The rise of run clubs has led to a surprising new holiday trend

Think taking a holiday means hanging up your trainers? Think again.

With run clubs continuing to pop up across Australia, as more and more folks fall in love with community running, there’s a growing breed of traveller scouring the country for new finish lines to cross.

No longer content with covering kilometres at home, runners are teaming up getaways with race days for holidays with a twist. And maybe, just maybe, an ultimate PB.

Coogee Run Club Members at the Melbourne Marathon — Coogee Run Club members are chasing that runner’s high around the country. (Image: supplied)

Which was exactly the case for plenty of runners from the Coogee Run Club , one of Sydney’s most popular groups, who jumped states to take on the Gold Coast Marathon in July. As the club’s co-founder, I was ecstatic that we had more than 40 runners on course, which is renowned as being the flattest and fastest in Australia.

Since we launched in 2022, I’ve witnessed firsthand the rapid rise of runners and race registrations as Aussies chase new challenges. And while local events have always been huge draw cards, now it’s travelling for a race that really gets heart rates pumping.

So, without further ado, here are all the reasons why you should make your next marathon one you have to leave home for.

The Coogee Run Club runners who took part in the Gold Coast Marathon. (Image: supplied)

You get the chance to visit somewhere new

Forgo your well trodden routes for a race on foreign lands and you’ll find yourself on a whole new adventure.

“For me, it’s the opportunity and excuse to visit somewhere new," one of my Run Leads, Ella, tells me, adding that it took doing a marathon to get her to Melbourne. “It combines two of my favourite things – travelling and running."

walking along Melbourne’s vibrant laneways filled with graffiti art on the walls — Get lost in Melbourne’s vibrant laneways filled with graffiti. (Image: Visit Victoria)

You get to see a side of the destination you’d not otherwise see

This is your chance to avoid the tourist traps and get a local’s view into the real beating heart of your host city in a super unique style.

“My favourite way to explore a new city is to run it, and what better way than to run 42.2 kilometres around a new place," explains Ella.

“It’s the best way to see a city," Coogee runner Grace adds. “And as it’s so difficult, you are extremely alive and aware of what’s going on around you as you run, so you take it all in – the scents, the sounds, the people next to you, and the people on the sidelines."

aerial view of surfer's paradise gold coast — Explore the famous Surfer’s Paradise. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

You get to bring your fitness on holiday with you

Ever book a trip and then freak out that you’re going to lose all those hard-earned gainz with a few weeks off the gym and drinking cocktails by the pool?

Running a marathon while on holiday means you’ll keep up your fitness while away, plus you get to fuel up on all those carbs and calories before burning them off.

Woman running in the city — Fitness and holidays can go together. (Image: Getty)

You get to bond better with your run club friends

From catching flights to crashing in Airbnbs as a group, running a marathon out of town brings runners together through shared experiences and many hours spent hanging out.

When new to the Coogee Run Club, Talen jumped at the chance to run the Gold Coast Marathon and the opportunity to get to know our members a bit more. “I had a blast exploring a new city whilst continuing to meet Coogee runners for the first time," he says.

Coogee Run Club runners at theGold Coast Marathon — Running and travelling together solidifies friendships. (image: supplied)

You get warmly welcomed by your hosts

Maybe you’ve travelled somewhere new, not known a soul, and spent the weekend feeling invisible. Not for marathoners with thousands of running fans on the sidelines cheering participants on.

“You feel kind of welcomed by the city you’re visiting," Coogee Run Club’s Jake tells me, having raced the New York City marathon in 2023, before taking on the Gold Coast event this year. Hooked on marathon holidays, he’s also prepping for the Queenstown race in the middle of November.

Woman running in the Mooloolaba Triathlon on the Sunshine Coast — The atmosphere around a running or triathlon festival is electric. (Image: Tourism & Events Queensland)

You get a holiday out of a marathon

Not that you ever need an excuse to take a trip, but choosing to run 42.2 kilometres is certainly a good one.

Andy from the Coogee Run Club says he signed up for the Gold Coast to “have a holiday with a great group of people". “Having previously done the Queenstown Marathon with the Coogee crew, I was keen to do it [another marathon outside Sydney] again," he explains.

Runner Paul was also eager to make a short holiday out of the Queensland event. “Especially when it’s in such a great holiday destination," he says. “It’s similar to attending a festival but with the rewarding feeling of completing a race and a new achievement."

beachside dining at Burleigh Pavilion — Dine by the beach at Burleigh Pavilion post-marathon.

You get to do things you can’t do at home

A huge element of the Gold Coast Marathon is that the running festival also includes a half marathon the day before, and gives out an extra accolade for those who take on both races.

“It was the fact that they offered the half and full marathon option with the third medal that encouraged me," Simon, a Run Lead at the Coogee Run Club, explains. “I also loved how many Coogee members showed up for each other and that there was support on the sidelines on both days, with good camaraderie and spirit throughout the weekend. When you take the familiarity of a place away, but still have the familiarity of the people, it feels like a home away from home."

While the event’s lack of elevation draws plenty of others in. “It was a flat course next to a beach – being an expat, that’s all you really want from an Australian marathon," UK runner Rowan says. “I wanted to try my first marathon and was told that it was a flat and easy course, and the best race for newbies," adds Xiaona.

You get the chance to set a new PB

Did we mention that the Gold Coast Marathon is flat? Meaning the race boasts huge potential for participants to put their fitness to the test and pick up a personal best.

You get to bring home the best souvenir

Alongside a stellar result on Strava that’ll rack up plenty of kudos, you’ll also return with a new gong.

“And a medal is a lot cooler to bring back than a snow globe," Jake says.

