Trending Travel - Mara-cations: When Your Holiday Comes With a Finish Line

The Mara-cation.

This is where endurance events and unforgettable travel collide. A marathon paired with sunshine. A cycling tour followed by wine tasting. An Ironman with island hopping afterwards. It’s training with purpose and travelling smart.

And I can confirm, from very recent personal experience, that this works beautifully.

I’ve just organised a mara-cation for my dad and brother, who completed the Malaga Marathon in December. Flat coastal course, winter sunshine, tapas for recovery. It was the perfect reminder that if you’re putting your body through something tough, you might as well reward it properly.

So if you’ve ever thought “I’d love to do that race” or “I need motivation to train”, let me show you how endurance travel can become your favourite kind of holiday.

From World Marathon Majors and legendary cycling tours to ultras that make your legs ache just reading about them, here is your month-by-month guide to endurance travel done properly. And yes, I can organise it for you – minus actually doing the event – that I refuse.

 

So, What Exactly Is a Mara-cation?

In simple terms, it’s a holiday built around an endurance event.

That could be:

• A World Marathon Major
• A legendary cycling tour
• An ultra marathon in the desert
• An Ironman in paradise

The race is the anchor. The travel is the reward.

Instead of flying in, running and flying straight home, a mara-cation gives you time to explore, recover and actually enjoy where you are. And crucially, it’s all planned around you.

Different pace. Different goals. Same brilliant experience.

Why Choose a Mara-cation?

Because it gives you:

• A world class event as your travel anchor
• A reason to explore bucket list destinations
• Built in motivation to train
• A proper reward waiting at the finish line
• One expert to plan everything seamlessly

That last one is where I come in.

 

January: New Year, Big Energy

January is made for bold plans.

Take the Dubai Marathon for example. It’s fast, flat and futuristic, with skyscrapers lining the route. Perfect conditions for a strong start to the year. But the real joy comes afterwards.

For the seriously ambitious, there’s also the World Marathon Challenge. Seven marathons, seven continents, seven days. Antarctica to Miami.

Dubai Marathon

Fast, flat and futuristic. Race past skyscrapers before rewarding yourself with:

• Luxury beach hotels and rooftop pools
• Desert safaris and dune dining
• Spa days that your calves will genuinely appreciate

Extend further to the Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles or South East Asia for elite level recovery.

Sustainable travel tip: Eco certified hotels, refillable bottles, avoid plastic.

World Marathon Challenge | January to February

Seven marathons. Seven continents. Seven days.

Antarctica to Miami in one extraordinary endurance test. Capacity is limited and bragging rights are guaranteed.

This is often paired with serious fundraising and absolutely requires proper rest afterwards. Miami, the Caribbean or a luxury cruise home all work beautifully.

Sustainable travel tip: Group travel reduces flight impact and carbon offsetting is included.

February: Culture, Colour and Calm Miles

Tokyo Marathon

Japan is one of those destinations that delivers whether you run or not. As a mara-cation, it’s exceptional.

One of the World Marathon Majors and a cultural adventure in its own right.

• Neon cityscapes and incredible food
• Bullet train journeys
• Kyoto temples and traditional ryokans
• Onsens for post race recovery

Japan delivers every single time. A Little too early for blossom season though – unless you wish to extend your stay into March/April.

Sustainable travel tip: Bullet train travel and offset flights.

March: Spring Sunshine and Iconic Scenery

The Seville Marathon is fast, flat and stunning. Orange blossom scented streets, historic landmarks and a finish beside the cathedral. It’s PB friendly and perfectly placed for a longer Andalusian escape or a few days by the coast.

For cyclists, March also brings the Cape Town Cycle Tour, the largest timed cycle race in the world. Ocean roads, mountain views and an atmosphere that’s hard to beat. Most people sensibly extend their stay with the Cape Winelands, a safari or both. You’ve earned it.

Seville Marathon

March is where Europe really comes into its own.

Flat, fast and famously beautiful.

• Orange blossom scented streets
• Finish beside Seville Cathedral
• Perfect conditions for PB chasing

Combine with a longer stay exploring Seville or head to the Andalusian coast for some well earned rest.

Sustainable travel tip: Stay central and walk everywhere.

