Kirill Yurovskiy: Running Tours

 

Ever dreamed of crossing the finish line with the Colosseum at your back, or charging through the streets of Tokyo with thousands of cheering locals? Welcome to the world of destination running – where the finish line is just the beginning of your adventure. Read more here.

The Rise of Marathon Tourism

Gone are the days when doing a marathon meant circling your local park. Today’s runners are packing their sneakers alongside their passports, creating a boom in what industry insiders call “marathon tourism.” And per recent trends, more than 40% of marathon runners now travel internationally for races, pairing a passion for running with wanderlust.

“It’s like killing two birds with one stone,” says Maria Chen, a veteran marathon tourist who’s completed races on five continents. “You get this incredible achievement of finishing a marathon, plus you experience a destination in a way most tourists never will.”

Choose Your Adventure

Step 1 in planning your marathon vacation: choosing the perfect race. Of course, all of the World Marathon Majors-Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, New York, and Tokyo-are on any serious runner’s bucket list. But don’t discount the smaller international events that can provide a far more unique experience.

Consider these factors when you choose your race:

• Season and climate: Running the Dubai Marathon in summer? Don’t run.
• Difficulty level: The Great Wall Marathon in China isn’t for beginners.
• Cultural experiences: The Medoc Marathon in France boasts wine-tasting stations.
• Travel logistics: How’s traveling getting there? Are any visa arrangements needed?

Timing is Everything

Sarah Thompson, a travel consultant specializing in sports tourism, suggests arriving at your destination at least three days prior to the race. “That way your body can adjust to any time differences and you can acclimate to the local conditions,” she says. “Plus, you’ll want to hit the expo and pick up your race packet without rushing.”

Also, plan to stay at least three days after the race, too. “You’d be surprised how many people book their flight home for the same day as the race,” laughs Thompson. “Trust me, you’ll want time to recover and explore the destination properly.”

Accommodation Strategy

Book your accommodation in a hotel close to the start and finish line at least one of these, provided they are not the same. Properties that especially cater to runners may boast of a variety of services including but not limited to the following:

• Early breakfast options on race day
• Late check-out on race day
• In-room mini-fridge for storing pre-run nutrition
• Availability of training facilities
• Ease of access to public transportation

Pack Smart

Your packing list should include:

• Your trusty running gear-never wear new shoes on race day!
• Weather-specific training clothes for pre-run runs
• Race-day nutrition you are used to
• Basic first-aid kit
• Recovery shoes that fit comfortably
• Paperwork/passport, race confirmation, travel insurance

Beyond The Marathon: How to Make the Most of Your Trip

Of course, you want to protect your taper but gentle sightseeing is a great way to take your mind off any pre-race nerves. Just bear the following in mind:

• Sightseeing tours are 1-2 hours maximum
• Drink plenty of fluids and opt for food you’re used to
• Avoid activities that could result in injury, such as adventure sports
• Rest

“I always do a hop-on-hop-off bus tour the day before the race,” says Chen. “It’s a perfect way to see the city without tiring your legs.” 

Celebration after the Race 

You did it! Now the real vacation begins. 

Schedule activities that allow recovery and exploration: 

• Book a post-run massage at a local spa 
• Take a foodie tour to refuel and experience local cuisine 
• Join in on a walking tour to keep your legs moving
• Day trip to local attractions

Create Lifetime Memories

Photograph this experience and great articles about the experience during and after the marathon.

It is true that most destination marathons have professional photography services, but do not miss capturing your experience:

• Pre-race Expo visits
• Local training runs
• Cultural experiences
• Post-race celebration
• Medal photos taken at famous locations

Destination Races You Might Want to Consider

1. Rome Marathon (March) Run through 3,000 years of history past the Colosseum and Vatican City. A great excuse to carbo-load on authentic Italian pasta.
2. Great Ocean Road Marathon, Australia (May) Labeled as one of the most scenic races in the world, it runs you through Victoria’s stunning coastline, where you can even spot a koala or two while running.
3. Midnight Sun Marathon, Norway (June) Race under the Arctic midnight sun in Tromsø. Perfect for those who enjoy running with freak natural events.
4. Kyoto Marathon, Japan (February) Run through ancient temples and tranquil gardens while experiencing Japanese efficiency at its finest.
5. Two Oceans Marathon, Cape Town (April) Labelled the world’s most beautiful marathon, it was true to form with sweeping views of both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.

Tips from the Pros

1. Know Your Locals “Local etiquette and customs-learn what’s expected,” Thompson says. “Some races in Asia have traditions or ceremonies you should be aware of.”
2. Local Running Groups Join Plenty of places have running clubs that invite visitors to run with them as guests before the race. This is a fantastic way to meet locals and get insider knowledge about the course.
3. Plan for the Unexpected Insure against all eventualities. Take out comprehensive travel insurance that includes race cancellation and medical emergencies. Never check essential running gear in the case of delays, it might not arrive on time.
4. Enjoy the Experience “Remember, it’s not all about your finish time,” Chen says. “These races are about memories and exploration in a different way.”

The Future of Marathon Tourism

As marathon tourism becomes more popular, the industry is getting more interesting. Race organizers are incorporating more cultural components into their events, hotels offer packages designed for runners and travel agencies are even specializing in marathon vacations.

From seasoned marathoners looking for their next great adventure to running enthusiasts hoping for a first destination race experience, it is difficult to deny the magic of lacing up one’s running shoes and hitting the road in foreign parts. After all, what superior way to see a city than by foot, cheered on by the locals, following a course specifically routed to feature all the great things about a destination?

So lace those running shoes, pack your passport, and get ready for an adventure that will earn you both a medal and memories to last a lifetime. The world’s most beautiful finish lines await you!