Relaxation, simply doing nothing and not walking further than to the buffet – while this sounds like the perfect holiday for some, others can’t even imagine such a thing. However, the number of travellers who prefer to be active and even use their holidays to participate in running events at their destination or prepare for a marathon is rising.
Exercise on Holiday? Yes Please!
When most hotel guests (or other family members) are still asleep, some are already heading out into the great outdoors. Running shoes on their feet, headphones in their ears, training plan in their heads, and pulse rate checked. Using holidays for targeted training is not new but is becoming increasingly popular. Marathons or running holidays have a small but growing interest group. But even on a family holiday, with some planning and the right motivation, you can use your free time for running.
Moreover, the amenities of hotels can perfectly complement your training plan. Pools invite you to swim, saunas relax your muscles, and professional sports massages prepare your body for the rigours of a marathon. Many hotels also have their own fitness studios where you can train under professional guidance. And finally, a mountain hike with the family also counts as a gentle cardio workout.
Marathon as a Destination.
For most people, a marathon is a goal that requires a lot of training. However, it can not only become a training destination but also a travel destination. Some runners deliberately choose a marathon in a distant place as their first race. The most famous is the New York Marathon. According to New York City, around 50,000 people participate in the 42.195-kilometre race annually, around 10,000 of whom travel from abroad.
This combines the rigours of the race with the experience of travelling, and the marathon becomes a unique experience.
Running Events and Marathons 2024 and Sustainable Hotels for Your Stay In Germany.
Schwarzwald (Black Forest) Marathon – Location: Bräunlingen | Date: 12 – 13 October 2024 | Various Distances.
The Schwarzwald Marathon has been held since 1968 and is considered the world’s oldest nature and women’s marathon. In addition to the marathon (for women and men), other races take place, including a relay marathon, 10- and 5-km runs, and children’s races. Registration for this year’s run is still open!
Your sustainable Hotel in the Black Forest: SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA.
The SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA wellness and health hotel is about 160 kilometres from Bräunlingen. Here, runners will find ideal conditions to prepare for the race and recover afterwards. And best of all, all this can be enjoyed in the knowledge that the beautiful nature you are running through is being actively protected.
Ostseelauf (Baltic Sea Run) in Timmendorfer Strand.
Location: Timmendorfer Strand | Date: 17 March 2024 | Half Marathon and 10 km Run
The Ostseelauf has occurred annually since 2003 and is organized by numerous regional partners. Last year, almost 1,500 participants enjoyed the run along the Baltic Sea. By the way, There are also team competitions!
Your sustainable Hotel: Lifestylehotel SAND.
The Lifestylehotel SAND not only supports the Baltic Sea run with prizes (the winners can expect an overnight stay at the SAND with breakfast), but this year also offered the Triathlon Heldinnen accommodation and catering for their training camp as part of a cooperation.
Stolberger Schloss-Lauf (Stolberg Castle Run) in the Harz Mountains.
Location: Stolberg | Date: 1 June 2024 | Half Marathon and other Distances.
This year, the charity organized by the Ritter von Kempski private hotels for the region’s kindergartens celebrated its 5th birthday. Almost 350 runners took part and discovered the European city of Stolberg and the beautiful nature of southern Harz on various routes. The start and finish line is located directly at Stolberg Castle—a perfect backdrop for top-running performances.
Your sustainable Hotel: Naturresort Schindelbruch.
The wellness hotel and Naturresort Schindelbruch belong to Ritter von Kempski Privathotels. They are amid the exact impressive nature through which the routes of the Stolberger Schloss-Lauf lead. Guests can look forward to an all-around wellness program ideal for relaxing and recharging their batteries after the half marathon or one of the shorter runs.
Königsschlösser (Royal Castle) Marathon in Füssen.
Location: Füssen | Date: 20 July 2024 | Marathon and shorter Distances.
The Saturday run in Füssen is an event that attracts many regional participants. Against the fantastic backdrop of the Alps and the royal castles, the marathon almost seems like sightseeing. For those who don’t want to run quite so far, other distances can be run around Füssen.
