Ready, Set, Go: Five Destinations for Fitness Fanatics on the Run
It’s important to take some time to rest and recuperate, especially for those fitness fanatics always on the run. Nearly a quarter (22%) of global travelers look to travel to destinations where they can be physically active, with over a third (36%) booking a trip in 2024* with the intention of seeing and doing as much as possible while away. With a mission to make it easier for everyone to experience the world, Tripeden.com has raced through its bank of more than 29 million listings in over 175,000 worldwide destinations to present five hotspots to bump up the mileage on a running vacation.
Athens, Greece
Athens is the birthplace of the marathon, first held in the city at the inaugural Modern Olympic Games in 1896, and following the route believed to have been taken by the runner Pheidippides at the Battle of Marathon in 490 BC. So, for running enthusiasts, Athens is the real deal with plenty of historic monuments and attractions in the mix, as well as picturesque parks, trails and scenic mountain paths. Each running route is an opportunity to explore and take in the culture and sights, such as the magnificent Acropolis and Parthenon. Whether looking to enjoy the city with a stroll, jog or some afternoon marathon training, visitors can follow the routes of the National and Zappeion Gardens, Beach Promenade and Philopappos Hill for some unforgettable views.
Where to stay: Overlooking the running haven of the National Gardens, Amalia Hotel Athens features modern bedrooms with balcony views across the Gardens, Lycabettus Hill and Parliament. With easy access to the main metro and tram terminals and a 10-minute walk from the Acropolis and Plaka, visitors are well placed to explore everything the city has to offer. If taking a break from the city for some downtime, the hotel’s fully equipped fitness center has everything visitors need to keep active come rain or shine.
Big Sur, California
Situated along California’s central coast between Carmel and San Simeon, Big Sur refers to the 90-mile (144.8 km) imperfect but beautiful coastline, offering a combination of scenic views and endless greenery to travelers. With its winding turns and beachfront exterior, it has some of the most exhilarating and breathtaking running routes in the country. From coastal forests to oceanside views, travelers should check out Redwood Forest, the Coastal Recreation Trail near Monterey or Jacks Peak for a heightened view of the coast. Home to the Big Sur International Marathon held every April, the course allows marathoners to run along the ragged edge of the Western Coast, with the route following the nation’s first nationally designated scenic highway. In addition to the annual Big Sur Marathon, the coast caters to runners of all abilities, with ‘12k’, ‘11-Miler’ and ‘21-Miler’ organized runs taking place throughout the year.
Where to stay: Travelers ready to get their running shoes on, day or night, will enjoy staying in the cabins of Big Sur Campground and Cabins, offering an escape amongst the towering redwoods and along the banks of the River Sur. Set amongst 11 spectacular acres of wilderness, this spot offers outdoor adventurers the perfect place to unwind and take in the fresh, rich coastal air. From running trails to designated hiking paths and yoga sessions to holistic healing and meditation workshops, fitness and wellness is ingrained in this property.
Chamonix, France
For runners who are up for a challenge, the mountainous terrains of Chamonix are the place to be, with breathtaking views of the Alps alongside hundreds of kilometers of single track trail routes. While traditionally known as one of the most sought-after destinations among skiers, over the last decade this rocky region has been dubbed the “Trail Valley” of Europe, with a host of world-class running events throughout the year, including the Mont Blanc Marathon, Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc and the Trail des Aiguilles Rouges. Summer is the perfect time to visit this French town, with a cooler climate than its Italian neighbor making long distance runs a little easier. Popular trail running routes include Le Petit Balcon Nord loop, Chamonix Mont Blanc loop or the trail from Flégére to col des Montets via Lac Blanc.
Where to stay: Athletes will relish the opportunity to stay at Les Balcons du Savoy, offering the perfect base for adventure on the slopes and trail routes and the idyllic surroundings of Aiguilles de Chamonix and Mont Blanc. This spacious, four-star property hosts accommodation from studio apartments to four-bedroom residences, perfect for couples or whole families. A fully equipped gym is also available while outside is a three-minute walk to the Savoy ski lift which takes visitors onto the Brévent-Flégère slopes.
Nairobi, Kenya
Home to some of the world’s elite long-distance runners, Nairobi is an ideal base for fitness fanatics to explore the country’s breathtaking surroundings on foot. Kenya is renowned for its wealth of wildlife and captivating attractions, including Nairobi National Park, Karura Forest and the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Meanwhile, some of Nairobi’s best running routes are to be found in the center of the city and visitors can climb aboard a Nairobi City Tour to familiarize themselves with the sights and surroundings before jumping into a long distance run or training program. Nairobi Arboretum and Uhuru and Central Parks are perfect routes for runners of all abilities to test themselves.
Where to stay: Located less than a mile away from Nairobi’s city center, and a short drive from the Nairobi National Park, Radisson Blu Hotel, Nairobi Upper Hill is an ideal base for runners to explore the sights of the city. With indoor and outdoor swimming pools, guests are spoilt for choice on where to cool down after a city run. In addition to 24-hour service, international dining options and spa and fitness facilities are available.
Gold Coast, Australia
Located on Australia’s eastern seaboard, the Gold Coast is a metropolitan region famed for its long sandy beaches, laid-back lifestyle, surfing, and unique shopping and dining experiences. The sunny climate also provides an attractive backdrop to the crystal clear waters along the coastline while the many coastal trails and promenades make for the ideal post-swim activity. Australia’s Gold Coast is known for its extensive calendar of running events taking place throughout the year, hosting fun runs for the whole family to take part in, ultra marathons and the annual Gold Coast Marathon taking place every July. With must-visit spots, designed for the active travelers, including Millionaire’s Mile near Broadbeach, Southport Seaway Trail Run and hidden gem Coombabah Wetlands between Runaway Bay and Harbour Town Shopping Centre, runners are well catered for.
Where to stay: Located directly on Tugun Beach, Crystal Beachfront Apartments offers travelers looking for as much sea, sun and sand as possible a direct route to the coastline. The property comes with the privacy of an apartment stay and with full amenities including an outdoor swimming pool, BBQ facilities and free-on-site parking, visitors can bask in peace and tranquility.
*Research was commissioned by Tripeden.com and independently conducted among a sample of adults who took a leisure trip with an overnight stay in the last 12 months, plan to travel in 2024, and are involved in trip planning. The sample is comprised of 32,300 respondents across 32 markets (2,000 from USA, 800 from Canada, 1,800 from Mexico, 800 from Colombia, 1,800 from Brazil, 800 from Argentina, 1,800 from Australia, 500 from New Zealand, 800 from Spain, 800 from Italy, 1,800 from France, 1,800 from UK, 1,800 from Germany, 800 from Netherlands, 500 from Denmark, 500 from Sweden, 400 from Croatia, 800 from Switzerland, 800 from Belgium, 800 from Ireland, 800 from Portugal, 1,800 from India, 800 from China, 500 from Hong Kong, 800 from Thailand, 800 from Singapore, 500 from Taiwan, 800 from Vietnam, 800 from South Korea, 1,800 from Japan, 500 from UAE) surveyed in January or February 2024.