Experience the world one finish line at a time, with race-day adrenaline giving way to long weekends, local food and making memories.
Runcations (holidays built around a race) are having a boom. There’s been a 50% rise in searches for ‘workout holidays’ over the past year, according to hotel operator Accor, and ‘runcations’ are tipped to be one of the biggest travel trends of 2026.
With a record-breaking 1.13 million people having entered the public ballot for the 2026 London Marathon, and entry prices soaring, runners are increasingly looking beyond the UK — and planning smarter.
That means two things: snapping up the last remaining places for 2026 and getting ahead of the curve for 2027.
Here, Living360 delves into the best marathons in the UK and beyond for your next runcation.
Read more: Why Living360 is partnering with Crohn’s & Colitis UK for the Edinburgh Marathon 2026
UK runcations
Edinburgh Marathon
Expected May 2027
This is the race I’ve signed up to, and for good reason. Held over the late-May bank holiday, Edinburgh’s marathon is ideal if you want the full race experience without using annual leave.
The course starts in the Old Town before heading downhill towards a coastal finish, making it one of the UK’s most PB-friendly routes. Add in castle views, sea air and a city built for post-run exploring, and it’s an easy win.
Kielder Marathon
4 October 2026
Often dubbed ‘Britain’s most beautiful marathon’, the Kielder Marathon is all about the setting. Taking place around Kielder Water and through Kielder Forest, it offers vast landscapes, lakeside views and some of the darkest skies in Europe.
It’s not an easy course, expect hills and mixed terrain — but that’s part of the appeal. This is a race for those who want to trade speed for scenery and turn race day into a full outdoor escape.
Book with Find A Race
New Forest Marathon
13 September 2026
For a gentler, nature-led alternative, the New Forest Marathon offers woodland trails, open heathland and quiet country roads within New Forest National Park.
Wild ponies and deer are often spotted along the route and the atmosphere leans more towards relaxed retreat than high-pressure race — ideal if you’re after a slower, more restorative runcation without leaving the UK.
Book with New Forest Marathon
Read more: How to explore the New Forest
Europe’s best runcations
Lisbon Marathon
10 October 2026
If you’re looking for a race you can still book now, Lisbon is one of the standout options. The course follows the Tagus River from Cascais into the city, delivering near-constant sea views.
Less about pace and more about experience, it’s ideal for pairing with long lunches, coastal exploring and a few extra recovery days in the sun.
Book with Running Portugal
Lake Constance Marathon
11 October 2026
An under-the-radar gem, this lakeside race spans the borders of Switzerland, Germany and Austria — with places still available for 2026.
Expect alpine backdrops, quiet routes and a slower, nature-led atmosphere. It’s a runcation that doubles as a hiking or wellness escape.
Book with Sparkasse
Read more: These are the best European city breaks this spring — with return flights from as little as £45
Budapest Marathon
10 and 11 October 2026
Budapest is fast becoming one of Europe’s best-value racecations — and still has 2026 entries available. The route traces the Danube, crossing historic bridges and passing iconic landmarks.
Post-run recovery? Thermal baths, riverside strolls and skyline views.
Book with Run In Budapest
Prague Marathon
2 and 3 May, 2026
One of Europe’s most scenic races, Prague still has some last-minute spots left for 2026. The route winds through a Unesco-listed Old Town and across historic bridges — more sightseeing tour than standard marathon.
Book with Run Czech
Copenhagen Marathon
Expected May 2027
Flat, fast and effortlessly cool, Copenhagen still has limited 2026 places available. Expect exceptional crowd support and a city known for its design, food and easy-going lifestyle.
Barcelona Marathon
14 March 2027
If your social feeds are anything to go by, Barcelona is the race to sign up to next year. With crowds lining the streets, sea views and a route that passes Gaudí landmarks, it’s as visually rewarding as it is high-energy.
Warm spring weather and a buzzing post-race atmosphere make it ideal for a long weekend — if you can wait until 2027 to join the hype.
Rome Marathon
Expected March 2027
Few races rival Rome for pure atmosphere. The route winds past ancient landmarks — from the Colosseum to St Peter’s Basilica — turning every mile into a history lesson.
It’s not the fastest course (expect cobblestone paths and hot temperatures), but that’s not really the point. This is a race for soaking up the atmosphere, not speeding through.
Zürich Marathon
11 April 2027
For those planning ahead, Zürich offers one of Europe’s most scenic spring races. Think lakeside running, mountain views and some of the cleanest air in Europe.
Madrid Marathon
4 April 2027
More festival than race, Madrid delivers live music, buzzing crowds and a social atmosphere — perfect for runners prioritising experience over a fast time.
Hamburg Marathon
Expected April 2027
Germany’s biggest spring marathon is built for speed. Flat and fast, it’s ideal for PB chasers — with a lively post-race scene to match.
Geneva Marathon
Expected May 2027
A slower, more restorative alternative, Geneva blends countryside, vineyards and a lakeside finish — ideal for a wellness-led runcation.
Long-haul runcations
Cayman Islands Marathon
6 December 2026
A Caribbean race with a purpose, this flat coastal marathon offers turquoise sea views and warm breezes — while raising funds for local charities. It’s also a Boston Qualifier.
Book at Cayman Islands Marathon
Midnight Sun Run, Iceland
Expected June 2027
Run through the night without darkness in Reykjavík. With multiple distances and a geothermal pool party finish, this is one of the most unique race experiences in the world.
Book at Corsa
Hawke’s Bay Marathon
Expected May 2027
In New Zealand, every run feels cinematic. Offering everything from vineyard trails to geothermal landscapes, it’s a destination where the run is just part of the experience — and recovery is built in.
Hua Hin Marathon
Expected May 2027
Set along the Gulf of Thailand, this race blends coastal scenery with conservation, supporting local environmental efforts while offering distances for all levels.
Feature image: Canva