Coogee Run Club runners at the Gold Coast Marathon with their third medal for completing the half and full marathon. (Image: supplied)

Explore some of Australia’s most stunning coastlines on this epic route.

This scenic, 1800-kilometre Brisbane to Port Douglas road trip takes in some of Australia’s most beautiful landscapes, from the wildlife on Bribie Island to the rainforests of Far North Queensland. Our advice? Slow it down, take your time and really get to know this part of Australia.

Day 1: Brisbane to Noosa

Wake up in the luxurious Sofitel Brisbane Central , enjoy a hot buffet breakfast and a swim in the outdoor pool before hitting the road to travel north. Take the exit to Bribie Island to view the abundant wildlife.

aerial view of bribie island — Enjoy the beauty and animals of Bribie Island. (Image: TEQ)

In the afternoon, check into Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas hidden near Noosa National Park and spend the afternoon relaxing at the luxury Aqua Day Spa. Daredevils can book a seat on an Ocean View Helicopters tour and experience the adrenaline of exploring the Glasshouse Mountains from the air.

Before dinner, head to the Original Eumundi Markets just 25 minutes away or explore the nearby trails in the national park. For dinner, book a table at Park & Cove located just near your hotel and feast on a locally-sourced menu that changes with the seasons.

table spread at Park & Cove Novotel Sunshine Coast — Refuel at Park & Cove.

Day 2: Noosa to Bundaberg

Wake up to sounds of the rainforest outside your window and take the opportunity for a quick swim before you dive into a freshly cooked buffet breakfast at Park & Cove. After breakfast and an expertly brewed coffee, stroll down the hill and spend the morning shopping along Hastings Street in the various boutiques, or hire a kayak or surfboard and conquer the waves.

After lunch, head north for the three-hour drive to historic Bundaberg . If you feel like feeding a kangaroo or wallaby, visit the Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary . Once in Bundy, head to Spitter’s Farm just outside of town. This 160-acre property offers a unique experience in their deluxe glamping safari tents, where you can listen to the cows mooing as the sun sets.

baby kangaroo at australian wildlife Sanctuary — Say hello to the adorable creatures of Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary. (Image: Jewels Lynch)

Day 3: Bundaberg to Rockhampton

Before getting back on the road, take time to visit the many museums, and, of course, the famous Bundaberg Rum Distillery for a tour. Then head to the Beef Capital of Australia, Rockhampton.

Although, ‘Rocky’ is surrounded by beef cattle farms, your first stop should be to the impressive Rockhampton Museum of Art , which features an art collection valued at over $16 million. Rest your head at the centrally-located Mercure Rockhampton overlooking the mighty Fitzroy River. Grab a quick swim in their outdoor pool before enjoying a steak at their in-house restaurant.

Day 4: Rockhampton to Mackay

Grab a strong coffee at your hotel and drive the short distance to the nearby Capricorn Caves for a morning tour of these natural limestone beauties. Then hit the road for the four-hour drive to Mackay.

Reward yourself with a swim in the large, resort-style pool at the Mantra Mackay . Overlooking the marina, it’s the perfect location from which to explore the city, before enjoying a sundowner and dinner at the popular Latitude 21 on the hotel terrace.

woman exploring the Capricorn Caves in queensland — Explore the Capricorn Caves. (Image: TEQ)

Day 6: Mackay to Townsville

Grab your breakfast to go, then head just out of town to Finch Hatton Gorge. Here, spend the morning ziplining 25 metres above the rainforest floor with Forest Flying . Head to Airlie Beach for lunch and a swim in the famous Airlie Beach Lagoon , before heading north to Townsville.

Hop on a 20-minute ferry – they leave regularly – and check into the stunning Peppers Blue on Blue Resort . Spend the evening swimming in their two pools with views across the private marina to Mount Cook National Park, before feasting on fresh seafood at their on-site restaurant, Boardwalk Restaurant and Bar.

aerial view of beach at Airlie Beach queensland — Dive into the crystal clear waters around Airlie Beach. (Image: TEQ)

Day 7: Townsville to Cairns

After a morning swim on one of Magnetic Island’s beautiful beaches, hop back on the ferry and travel north to the sleepy Mission Beach for lunch. You’ll be sandwiched by rainforest on one side, and the beach on the other.

Continue on to Cairns and check in at the centrally-located Novotel Cairns Oasis, where the lagoon-style pool and swim-up bar alone is worth the visit. Or continue north for 25 minutes to the coastal village of Palm Cove.

Once there it’s a tough choice between the luxurious, five-star Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple, or the beautifully designed Peppers Beach Club and Spa Palm Cove , where the pool has its very own beach.

two people in deck chairs by Novotel Cairns Oasis' lagoon-style pool — Relax by Novotel Cairns Oasis’ lagoon-style pool.

Day 8: To Port Douglas

No matter where you spent the night, your journey to Port Douglas will be one of the most scenic road trips you’ll ever experience. Following the coastline, travel past champagne-coloured beaches, offshore islands and submerged reefs, before rolling into town at Port Douglas.

Although you’ll be spoilt for choice with hotels, two of the best are Peppers Beach Club Port Douglas, which is closer to town (think stunning pool and walking distance to Macrossan Street) and the famous, five-star Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa , located a little further down the beach. If the 3000-metre-squared lagoon-style pool isn’t enough at this hotel, you’ll also find the exclusive Vie Spa and popular restaurant, Aluco Restaurant & Bar , widely known as being one of the finest restaurants in Port Douglas.

aerial view of pool at Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple — Revive from road-tripping in one of the best pools in Port Douglas.

Start planning your Queensland adventure at all.com.

The rise of run clubs has inspired a surprising new holiday trend