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)

Hobart has quietly become our coolest capital, but the real wonder lies just beyond the city limits.

In the cool shade of Kunyani/ Mt Wellington, Hobart has earned a reputation. Home to culture-defining Dark MOFO, the city blends rugged, raw wilderness and rule-breaking galleries. But, step beyond the thrumming capital’s border and you’ll find a new perspective: historic towns, Jurassic-era cliffs and a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. With ALL Accor as your home away from home, fill your days with epicurean odysseys and wild scenery on the best day trips from Hobart.

Where to stay

Behind every good road trip is the perfect home base. Somewhere central to review your camera roll, make the most of Hobart’s dining scene and relax before setting off again.

For modern, Tasmanian-inspired design, book a stay at the Movenpick Hotel Hobart . Standing at the Salamanca Markets, look to the Hobart skyline and the award-winning hotel will catch your eye. As the third-tallest building in the CBD, the views across the harbour toward Antarctica are totally unique to your room. Here, end each day at the daily free chocolate hour (plus a free Movenpick ice cream for the little ones).

For a more budget-conscious option, head to the picture book, sandstone buildings of Macquarie Street. Nestled along the buzzing, historic streetscape, you’ll find Tasmania’s biggest hotel: the Ibis Styles . Return home each day to defrost in one of the hotel’s two saunas. Make use of the proximity to MONA, or take an easy stroll to the candy-coloured cottages of Battery Point between your adventures.

A stylish, Tasmanian-inspired bedroom at Mövenpick Hotel Hobart, your perfect base for relaxing after the best day trips from Hobart. — Elevate your Hobart stay with sleek style at Mövenpick.

1. Bruny Island

Craggy cliffs and tropical-hued, white sand beaches signal your arrival to Bruny Island/ Lunawanna-Alonnah.

Start your day trip at the island’s most iconic spot, the Neck Game Reserve. Scale the Trunganini steps to gaze out over the teensy stretch of land that juts through the sea connecting the two ends of the island.

Catch a rare glimpse of the white furred wallabies that call Bruny Island home at Adventure Bay. Then, for ocean-fresh oysters, pull into the drive-thru window at Get Shucked . Sample Bruny Island cheese at the cellar door before catching the ferry home with an esky full of local produce.

Bruny Island Neck is an isthmus of land connecting north and south Bruny Island. — Begin your adventure with a climb and a view. (Image: Elise Weaver)

2. Mount Wellington

At 1271 metres, Mount Wellington watches protectively over Hobart. Follow the winding road to climb through alpine forest and tufts of snow to reach the summit. Gaze down over Hobart and out to sea, or over your shoulder to the southwestern wilderness.

Reset your adrenaline with a mountain bike ride back down. Or, make like the locals and head into the mountain on foot. Try the hike to the Jurassic-period Organ Pipes which slips under the mountain’s magnificent dolerite cliffs (perfect for families thanks to the trail’s minimal incline).

For a view of Mount Wellington itself, hike nearby Cathedral Rock.

No matter where you are in Hobart you are never far away from the City's beloved mountain, Kunanyi / Mount Wellington — Climb through alpine forest to the summit. (Image: Paul Flemming)

2. Port Arthur

Constructed entirely by convicts, the manicured gardens and penal buildings of Port Arthur offer a day trip that practically hums with history.

The rugged, seagirt location was chosen for its difficult escape conditions. Now, you can cruise the coast below the towering, jagged cliffs of the Tasman National Park or wander the sloping fields of fragrant lavender.

Tickets to Port Arthur include a walking tour and harbour cruise. See the Isle of the Dead where 1000 men are buried in marked and unmarked graves. And Point Puer, Britain’s first prison for children.

The Port Arthur Historic Site is one of Australia's most important heritage sites and tourist destinations. Located on the scenic Turrakana / Tasman Peninsula in the south east of Tasmania, it offers a unique and essential experience for all visitors to the area. — Wander convict-built grounds and gardens. (Image: Dearna Bond)

3. Launceston

You’ll find Launceston at the confluence of three rivers after an easy 2.5-hour drive from Hobart. Launceston is a patchwork of old and new. Here, heritage streetscapes meet modern architecture.

Visit Cataract Gorge, the green, sun-dappled heart of the town and sacred meeting point for Tasmania’s indigenous communities. Pull up at roadside produce stalls that dot the Tamar Valley, or dine out. Launceston is, after all, a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.

Should the local wine scene persuade you, simply extend your time in Launceston at Peppers Silo (but definitely at least stop by the onsite restaurant, Grain of the Silo , for a farm fresh menu) or Mercure Launceston before heading back to Hobart.

Walk the sunlit paths of Cataract Gorge. (Image: Nick H Visuals)

4. Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

Take a 35-minute drive from your hotel and you’ll find Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary . This social enterprise is run by a team of extremely passionate Tasmanians with a mission to look after critically endangered species who have found sanctuary here after facing extinction on the mainland.

Choose to wander the sanctuary at your own pace or join a guided tour (free with your ticket) to come face to face with Tassie’s most iconic species. Tasmanian Devils, wombats and echidnas are part of the free tour. You can book up close encounters with your favourite animals, too.

Bonorong is a Sanctuary for wildlife run by a passionate team of like-minded people. We're a social enterprise: a little business with a big heart. — Snap a cuddle-worthy encounter. (Image: Tourism Australia)

5. Richmond Village & Coal River Valley

Richmond is a town that belongs in a snow globe. Fifty colonial-era, Georgian buildings have been painstakingly restored and turned into cafes, cosy restaurants and galleries. Visit Richmond Gaol , said to be the home of a prisoner so vile he inspired Charles Dickens to pen Oliver Twist’s Fagin.

Then, follow the Coal River as it flows past grassy, duckling-dotted knolls and under the iconic Richmond Bridge, the oldest bridge in Australia. From the crest of the bridge, see the oldest Catholic Church in Australia. The river crawls past many cellar doors, perfect for a day of wine tasting.

Richmond is a picture-perfect town in the Coal River Valley wine region, offering a glimpse into early colonial life, one of the best day trips from Hobart. — Trace the river through history and wine country. (Image: Fin Matson)

Plan your trip to Hobart and beyond with ALL Accor at All.com .

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