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A Running Tours History: How did we get here? 




Running tours, running retreats, and combining running and travel has become an exciting way for runners and travellers to explore new destinations while staying active.


And it’s pretty much exactly what a Run Weekends running tour is all about.


Running. Travelling. Exploring. 

The history of running tours is rich and varied. The concept might seem modern, but the idea of travelling on foot has deep historical roots. 


It has evolved from ancient pilgrimages and messengers to modern organized adventures. 


Today, running tours offer a unique way to explore the world, combining fitness, travel, and cultural experiences. Whether you're running through historic city streets or traversing breathtaking natural landscapes, running tours provide an unparalleled way to connect with the world around you. 


Let's take a journey through the history of running tours, from ancient pilgrimages to today's organized adventures.


 

What are Running Tours?


Running tours are guided runs designed to help you explore a city or natural area on foot while getting a workout.


Unlike traditional sightseeing tours, running tours combine exercise with cultural immersion, giving you a chance to experience a destination at a pace that lets you take in the details while covering more ground than walking.


At Run Weekends, a running tour is accompanied by local guides as well as experienced runner Nick Butter. They are small groups along scenic routes. As we go, we point out landmarks and share insights into the area’s history, culture, and hidden gems.





The running retreats are multi-day experience. We focus on wellness, fitness, and improving running skills in a supportive environment. Whilst our running retreats typically take place in tranquil, scenic locations—such as mountains, coastal areas, or quiet countryside—we also visit bustling hubs like Barcelona and Dubai, too!


Each of our running retreats is carefully designed with structured runs and activities like yoga and other sports. A great way of fostering a community vibe among your fellow runners who share similar interests!


In addition to the physical benefits, we believe running retreats offer relaxation, personal growth, and the opportunity to meet new people. A truly revitalizing experience for runners of all levels!


 

Running and Travel - A History of Pilgrimages


Whilst the concept of ‘running tours’ may be a new one, it may just be a modern take on what has been done for many many years… 


In ancient times, running or travelling on foot was often associated with religious pilgrimages


Devotees would embark on long journeys to sacred sites, covering vast distances on foot. These journeys were not only a test of faith but also physical endurance


Pilgrims travelled to places that are still famous today. 


The Camino de Santiago

A network of pilgrimage routes leading to the shrine of the apostle Saint James the Great in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Spain.


While walking is the traditional method, some pilgrims ran parts of the route, blending spirituality with physical challenge.





Mount Kailash

In Tibet, pilgrims circumambulate the sacred mountain. They believe that a single circuit can erase the sins of a lifetime. 


The journey, known as the Kora, is often undertaken on foot, with some pilgrims running parts of the challenging route.




 


Running and Travel - A History of Messengers


Running with a purpose - to deliver a crucial message! 


Communication and Sport

Running was a critical means of communication in ancient civilizations. 


Messengers, or couriers, would run long distances to deliver important messages and news. 


The most famous of these is one that you just might know… 


Pheidippides and the Marathon

According to legend, the Greek soldier Pheidippides ran from the battlefield of Marathon to Athens to announce the Greek victory over Persia in 490 BC. 


Yup - this 26.2-mile (42km) run that inspired the modern marathon event.


The birth of the marathon! 



 


Running and Travel - Medieval and Early Modern Periods


Royal Messengers

During medieval times, royal courts often employed runners to carry messages across kingdoms.


These couriers had to be incredibly fit, as they traversed challenging terrains and long distances. Their role was crucial for maintaining communication in the pre-modern world.


Explorers and Adventurers

The Age of Exploration saw adventurers like Marco Polo and Ibn Battuta travel great distances, often on foot, to discover new lands and cultures. 


While not specifically running, these journeys required immense stamina and perseverance, laying the groundwork for the spirit of modern running tours.




 


Running and Travel - The 19th and 20th Centuries & the Birth of Organised Running? 


The Rise of Marathons

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the formalization of running as a competitive sport


The first modern marathon took place during the 1896 Athens Olympics, rekindling the spirit of Pheidippides' legendary run. This period marked the beginning of organized long-distance running events, setting the stage for future running tours.


Advent of Trail Running

Trail running emerged as a popular activity in the mid-20th century, with runners seeking to escape the confines of urban environments. 


This shift towards natural and rugged terrains aligned with the growing interest in outdoor recreation and exploration.


Check out our piece on trail running here




 


Running and Travel - Modern Running Tours


The perfect combination of travel and fitness? 


The 1980s and 1990s: The Birth of Running Tours

The concept of running tours as we know them today began to take shape in the 1980s and 1990s. 


Companies started offering guided running tours that combined travel, sightseeing, and running. These tours provided structured itineraries, support, and the opportunity to explore new destinations through running.


Expansion and Diversification

In recent decades, running tours have expanded to cater to a wide range of interests and fitness levels. Plus, with the younger generations interested more in keeping fit with friends and travelling rather than partying and drinking, there has never been a more perfect time for running tours!


From leisurely city jogs to intense mountain trail runs, there's a running tour for everyone.


Popular destinations and running tour concepts include:


Urban Running Tours 

Explore iconic cities like Dubai and Barcelona through guided running tours that take you past famous landmarks and hidden gems.


Nature and Adventure Runs

Discover the beauty of nature with running tours in national parks, coastal trails, and mountainous regions.


Popular spots include the rainforest of Ecuador, the coastal paths of Corfu, and the unique landscapes of Australia.


Themed and Cultural Tours

Modern running tours often incorporate themes and cultural experiences, making them more than just a run.


For example, you can swim with whales in Tonga or run the streets of Pyongyang in North Korea



 


Running and Travel - The Future of Running Tours


Virtual and Hybrid Tours

The rise of technology has introduced virtual and hybrid running tours. 


Participants can join live or recorded runs guided by experts, exploring new places without leaving their hometown. 


This innovation makes running tours accessible to a broader audience and was certainly helped during the COVID-19 pandemic. 


Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Tours

As awareness of environmental issues grows, there is a trend towards sustainable and eco-friendly running tours. 


These tours emphasize minimizing environmental impact, supporting local communities, and promoting conservation efforts.


Ultra-Running and Extreme Adventures

For those seeking more intense challenges, ultra-running and extreme adventure tours are gaining popularity. 


These tours take runners to remote and rugged locations, offering extreme physical and mental challenges.


Today...


And thus, Run Weekends was born. A passion for travel. For running. And the best way to combine them both. Led by runner and traveller Nick Butter, who has completed a marathon in every country in the world.


Where will you be joining us?








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