Peoples’ appetite for
running
is higher than ever. Besides the elevated temperatures (which act as a beckoning to tie up your sneakers and head for the nearest park), with the added allure of London
Marathon
occurred in April, and it witnessed a
record-breaking
56,000 people take part.
Considering that 840,000 individuals entered the lottery just to participate, it becomes challenging to dismiss the notion that we're witnessing an unprecedented surge among health enthusiasts. Moreover, with 38 percent of single Generation Z members preferring jogging over dining out, and references to 'Parkrun' in Tinder profiles jumping by 90 percent from March 2023 to 2025 as reported by Tinder, this tendency appears poised to grow even further.
But as we all know, securing a spot is a different matter. And if you didn’t get one, what then? Turns out, the answer might be combining the business of running with pleasure and heading abroad – a sentiment which an ever-increasing number of people seem to be subscribing to.
Hotel company Generator has reported an increase in bookings around key marathon weekends – such as New York, Rome and Barcelona, all of which saw double-digit spikes in interest around the dates in question.
In the case of New York, there was a whopping 67 per cent increase in interest, suggesting that savvy spenders are starting to prioritise fitness-heavy holidays over party trips.
Google Trends backs this up:
a study by Travel Republic
found that the demand for “fitness holidays” increased by 84 per cent in April, while Google searches for “European marathons” spiked by 403 per cent.
And why not? Though
London Marathon
is over, there are still plenty of other marathons on the horizon – or plenty to apply for in 2026. Here’s our pick of the top
destinations
to book that combine fitness with fun.
Paris
When?
12 April, 2026
One of the best aspects of running the Paris Marathon is how convenient it is. The Eurostar journey lasts approximately two and a half hours before depositing passengers at the Gare du Nord right in the heart of the city. Once there, you can freely explore all that this vibrant metropolis has to offer. Along your run, iconic landmarks such as the Champs-Elysées, Bois de Vincennes, and the majestic view of the Eiffel Tower will be part of your experience. As expected, the event draws many participants from Britain due to its accessibility.
Find out more here
Berlin
When?
The final weekend of September
Berlin promotes itself as the planet’s biggest marathon, attracting more than 54,000 participants in 2024. Moreover, throughout its extensive history, athletes have set an impressive 13 world records here. This makes for an exciting getaway over a few days. The route takes you past many iconic locations such as the Brandenburg Gate and Alexanderplatz. And after crossing the finish line, treat yourself to some delicious currywurst. Count me in!
Find out more here
Check out our guide to Berlin below.
Cyprus
When?
7-8 March, 2026
Longing for the charm of the Mediterranean? Participate in the Cyprus Marathon held in March—avoid the scorching temperatures that come with racing at a later date—and enjoy a scenic route through Pafos. This event offers a journey past historical sites, breathtaking views of the sea, and concludes perfectly with relaxing over a cold beer.
Find out more here
Check out our guide to Paphos below.
Rome
When?
22 March, 2026
Skip London and instead tackle those 26 challenging kilometers through the stunning historic city of Rome? Brimming with magnificent old structures and ancient ruins at every turn, it likely has more landmarks along a marathon route than anywhere else: think St. Peter’s Basilica, the Roman Forum, and the Colosseum. Plus, how could you say no to a location where affordable, top-notch pizza is practically available on every block—ideal sustenance after crossing the finish line?
Find out more here
Seville
When?
15 February, 2026
The preparations for next year’s Seville marathon are well underway, making it a sought-after event for runners from Britain who wish to elevate their performance. Known for offering one of the finest courses for achieving personal best times—thanks to its nearly pancake-flat terrain (Seville sits barely above sea level)—it also provides ample opportunities for exploration amidst its culturally rich environment during rest periods.
Find out more here
Read our Gen Z guide to Seville here
New York
When?
2 November, 2025
Have you truly finished marathon running unless you've participated in the New York Marathon? This event attracts athletes worldwide, cementing its status as one of the biggest marathons globally. Its route is lined with iconic sights: starting on Staten Island, it winds through five NYC boroughs—Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Manhattan. Essentially, this presents an ideal chance for exploration.
Find out more here
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