Race-cation trend sees surge in marathon-related travel

A new travel trend known as ‘race-cation’—a portmanteau of ‘race’ and ‘vacation’—is seeing significant growth. This trend involves travelers participating in sporting events, such as marathons, and immediately following the competition with city exploration and tourism.

Data from Bókun, a company owned by Tripadvisor, indicates that online searches for ‘marathons abroad’ have increased by approximately 1,255% compared to the previous year, reaching record levels. This shift highlights a growing interest in combining physical activity with cultural and gastronomic experiences.

There is also a notable rise in 24-hour micro-trips designed to maximize both sport and sightseeing. Recent Google Trends data shows significant spikes in searches for one-day itineraries in cities hosting major autumn fitness events. Hamburg saw a 500% increase in searches regarding local activities, followed by Lisbon with a 400% increase and Munich with a 250% increase.