Tag: Marathon

4Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Europe, Running & Athletics

Why the Cardiff Half Marathon is the perfect excuse for a Welsh weekend away

With a route through the Welsh capital, more than 29,000 runners and a place on the prestigious SuperHalfs circuit, the Cardiff Half Marathon is becoming a major draw for travelling runners. And from 2027, it should become easier for participants to turn the race into a full sporting city break after Marathon Tours & Travel was announced as the event’s new Official Travel Partner. The event in 2027 will be held on Sunday 3 October. The partnership will provide dedicated accommodation and travel options for runners heading to Cardiff, including packages offering race entries for those unable to secure a place through the standard entry process. It provides another reason for runners to put Cardiff on their sports travel bucket list and combine one of the UK’s biggest road races...

Read More

20Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Europe, Running & Athletics, Trends

Inaugural Greek Odyssey Running Festival to be held in Costa Navarino

Marathon Tours & Travel has announced the launch of a brand-new event, the Greek Odyssey Running Festival, taking place in Costa Navarino, Greece on Saturday 14 November 2026, which includes a half-marathon and 10K distance. Hosted the weekend after the Athens Marathon, the Greek Odyssey offers runners the chance to extend their time in Greece, combining two race distances with the country's rich mythology, dramatic coastline and warm late-autumn climate. Costa Navarino, on the south-west coast of the Peloponnese, sits amid landscapes steeped in ancient legend – the same rugged coastline and storied ruins, including nearby Methoni Castle and Voidokilia Beach, that have captured global imaginations again this year following the release of Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, filmed ex...

Read More

19Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Africa, Bucket List, Editor's Pick, Events, Running & Athletics

Sports travel bucket list: ‘Run for the Rainforest’ 2026 Odzala Marathon

On 3 October 2026, Kamba Africa will offer a bucket list challenge for endurance runners and adventure seekers: the annual “Run for the Rainforest”.  Situated in the Republic of the Congo (ROC), the Run for the Rainforest event raises vital funds for African Parks to continue their protection of the world’s second largest rainforest, by allowing participants to fundraise among their network, while experiencing one of the planet’s most pristine ecosystems in Odzala-Kokoua National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kamba Africa is the only private operator granted concessions in the ROC's Odzala-Kokoua National Park, offering guests intimate luxury lodges and adventurous rainforest expeditions.  The races and packages The day features three distinct race categories to...

Read More

12Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Africa, Events, Running & Athletics, Sports Business

Cape Town Marathon to become Africa’s first Abbott World Marathon Major in 2027

The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon has officially been confirmed as the eighth member of the Abbott World Marathon Majors (AbbottWMM) from 2027. The announcement marks a landmark moment not only for the race itself but for African sport and tourism, with Cape Town becoming the first city on the continent to host an Abbott World Marathon Major. The 2027 edition, scheduled for 23 May, will join an elite calendar that includes the Tokyo Marathon, Boston Marathon, TCS London Marathon, TCS Sydney Marathon, BMW BERLIN-MARATHON, Bank of America Chicago Marathon and TCS New York City Marathon. The decision follows Cape Town’s successful completion of the AbbottWMM candidacy process, including a second evaluation at the 2026 race. The assessment examined every aspect of the event, from athlete ...

Read More

5Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Events

Bucket-list marathons: The world’s most in-demand marathons for 2026

For runners planning their 2026 race calendar, securing a place at some of the world’s most sought-after marathons may prove as challenging as completing the events themselves. A study from SportsShoes.com has revealed the marathons generating the highest demand relative to the number of places available, highlighting a growing trend in sports tourism as runners travel the globe in search of unique race experiences. The research, published as part of the company’s latest Running Report, analysed global Google search volumes over the past 12 months and compared them with official finisher numbers from each event’s most recent edition. By measuring the number of searches per finisher, the study identified which races attract the greatest level of interest compared to their participant ...

Read More

3May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Editor's Pick, Events

Sports travel bucket list: run the ‘world’s most remote marathon’ in St Helena in 2027

Runners and adventure travellers can now sign up for the “world’s most remote marathon”, taking place for the first time in St Helena on 28 February 2027, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take part in one of the most extraordinary races on Earth. Set in the heart of the South Atlantic, this marathon is far removed from the crowds and noise of city races. Instead, participants will experience a subtropical paradise with dramatic volcanic landscapes, lush green highlands and sweeping ocean views, all while testing their endurance in one of the world’s most isolated destinations. About the event Runners can choose between a full marathon (42.2km), half marathon (21.1km), 10km or 5km distance, all starting in the grounds of Plantation House, the residence of the island’s G...

Read More

28Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Events, Running & Athletics, The Americas

Sports travel bucket list: running the inaugural Amazon Marathon

Marathon Tours & Travel has announced the launch of the inaugural Amazon Marathon, a new endurance event taking runners deep into the heart of the Peruvian Amazon in September 2026. Taking place on Wednesday 9 September, in Puerto Maldonado on the edge of the Peruvian Amazon rainforest, the Amazon Marathon offers runners a rare opportunity to race in one of the most biodiverse and remarkable regions in the world. The event blends trail running with cultural immersion and adventure, providing access to a part of the world that few people would ever be fortunate enough to experience in their lifetime. There will be distances to suit all runners; with marathon, half marathon, and 10.5km, all taking place on a looped jungle trail course. With race capacity intentionally limited, esti...

