Tourists in trainers: Meet the marathon globetrotters

For seasoned runners, international races aren’t just about qualifying for a major marathon or chasing a new personal best – they’re also a chance to explore new destinations on foot. “Vacations have now turned into runcations,” says marathoner Upendra Tripath. While experts credit the trend to a post-pandemic focus on health, for most runners, it’s simply a way to blend running with a well-earned vacation.

WHAT IS MARATHON TOURISM
Marathon tourism refers to travelling to different destinations specifically to participate in marathons and other long-distance running events . It allows runners to merge their passion for the sport with the opportunity to explore new cities and cultures.
This surge in interest has given rise to destination marathons , offering participants the chance to race through scenic landscapes while enjoying local traditions and warm hospitality.

WHY ARE RUNNERS CHOOSING MARATHON TOURISM?
Able to plan family trips
Mumbai-based Dr Krunal Thakker, who has been engaged in marathon tourism for a few years, says, “Due to work commitments, I am unable to spend much time with my son. This way, we can travel for marathons while combining them with holidays. It has even inspired my wife to become a marathon runner, and now my 14-year-old son is training as a 5K runner.”
Thakker, who ran his first international marathon in Prague, adds, “We usually plan our holidays around marathons. At present, I am preparing for the London Marathon, where all three of us will be participating in different categories. After the race, we will continue our holiday, which allows us to spend quality time together as a family.”
Shift from pub-hopping tours to fitness-focused travel
Speaking about the participants, Gauri Jayaram, who organises marathon tours, says, “The majority of marathon tour participants are amateur runners who train for the events, not elite athletes. While a significant number of participants are solo male travellers from India, there’s a growing number of solo female travellers and a broader age range, including younger participants. There is a shift from pub-hopping tours to fitness-focused travel among younger travellers.”

SURGING DEMAND
Experts report a 5X surge in Indian participants engaging in marathon tourism post-COVID.
Gauri expresses, “In 2019, we had around 75 runners for the Berlin Marathon , one of the World Marathon Majors. By 2024, this number had grown to 450 participants running with us. From this year, the Sydney Marathon joins the World Marathon Majors and will take place in August 2025, where we expect to take a few hundred participants.”

TIPS FOR MARATHON TRAVELLERS
- Train adequately before travelling
- Choose reputable travel companies specialising in marathon tours
- Prepare for local weather conditions
- Carry race day equipment in your hand luggage
- Keep an emergency contact readily available in the host country
( as suggested by Gauri Jayaram)

PREPARING WELL IN ADVANCE
Tripathi, who recently completed the Antarctica Marathon in April, explains that preparation depends on the destination and the marathon’s difficulty. “For Antarctica, I had to register a year in advance due to a waitlist. However, for marathons in Sydney or Rio, planning for marathon tourism can typically begin six months ahead.”
He adds, travelling with the help of marathon tourism operators makes on-ground logistics easier for runners. “A lot of logistical planning is required, from choosing the race location and securing accommodation near the start line to selecting the closest city and exploring local attractions. Tour operators largely handle these arrangements.”

‘Marathons are a great way to see new places on foot’

Speaking to us, actor Milind Soman states that marathon running tourism has grown phenomenally over the last few decades, especially in India, and shows no signs of slowing down. He shares that while his travel plans are largely centred around marathon events, if there are none, he and his wife, Ankita Konwar, create their own plans.
Milind Soman, who has long been a fitness icon, states that his travel plans always coincide with running, cycling, or swimming events. He tells us why combining travel with marathons is a good idea: "International marathons are a great way to see new places on foot, feel the energy of the city, and interact with people from all over the world. It is exciting, fun, and can be enjoyed with friends and family. You can always include regular travel experiences such as sightseeing, concerts, and food experiences before and after the event.”
“Mass participation events are the best way to promote a fitness culture. You see people from all walks of life, of all ages and abilities, truly enjoying life to the fullest—which is the real objective of getting fit,” Milind shares adding, “It is inspirational and inclusive, and these two factors have significantly contributed to the growth of distance running across the world.”
He shares how they balance sightseeing and recovery after an international race: "As regular runners, we mostly run for fun because we enjoy long-distance running rather than chasing a specific time. It’s still an effort to run 42 km, but not an intense one. A good night’s sleep is usually enough for recovery. We might even trekking the next day, as we did after the London Marathon a couple of years ago—taking a train to Scotland the following day to climb Ben Nevis.”