September 13, 2026, 1:02 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
Running is among the most popular sports. Whether after a long workday, a cozy afternoon on the couch, or early in the morning, a jog can quickly get your circulation going. Nowadays, the sport is not just a break from daily life but increasingly a vacation experience. Under the term “run-cation,” a combination of the English words “running” and “vacation,” running is becoming an integral part of travel.
The trend aligns with a development observed in tourism for several years. Travelers no longer just want to relax on vacation; they want to be active. Instead of spending the entire day by the pool, many seek experiences that focus on movement and nature. Running trips offer both simultaneously. Those who run often see more of a region than on a traditional bus or car tour and experience places more intensely.
According to Statista, about 38 percent of Germans jog at least occasionally. This places Germany in the upper middle range of running-enthusiastic countries internationally.
In our digital everyday life, taking a break from the screen is becoming increasingly important. Running not only gets the body moving but can also improve mood. A study shows that those who run in groups feel better and make connections more easily. This sense of community plays a significant role in many running trips.
What Exactly Is Behind a Run-cation?
Run-cations can vary greatly. While some travelers combine a marathon or half-marathon in another city with a short vacation, others focus on multi-day running camps or trail running trips.
Trail running is particularly popular. The difference from classic road running lies mainly in the terrain. While road running usually takes place on asphalt, pavement, or tartan, trail running leads over unpaved paths, gravel roads, forest trails, or meadows.
However, a run-cation is usually not about setting records or performance pressure. Instead, it’s about exploring a region while running. Whether along a coast, through vineyards, over mountain paths, or through historic old towns, the surroundings are experienced from a completely new perspective.
At the same time, the trend offers the opportunity to meet new people. Many providers organize running groups by skill level, allowing beginners and experienced runners to travel together. In addition to the sporting activities, nature experiences, regional cuisine, and relaxation often play an important role. A run-cation may initially sound very sporty, but it can be a relaxing alternative to the classic beach vacation for many.
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Whether a trip to Tuscany, a running week in mountainous South Tyrol, or a trail running tour through the Austrian Alps–almost every popular vacation region now has special offers for runners.
Destinations with diverse landscapes and well-developed trail networks are particularly in demand. The Dolomites, the Portuguese Algarve, or the coastal regions of Spain offer ideal conditions. But city trips can also be combined with running. More and more vacationers are putting on their running shoes in the morning and exploring metropolises like Lisbon, Copenhagen, or Amsterdam on their own.
How to Prepare Ideally for a Running Vacation
It is especially important to find out about the level of the respective running group before booking. Overestimating oneself often leads to neither sporting nor vacation enjoyment. Most organizers specify the distances, elevation gains, and speeds to be expected.
Equipment also plays a crucial role. New running shoes should be worn and tested several times before the trip. Nothing spoils a running vacation faster than painful blisters after just a few miles. It is also worthwhile to replace heavily worn shoes in time. Especially in regions with variable weather, waterproof or particularly grippy models can be useful.
When packing, the motto “less is more” often applies. Too much luggage often makes travel unnecessarily complicated. Those traveling in a group can usually coordinate with other participants to avoid bringing duplicate equipment. However, water and necessary provisions are still recommended.
Those who embrace the experience can focus on the essentials: discovering new landscapes, staying active, and clearing their minds.