Searches for “marathon abroad” have reached a record high, with travellers also looking into what to see, eat and do in European race destinations after they finish running.
From marathons in Amsterdam to HYROX events in Hamburg, autumn is emerging as the peak season for the “race-cation” — combining a race with a short city break.
Google searches for “marathon abroad” have risen by around 1,255% over the past year as more runners choose to pair race day with a quick getaway. New data shows they are already planning post-race activities once they cross the finish line.
Research from Bókun, a Tripadvisor-owned company, confirms that interest in overseas marathons has hit an all-time high in 2026. The timing is ideal, as a quarter of all marathons worldwide take place in October.
Searches for 24-hour itineraries in marathon cities have jumped by as much as 500%, prompting travel experts to predict that race-cations could push trip bookings well beyond the traditional summer peak. The trend appeals particularly to people focused on health and fitness who want to combine the challenge of a major race with exploring a new destination.
Here’s what you need to know about the trend and how to plan one yourself.
Marathons are fuelling interest in short city breaks
Alongside Google search data and five-year trend analysis, Bókun also examined social media. On platforms such as TikTok, videos about “best places to do a Hyrox” and “marathon holiday itineraries” regularly attract thousands of views, underlining the growing popularity of blending fitness events with travel.
Although marathons take place throughout the year, 42% are held in autumn, with October alone accounting for 23% of all events.
Notable European sporting fixtures this autumn include HYROX Rome and the Berlin Marathon in September, followed by the Amsterdam, Munich, Lisbon and Budapest marathons and HYROX Valencia in October. HYROX Hamburg runs from 28 October to 1 November.
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