Cape Town Cycle Tour

The largest timed cycle race in the world with over 35,000 riders.

• Ocean roads
• Mountain backdrops
• Jaw dropping scenery

Extend your trip with:

• The Cape Winelands
• Safari experiences
• Or both. Obviously.

Sustainable travel tip: Hire local bikes and avoid motor convoys.

April: Icons and Legends

April is packed with history.

The Boston Marathon is the oldest annual marathon in the world and a true rite of passage. Think historic streets, passionate crowds and the chance to explore New England afterwards.

Closer to home, the London Marathon needs no introduction. It’s emotional, electric and unforgettable. Pairing it with a luxury spa stay afterwards is, in my opinion, essential.

April also brings one of the toughest tests of all, the Marathon des Sables in Morocco. Six days running through the Sahara. Sand, heat and grit. Recovery afterwards is not optional. The Atlas Mountains or the Moroccan coast are perfect for resetting both body and mind.

Boston Marathon

The world’s oldest annual marathon and a rite of passage.

• Historic Boston
• New England coastal road trips
• Iconic spectator support

Sustainable travel tip: Trains and support local charities.

London Marathon

Our capital at its very best.

• World famous landmarks
• Electric crowds
• Incredible charity spirit

Pair it with a luxury spa hotel because those miles deserve a proper recovery.

Sustainable travel tip: Public transport and eco hotels.

Marathon des Sables | Morocco

Six days. Desert. Sand. Grit.

An ultra legend that takes you deep into the Sahara. After crossing that finish line, recovery is non negotiable.

• Atlas Mountains wellness retreats
• Coastal relaxation in Essaouira or Agadir

Sustainable travel tip: Leave no trace and support Berber guide.

May and June: Mountains and Mindset

Endurance events get bigger and bolder.

The Giro d’Italia winds through the Dolomites, combining brutal climbs with breathtaking scenery. Even following parts of it as a spectator is incredible. Post ride recovery usually involves excellent food, coastal lounging or wellness retreats. Italy does this very well.

Then there’s the Comrades Marathon in South Africa, the world’s oldest ultra marathon. It’s emotional, challenging and deeply moving. Many runners combine it with a safari or island escape, which feels like the perfect contrast after such a monumental effort.

Giro d’Italia

Follow the pink jersey through the Dolomites.

• Multi stage cycling
• Alpine passes
• Outstanding Italian food

Recover with a wellness retreat or coastal lounging along the Italian Riviera.

Sustainable travel tip: Train travel between stage towns and eco lodgings.

Comrades Marathon | South Africa

The world’s oldest ultra marathon and the ultimate human race.

• Durban to Pietermaritzburg
• Huge crowds
• Emotion filled finish

Perfectly paired with a safari or island escape.

Sustainable travel tip: Community lodges and support local vendors.

June: Trail Royalty

June brings the legendary Western States Endurance Run, a 100 mile trail race through California’s Sierra Nevada. It’s tough, historic and hugely respected. Napa Valley afterwards is a popular and very sensible choice.

Western States Endurance Run | USA

100 miles through the Sierra Nevada.

• Mountains
• Heat
• Legendary history

Finish near Sacramento then relax in Napa Valley or head to Reno for something livelier.

Sustainable travel tip: Leave No Trace principles and shuttle transport.

July: Yellow Jerseys and Champagne Dreams

July belongs to the Tour de France. Following the yellow jerseys through the Alps and finishing in Paris is pure bucket list material. Champagne and spa hotels afterwards are fully justified.

Tour de France

The ultimate cycling bucket list.

• Alpine climbs
• Iconic finishes
• Champs Élysées finale

Recover in Champagne or Épernay with spa days and bubbles. You’ve earned it.

Sustainable travel tip: Rail travel between stages.

August: Alpine Nights and Mythical Trails

August delivers the mythical Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc, crossing France, Italy and Switzerland with a finish in Chamonix. Even if you’re supporting rather than running, the atmosphere is unforgettable.

Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc

The most prestigious trail race in the world.

• France, Italy and Switzerland
• Alpine villages
• Chamonix finish line magic

Even spectators fall head over heels for this region.

Sustainable travel tip: Certified guides and respect trail closures.

