Forget beach breaks – Aussies are chasing a runner’s high instead.
Combine the rising trend of marathons and run clubs with some of the world’s most scenic landscapes, and it’s easy to see why people are lacing up their trainers and making tracks across the globe.
In fact, more Aussie travellers are choosing their holiday destinations based entirely on running routes. A recent report by Skyscanner revealed 50 per cent of 2000 surveyed respondents plan to engage in a running trip this year. Whether you’re a seasoned pavement pounder or just keen to get started, here’s how, why, and most importantly, where you should race off to next.
What’s the big deal around running holidays?
In recent years, we’ve seen trends like wellness, personal improvement and fitness permeate the travel zeitgeist, as people move towards more meaningful holidays that don’t just provide lifelong memories, but long-lasting effects as well. Running is one such travel trend that has gained momentum, with a whopping 92 per cent of Australians surveyed either participating or hoping to participate in an endurance event.
It makes sense too – one of the best ways to truly experience a destination is on foot. It allows you to slow down and connect with your surroundings, to travel off the beaten path and fully immerse yourself in the natural landscape.
In fact, the ability to explore new places is the main motivation behind a running holiday for 45 per cent of respondents, and 81 per cent plan to extend their stay beyond ‘run travel’ to check out the destination further.
It’s a new era of intrepid on-foot exploration that’s seeing us ditch the rental car and hire walking poles instead. We’re veering off the main road to explore paths no vehicle could reach – and being rewarded with unforgettable experiences and a serious fitness boost.
Here’s how to get started
If your interest has been piqued, you’re not alone – one in two Australians are planning to jump on the trend this year. But it can be difficult to know where to start.
Don’t worry though, Skyscanner has done all the hard work for you. The Scotland-based search aggregator and travel agency has teamed up with some of the world’s most respected runners to guide you through your next running holiday.
Aussie athletic icons Lachlan and Stefan Lamble – the first brothers to run across Australia – joined RUNderful CEO An Jung-eun, the youngest Korean to complete the world’s top seven marathons, to curate a list of their top global running destinations.
The Runner’s Map is exclusive to Skyscanner and details each location, outlines difficulty levels, recommends nearby hotels and even suggests other interesting things to do in the area. The list is also sprinkled with helpful tips, from storing a run route offline in advance in case you end up without coverage, to running at sunrise or sunset when visiting a hot climate to avoid extreme conditions.
Where should I book my running holiday?
According to Skyscanner’s list, these incredible running routes are worth ticking off first! Let us break down the top five for you.
1. Jeju Olle Trail Route 20
Where: Jeju Island, South Korea
For: A gentle introduction to running
Details: A four-kilometre (eight-kilometre return) seaside track from Gimnyeong Beach to Woljeongri Beach. Known for its ocean sunsets, it’s an easy track on a secluded and charming island, dear to Jung-eun’s heart.
Weekly travel news, experiences
insider tips, offers, and more.
2. Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty
Where: Adelaide Hills, Australia
For: Panoramic views and national parks
Details: Recommended by the Lamble brothers, the 7.8-kilometre return circuit can be completed in under three hours. It can easily be added onto a longer route, or completed before a trip to the region’s award-winning wineries.
3. The London Marathon
Where: London, England
For: Sightseeing on the go
Details: The annual 42-kilometre London Marathon is another of Jung-eun’s favourite running routes and winds through some of the city’s most iconic boroughs. If you can’t make the marathon, enjoy a jog along the River Thames instead.
4. The Bali Hope-Ultra
Where: Bali, Indonesia
For: Seasoned runners looking for a challenge
Details: An overnight marathon that goes coast to coast and covers 84.9 kilometres from Buleleng to Canggu. While you have to pay to participate, the fee includes accommodation, meals, personalised training and more.
5. Ala Moana Beach Park to Waikiki Beach
Where: Honolulu, Hawaii
For: A scenic jog between errands
Details: An achievable six-kilometre trail that showcases some of Honolulu’s best beaches. It’s an easy morning run and well worth fitting in, even if you’ve only got 48 hours in town.
The top 10 list is rounded out by:
- Stanley Park Seawall in Vancouver, Canada
- Naka-meguro Station to Gotanda Station in Tokyo, Japan
- Gardena and Funes valleys in the Dolomites, Italy
- Central Park loop in New York, USA
- Gardens by the Bay to Marina Barrage to Merlion Park in Singapore
Want to see more stories from International Traveller in your Google search results?
- Click here to set International Traveller as a preferred source.
- Tick the box next to "International Traveller". That's it.
