Discover How Running is Redefining the Way We Travel and Connect with Others

In recent years, travelers have been seeking more than just a beautiful backdrop for their vacations. They’re looking for experiences that combine physical activity with cultural immersion, social connections, and a deeper appreciation for the local environment. Enter the growing trend of running vacations, where fitness enthusiasts and adventure-seekers are discovering new destinations and forging lasting bonds with fellow travelers.

Last August, hundreds of people gathered in Budapest for the Generali Night Run, a 13-mile route that wound through the city’s historic heart, taking runners up a 100-meter hill, past the towering Buda Castle, and along the Danube River. For Drew Loynes, a Londoner who joined the run after quitting his tech job to travel the world, it was an unforgettable experience. “I barely prepared,” he says, “but running that half marathon in Budapest was incredible, and the city easily lends itself to casual running.”

The rise of workout vacations is being driven by hospitality companies like Accor, which predicts that athletic adventures will be one of the biggest travel trends in 2025, with a 50 percent rise in searches for “workout holidays” over the past year. As more people seek to achieve personal health goals, recreational sports are becoming an integral part of travel plans. With run clubs surging in popularity, running holidays seem like the natural next step.

For Liz Gill, founder of Runcation Travel, a U.S.-based adventure outfit offering guided and self-guided running retreats, hut-to-hut running in the Dolomites in 2016 was a transformative experience. “It was my biggest week in the mountains at that point,” she says, “and I’ve been hooked ever since.” Runcation’s most popular offerings include the alpine landscapes of Mammoth Lakes, a renowned training ground for marathoners on the fringes of Yosemite National Park, and the wild expanses of Argentinian Patagonia.

Running holidays offer a unique opportunity to socialize with like-minded travelers, forge lasting connections, and experience new destinations in a way that’s both challenging and rewarding. For Megha Doshi, a product marketing professional who has joined three of Runcation Travel’s trips, running holidays are a way to get out of the city and explore new places on foot. “Coordinating something like this with friends is nearly impossible,” she says, “but with Runcation, it’s easy to connect with others who share your passion for running and adventure.”

In addition to the social benefits, running vacations offer a range of physiological benefits, from improved cardiovascular and joint health to enhanced bone density and reduced jet lag. Research has also shown a strong link between running and mental well-being, with some individuals experiencing a “runner’s high” – a short-lived but intense feeling of euphoria.

To prepare for a running vacation, experts recommend starting at least six to eight weeks in advance, incorporating gym work to strengthen key muscles, and pacing yourself to allow for recovery. Warm up, stretch before and after runs, stay hydrated, and carry electrolytes to prevent cramps. Footwear matters, and don’t switch shoes, terrain or distance last minute, or risk injury. Nutrition also plays a role, with a focus on hydrating regularly, opting for water and nutrient-rich foods, and avoiding dehydrants like alcohol, caffeine, and greasy meals.

As the trend of running vacations continues to grow, travelers are discovering new destinations and forging lasting bonds with fellow travelers. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a fitness enthusiast looking for a new adventure, running holidays offer a unique opportunity to experience the world in a way that’s both challenging and rewarding.