September: Speed and History

September brings the famously fast Berlin Marathon, where world records are regularly broken. Flat, efficient and historic, it’s ideal for PB chasers and city lovers alike.

It’s also when the Košice Peace Marathon takes place in Slovakia. Europe’s oldest peace marathon and a hidden gem. Medieval streets, friendly crowds and a wonderfully authentic feel.

Berlin Marathon

Often described as the fastest course on earth.

• World record route
• Iconic landmarks
• Brandenburg Gate finish

Extend your stay to explore Berlin’s rich history and vibrant culture.

Sustainable travel tip: Public transport and eco hotels.

Košice Peace Marathon | Slovakia

Europe’s oldest peace marathon and a hidden gem.

• Medieval old town
• Castles and Carpathians
• Friendly crowds and authentic atmosphere

Sustainable travel tip: Stay central and support local cafés.

October: PB Season

October sees the Chicago Marathon, flat, scenic and full of energy. Lake Michigan views and iconic neighbourhoods.

Chicago Marathon

Flat, scenic and full of energy.

• Lake Michigan views
• Historic neighbourhoods
• One of the largest marathon fields worldwide

Stay a few extra nights to soak up the Windy City properly.

Sustainable travel tip: Subway travel and eco certified hotels.

Ironman World Championships | Hawaii

Elite athletes. Volcanic landscapes. Bucket list stuff.

• Swim, bike, run or spectate
• Combine with island hopping across Hawaii

Sustainable travel tip: Support Hawaiian businesses and protected areas.

November: Big City Buzz

November means one thing for many runners, the New York City Marathon.

Five boroughs, endless bridges, deafening crowds and a finish in Central Park. It’s iconic for a reason. And yes, staying longer to explore the city that never sleeps is compulsory.

There’s also another edition of the Great World Race, an extreme seven continent endurance challenge with limited places and carbon offsetting included.

New York City Marathon

The world’s largest marathon.

• Five boroughs
• Iconic bridges
• Central Park finish

You cannot visit New York without staying longer. It’s the rules.

Sustainable travel tip: Subway travel and eco hotels.

Great World Race

Another extreme seven continent endurance event with just 60 places available. Carbon offsetting included.

December: Sunshine Miles and Year End Wins

December is where my personal favourite comes in.

The Malaga Marathon is a brilliant way to finish the year. Flat coastal route, winter sunshine and a finish right in the heart of the city. Watching my dad and brother cross that line, then head straight for tapas and beach walks, summed up mara-cations perfectly.

Malaga is ideal for runners of all levels and brilliant for spectators too. Beachfront hotels, old town charm and easy day trips to Ronda, Marbella or Nerja make this an easy win.

December also sees Ironman Western Australia, a flat, scenic course in the Southern Hemisphere summer. Many athletes combine this with extended travel across Australia or island time in South East Asia.

Malaga Marathon

Personal favourite and very close to home.

This December, my dad and brother completed the Malaga Marathon and it delivered everything a mara-cation should.

• Flat and fast coastal route
• Winter sun without the heat
• Finish right in the heart of the city

Malaga is ideal for runners and spectators alike:

• Beachfront hotels for instant recovery
• Old town tapas hopping because calories do not count post race
• Easy day trips to Ronda, Marbella or Nerja
• Andalusian wine tasting if your legs allow

This is a brilliant option for first time marathon runners, PB hunters or anyone wanting a festive season with sunshine and sangria.

Sustainable travel tip: Stay central, walk the city and support local restaurants.

Ironman Western Australia

Flat, coastal and scenic.

• Southern Hemisphere summer
• Stunning beaches

Perfectly paired with extended Australian travel and South East Asia island recovery.

Sustainable travel tip: Reusable bottles and community tours.

Ready to Plan Your Mara-cation?

Whether you are chasing a PB, a bucket list medal or simply a very good excuse for a very good holiday, I will design a completely personalised itinerary around you.

Flights. Hotels. Logistics. Recovery spas. Safaris. Champagne.

You train. I’ll take care of everything else and cheer you on!

Book with Your Travel Counsellor

Personalised travel with expert planning and genuine human service.

📞 02477 180165
📧 donna.gilbert@travelcounsellors.com