Your sustainable Hotel: Hotel Das Rübezahl.
It’s much easier to recover from your exertions with a view of Neuschwanstein Castle. “We often have guests who take part in the Königsschlösser Marathon,” the team of the Hotel Das Rübezahl tells us. A large wellness area, cozy rooms, and delicious food in the hotel’s restaurants await the runners and their companions.
In Austria.
Vienna City Marathon (Wien Marathon)
Location: Wien | Date: 21 April 2024 | Marathon and City Half Marathon.
The Vienna City Marathon is an actual running party with many events for runners and fans around the actual marathon. In addition, it is an experience simply because an enthusiastic, international community of runners comes together every year and, of course, because the route passes the city’s top sights. In addition to the marathon and half marathon, there are also other races for young and old.
Your sustainable Hotel: Gut Guntrams.
The Naturgut Guntrams, with its various holiday apartments, is located about 60 kilometres from the Austrian capital in the middle of the Bucklige Welt. Not only do marathon preparations take place here in the most beautiful natural surroundings, but afterwards, the tranquillity, the cozy holiday apartments, and the natural bathing pond offer perfect conditions for holistic relaxation. No wonder marathon participants regularly stop here.
Dreiländer-Giro in Tyrol (Cycling Marathon).
Location: Nauders | Date: 30 June 2024 | Cycling Marathon
3,000 metres in altitude, three countries and between 120 and 168 kilometres in length – at the Dreiländer-Giro, it’s not the runners who are applauded, but the cyclists. The Giro Days, a festival of the cycling scene surrounded by the Tyrolean Alps, will also take place around the event. The start and finish lines are in Nauders, a neighbouring town to Pfunds.
Your sustainable Accommodation: Summit Lodges Pfunds.
The two North American log cabin-style holiday homes welcome guests with plenty of space, their sauna, and a terrace with mountain views. Numerous hiking and biking trails around the lodges are also suitable for preparation or a relaxing getaway. This year, both chalets were occupied by participants in the Dreiländer-Giro.
Achensee Half Marathon.
Location: Pertisau | Date: 7 – 8 September 2024 | Half Marathon
The half marathon course leads once around the largest lake in Tyrol. This means that the run qualifies as nature sightseeing and a holiday. In addition to the half marathon, which can also be run as a team or relay, there is a 10 km race and children’s races over 500 meters and 2.6 km. Perfect for families who love running.
Your sustainable Hotel: Biohotel Grafenast.
The Biohotel Grafenast is located high above the Inn Valley. The view alone is worth the trip. The cozy forest sauna, the delicious organic food and the hiking and running trails around the hotel invite marathon runners to relax and recharge. Guided nature tours and yoga retreats are also held regularly. Children will also feel at home here.
In Switzerland.
Gornergrat-Zermatt-Marathon
Location: St. Niklaus / Zermatt | Date: 6 July 2024 | Marathon, Ultra Marathon and Other Distances.
In the face of some of the highest peaks in the Alps, this run is a real challenge. Over 1000 meters of altitude are covered on the individual routes. The ultra-marathon (45.6 km) leads up to the Gornergrat. Most other runs end on the Riffelberg, where your efforts are rewarded with a fantastic view as you cross the finish line.
Your sustainable Hotels: Bio Hotel Bella Vista and CERVO Mountain Resort.
Two green pearls await guests in Zermatt. Ensuring there is something for everyone. Both hotels are located directly on the running course. If you are looking for a relaxed, family atmosphere in a traditional hotel, the Bio Hotel Bella Vista Zermatt is the place for you. The highlight is a delicious breakfast with home-baked delicacies, locally made jams and regional specialties.
If, on the other hand, you are looking for pure luxury, you will find it at the CERVO Mountain Resort. With its unique charm, the hotel offers first-class wellness and several restaurants and still exudes a close connection to nature through its bespoke design. By the way, there is also a marathon supply station there, and every runner is invited for a beer by the CERVO team during the race weekend.
Both hotels are actively committed to more sustainability and protecting the mountain environment.
