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)

From cycling and comedy to boating and begonia appreciation, there’s an event in regional Victoria that’s sure to have you circling dates on your calendar.

1. Festival of Sails

the Melbourne to Geelong passage race, Festival of Sails 2025 — The Melbourne to Geelong passage race will be held for its 183rd year. (Image: Salty Dingo)

When: 24–26 January
Where: Melbourne and Geelong

This five-day regatta of sailing and onshore entertainment at Geelong’s waterfront includes Australia’s oldest sporting event, the Melbourne to Geelong passage race which, in 2026, will be held for its 183rd year. But you don’t have to be a yachtie, sailor or boat-enthusiast to enjoy the nautical excitement; there’s also a three-day line-up of entertainment, food and live music, including the anchoring of tall ships – ever a firm family favourite.

2. Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race

cyclists during the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race — Catch the best cyclists as they wind through Victoria’s coastal towns. (Image: Visit Victoria)

When: 31 January – 1 February
Where: The Bellarine Peninsula

Meandering (at pace) along the Bellarine Peninsula and the Surf Coast is this annual cycling event that welcomes everyone from families to serious athletes. Since its beginnings in 2015, the race has become a huge hit with spectators flocking along to cheer on Lycra-clad competitors. Starting and finishing in Geelong’s Velo Village, this is the hub of the non-race activity with food and drink, roaming performers, lawn games and face painting.

3. Riverboats Music Festival

the performers at Riverboats Music Festival, Murray River — The annual music festival is staged under majestic red gums by the Murray River.

When: 13–15 February
Where: Echuca–Moama

Get along to bop and sway under the canopy of red gums at this annual music festival . Hosted by the twin towns of Echuca–Moama, the stage is set for Murray River-adjacent revelling as historic paddlesteamers peacefully chug alongside the event. As well as music, there’s dancing, food trucks and plenty of atmosphere to absorb.

4. Neerim ArtsFest

the Neerim ArtsFest south sculptures — Admire stunning works at Neerim ArtsFest. (Image: Nicky Cawood)

When: 28 February – 15 March
Where: Gippsland

This biennial Gippsland festival celebrates sculptural artists with an esteemed award in two categories, large outdoor and small indoor. The public is invited to enjoy the works over the exhibition period as they’re placed throughout Neerim South and surrounding venues. For 2026, the theme ‘The Spirit Soars’ leads artists to create stunning pieces that explore the expression of freedom in a thrilling visual capacity.

5. ChillOut Festival

a street parade during the LGBTQIA+ ChillOut Festival — Think colourful street parades and burlesque performances.

When: 5–9 March
Where: Daylesford

Pride in the country has been cheered on every March in Daylesford since 1997 with the riotous annual LGBTQIA+ ChillOut Festival . This colourful regional spectacle is an inclusive celebration of diversity that plays out across a vibrant parade, burlesque performances, a bush dance and a carnival. Get bedazzled, find a wig and stick on the false eyelashes for this fun party.

6. Port Fairy Folk Festival

Missy Higgins at the Port Fairy Folk Festival — Celebrate folk music at the Port Fairy Folk Festival. (Image: Lucinda Goodwin)

When: 6–9 March
Where: Port Fairy

In 2026, this beloved festival will be one year shy of its 50th anniversary. From folk fans to festival-lovers, this long-running event brings plenty of good vibes to guarantee an incredible experience. While music is at the heart of the festival, there’s also a range of workshops, exhibitions and family entertainment across dance, film and folk art. For its 49th year, the line-up so far includes Blair Dunlop, Elephant Sessions, and the musical duo Felicity Urquhart and Josh Cunningham.

7. The Ballarat Begonia Festival

a woman admiring flowers at The Ballarat Begonia Festival — Gasp at delicate blooms at The Ballarat Begonia Festival.

When: 7–9 March
Where: Ballarat

In bloom since 1953, this horticultural event places a collection of rare begonias at the centre of festivities, honouring the flower’s presence in Ballarat since the 1800s. During its history, the event has been visited by Queen Elizabeth II and, in 2015, it featured the launch of the largest outdoor Lego flower. Apart from a display of around 500 species of the flower of the moment, there’s also a begonia parade, entertainment, live music, food and presentations.

8. The Bendigo Easter Festival

Chinese dragon Dai Gum Loong dance at The Bendigo Easter Festival — The majestic Chinese dragon Dai Gum Loong dance is an annual tradition at The Bendigo Easter Festival.

When: 3–6 April
Where: Bendigo

Held in the city’s Rosalind Park, the annual Easter Festival has been a highlight of Bendigo’s calendar of events since 1871. A carnival of colourful activity, the festival welcomes everyone and rolls out the good times with everything from a Good Friday Easter egg hunt to live music and performances, a Rotary market and Gala Parade. Don’t miss the world’s longest imperial dragon rhythmically roaming the historic streets as part of the Easter Sunday festivities.

9. Grape Escape

a glass of wine at the Grampians Grape Escape — Enjoy a wine tasting experience. (Image: Anthony Evans Photography)

When: 1–3 May
Where: The Grampians

Backdropped by gorgeous Grampians/Gariwerd National Park, this much-loved bacchanalian-inspired festival of food, wine and music is a high-priority for gourmands. Held at Halls Gap Reserve, a Tasting Ticket includes a tumbler that unlocks free wine, beer and cider tastings and, if you are partaking, there’s a shuttle bus to get you back to your digs afterwards. Be sure to book your accommodation early for this one – its popularity is undisputed.

10. Comedy in the Vines

Comedy in the Vines at Cherryhill Orchards — Get the good times rolling at Cherryhill Orchards. (Image: Saige Prime)

When: 24–26 October
Where: Yarra Valley

The premise of Yarra Valley’s Comedy in the Vines , held at Cherryhill Orchards, is that wine and laughs pair well. Few arguments can be made, so get along this month (or next year), to have a giggle and a gamay. This year, taking the stage is the likes of Merrick Watts, Tommy Little, Ray O’Leary and Takashi Wakasugi. There are also masterclasses, a riesling and oyster shot bar, and plenty of food and music between gigs.

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