Read More

4Jan By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Event Calendars, Events

World’s best half marathons in 2026

Running a half marathon, a 13.1-mile (21.1km) race, has become one of the most popular goals for runners seeking a manageable yet highly rewarding challenge. It strikes the perfect balance between shorter distances such as 5km races and the full marathon, offering a substantial test of endurance without requiring the extensive time commitment demanded by marathon training.  For many, the half marathon represents an achievable step into the world of long-distance running, providing both the thrill of competition and the satisfaction of reaching a meaningful milestone. Training for a half marathon typically spans eight to 12 weeks and follows a structured plan designed to build endurance, strength, and confidence. Weekly schedules usually include a combination of long runs, speed or ...

Read More

4Jan By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Event Calendars, Events

World’s best marathons and running festivals in 2026

Running a marathon is a monumental achievement that demands months of disciplined preparation, strategic training, and unwavering mental resilience. Covering the classic distance of 26.2 miles (42.195 kilometres), the marathon is widely regarded as one of the most challenging endurance events in sport, testing an athlete’s physical capability, mental strength, and capacity to push through fatigue. Preparing for such a demanding race typically follows a structured training plan that gradually increases weekly mileage, incorporates interval and tempo workouts to build speed and stamina, and features regular long runs to develop endurance. Equally important is proper nutrition, hydration, and recovery, all of which play vital roles in optimising performance and reducing the risk of injury...

Read More

22Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Business

TCS Sydney Marathon 2026 attracts record 123,000 ballot entries

Sydney’s status as a world-class sports tourism destination continues to accelerate, with the TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS attracting unprecedented global interest for its 2026 edition.  The iconic event, now part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors (AbbottWMM), has become a magnet for travelling runners, drawing tens of thousands of international visitors eager to combine a bucket-list marathon with a trip to one of the world’s most spectacular sports cities. The 2026 edition, taking place on Sunday 30 August 2026, will have an increased capacity targeting 40,000 finishers.  Record-shattering demand for the TCS Sydney Marathon is cementing the Harbour City’s position as one of the world’s premier sports tourism hotspots. The event’s latest ballot drew more than 123,00...

Read More

2Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Sports Business

Apply for ‘The Coolest Job on Earth’ at the Antarctica Marathon

Forget the sports travel bucket list (for a minute), this is one for the life and career bucket lists. Marathon Tours & Travel is calling on runners, adventurers, storytellers, and content creators from across the world to apply for its most exciting campaign yet – “The Coolest Job on Earth”. This unique competition offers one lucky winner the chance to travel with the company to Antarctica in March 2026 and work behind the scenes at the world-famous Antarctica Marathon. The winner will travel to King George Island in March 2026, joining the Marathon Tours & Travel team in delivery of the Antarctica Marathon, which is held on 19 March 2026. They’ll be given the unique opportunity to experience one of the planet’s most extraordinary running events, and to connect with runners fr...

Read More

10Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Trips & Experiences

Marathon travel: 2025 Kangaroo Island Marathon in South Australia 

Marathon Tours & Travel (MTT) is gearing up for its highly anticipated 2025 Kangaroo Island Marathon – scheduled for Sunday 24 August 2025 in the heart of Flinders Chase National Park on Kangaroo Island, South Australia. Originally launched in 2015 and acquired by MTT in 2024, the Kangaroo Island Marathon now forms a key part of its global Seven Continents Club adventure series. The course offers runners a spectacular journey through regenerating flora and fauna in this beautiful post‑bushfire landscape, undulating roads and trails, dramatic Southern Ocean coastlines, and the iconic Remarkable Rocks boardwalk. To ensure competitors have a seamless journey to the event, Marathon Tours and Travel offer flexible travel options, including: 3‑night Premium Packages (AU only): with...

Read More

11May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Hotels & Resorts, Sports Business, Trends

Rise of ‘mara-cations’: Generator sees marathon weekend booking surge

Following the TCS London Marathon in April, boutique accommodation brand Generator has recorded an increase in guests looking to combine their love of running with travel – opting for a hybrid of a holiday and a marathon, affectionately coined the “mara-cation”.  With a surge in bookings across its global portfolio, Generator’s properties in key marathon locations have seen increased demand during event weekends, highlighting that guests now more than ever are seeking  a blend of wellness, intense self-optimisation and a desire to see the world through a new lens.  Of the locations that are seeing the biggest increase, New York leads the way, with a 67% increase in bookings at Paramount Times Square - a Generator Hotel during the NYC marathon weekend 2025 (2 November). Berlin co...

