzara, CEO of Rogue Expeditions, North America’s largest multi-day running tour operator, noted that many travelers are interested in trips combining running with exploration.
“Plenty of people aren’t keen on training for a marathon,” he mentioned. “The idea of just running eight miles daily for a week in Morocco is pretty enticing.”
Hotels Capitalizing on This Trend
With the rise of runcations, hotels are crafting services tailored for guests who want to stay active as they explore new destinations.
Westin Hotels & Resorts has been supporting runners through various amenities. Their Westin Workout program includes curated running routes, and select locations even offer concierge-guided runs. The brand collaborates with the Abbott World Marathon Majors to assist race participants in cities like Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, New York, and Tokyo.
“Long before wellness became a buzzword, we realized guests wanted to stay active and feel like themselves while traveling,” said Peggy Roe, executive vice president and chief customer officer at Marriott International. “They weren’t just after a fitness room; they wanted the means to maintain their routines in an authentic and rejuvenating way.”
Luxury resorts are also tailoring their offerings. Four Seasons Tamarindo, for example, located in a 3,000-acre preserve along the Pacific coast of Mexico, has launched a Run Concierge program featuring various guided runs ranging from casual jogs to long-distance paths through jungle trails and along beaches.
At boutique hotels like Nomad Tulum and Be Tulum, some guests begin their days with an early beach run, followed by relaxing routines such as yoga or cold plunges. Urban hotels, like Hotel Grande Bretagne in Athens, provide guided runs past iconic landmarks like the Acropolis.
Movement Rather Than Relaxation
For years, many runners crammed their training into vacations.
However, on a runcation, running becomes the focal point. For Arnold, this means embracing exploration over speed.
“Strangely, when folks think ‘I have to run,’ it adds a pressure, like, ‘Oh no, I need to be quick,’” she explained. “Our approach eliminates that urgency. We go at a slower pace for everything.”
Arnold mentioned that many returning guests come back for similar reasons.
“Our repeat visitors often say they return to reaffirm their values,” she noted. “It’s about transforming priorities and reconnecting with our true selves.”
For these travelers, vacation isn’t merely a break from the daily grind. It’s an opportunity to incorporate routine into a different setting. As a frequent traveler, Law relates to that instinct.
“I feel incredibly grounded when I lace up my shoes and head out in a new city,” she reflected. “It clears my mind, ties me to the place, and infuses a sense of rhythm into what can feel like a chaotic day.”