Read More

26Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Running & Athletics, Sports Business, Trips & Experiences

Marathon Tours & Travel unveils Shanghai Marathon partnership and packages

Marathon Tours & Travel has been confirmed as the official international tour operator for the 2025 Shanghai Marathon, taking place on Sunday 30 November 2025. The partnership will see Marathon Tours & Travel work in tandem with international travel companies to offer a range of travel options for international runners who have already secured their entry in this year’s Shanghai Marathon.  The partnership comes as the Shanghai Marathon embarks on its debut year as an Abbott World Marathon Major candidacy race. Marathon Tours & Travel will market travel packages directly to participants as well as help them, along with their friends, family and supporters, source seamless travel options to Shanghai from around the world ahead of marathon day, along with accommodation opt...

Read More

22Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Hotels & Resorts

nhow London launches hotel stay package for London Marathon 2025

The nhow London hotel, located in Shoreditch, has created an exclusive two-night marathon package for runners competing in the London Marathon on Sunday 27 April 2025. Starting from £245 per night, the package – 25-27 April or 26-28 April – is designed to fuel both performance and recovery for runners. Available at an additional cost, runners can prepare for their big day with a special pre-race dinner menu on the night before the event, featuring carbohydrate-rich foods, moderate in protein and low in fat and fibre.  Following a night's sleep, marathon-goers can enjoy a tailored runners' breakfast from 5am, with a choice of foods to optimise energy levels. Every athlete staying at the hotel will also receive an energy pack to-go, featuring essential race-day fuel such as a banana an...

Read More

1Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Hotels & Resorts, Trips & Experiences

London Marathon experiences at The Westin London City

As the English capital gears up for the highly anticipated TCS London Marathon on Sunday 27 April 2025, The Westin London City hotel has unveiled a series of marathon experiences designed for both runners and their supporters.  Situated along the historic River Thames, the five-star property has 226 guest rooms, suites and residences, plus F&B options including all-day dining restaurant Mosaic and riverside wine bar Hithe + Seek. The hotel is also popular for guests seeking wellness and recreation during their stay in central London. Dedicated to promoting wellbeing, The Westin London City is home to the Heavenly Spa by Westin, which has an indoor swimming pool, and the WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio. In terms of events, the hotel hosts yoga classes and “Rise & Run” sessi...

Read More

28Dec By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

The Great Run Company: Gen Z spurs 39% increase in running participation

The Great Run Company, owners of the world’s biggest half marathon, the Great North Run, has revealed the four core trends identified in 2024 which look set to continue into 2025. Using 2024 participant data from more than 180,000 runners across its portfolio of annual running events, the Great Run Company’s Rewind24 Report highlighted: the love of running is not waning with more and more people taking up the sport new runners are challenging themselves with the distances they take on  the boom in running is being fuelled by Gen Z the gender gap in participation continues to shrink Keep on running: the popularity of running continues at pace with a 39% increase in participation versus 2023, according to growth figures across the Great Run Series, excluding The Great Nor...

Read More

28Dec By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Trips & Experiences

Marathon Tours & Travel release 2025 ‘Aussie Challenge’ packages

Running travel specialists Marathon Tours & Travel has released travel packages for two of Australia’s most celebrated marathons in 2025: the TCS Sydney Marathon presented by Asics and the Kangaroo Island Marathon. With only a week separating the two events, participants can also choose to take on the ultimate running adventure by combining both events in the unique ‘Aussie Challenge’. Now an official Abbott World Marathon Major, the 2025 iteration of TCS Sydney Marathon takes place on Sunday 31 August. As one of only seven World Marathon Majors, it promises an electric atmosphere, world-class competition, and the chance to run past some of Sydney’s most iconic landmarks, including the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Just a week before the TCS Sydney Marathon, on Sunday 24...

Read More

17Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Events

Sydney Marathon confirmed as seventh Abbott World Marathon Major

Abbott World Marathon Majors has confirmed that the TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS will join the series in 2025 to become the seventh event in the Abbott World Marathon Majors series. The TCS Sydney Marathon, which will take place on Sunday 31 August 2025, joins six races including the Tokyo Marathon, the Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America, the TCS London Marathon, the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon and the TCS New York City Marathon as part of the global marathon series. The Sydney Marathon is the largest marathon in Oceania and saw a record 20,272 finishers during its 2024 race, allowing it to pass its second consecutive assessment and become an Abbott World Marathon Major. Dawna Stone, CEO of AbbottWMM, said: “I am thrilled that Sydn...

Read More

10Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

2025 London Marathon: Marathon Tours & Travel confirmed as participant hotel provider

London Marathon Events has announced that Marathon Tours & Travel will be the official participant hotel provider of the 2025 TCS London Marathon, which next takes place on Sunday 27 April 2025. The one-year partnership will see Marathon Tours & Travel offer a variety of hotel accommodation options for UK or international runners who have already secured their entry into next year’s TCS London Marathon – the 45th edition.  Marathon Tours & Travel’s expert support teams, based in England, will help participants, along with their friends, family and supporters, find the right place to stay ahead of marathon day, with accommodation that allows for easy access to the start and finish of the TCS London Marathon.  Stays of one, two or more nights can be booked in carefully...

Read More