First Running Holiday: What to Expect on Your Trip

Booking your first running holiday can feel exciting and slightly intimidating in equal measure. You might be wondering: Am I fit enough? Will I keep up? What will the days actually look like? Will I feel out of place if I’m travelling alone?

The good news is that our running holidays are designed to be inclusive, supportive, and enjoyable, not competitive. They combine the structure of guided runs with the freedom of a real holiday, allowing you to explore new places, meet like-minded people, and improve your running in a relaxed, encouraging environment.

Whether you’re new to trail running, returning to running after a break, or simply curious about combining travel with fitness, this guide explains exactly what to expect on your first running holiday.

1. You Don’t Need to Be Fast (or an “Elite Runner”)

One of the biggest myths about running holidays is that they’re only for experienced or very fast runners. In reality, most people on their first running holiday are regular runners, not athletes.

Our guided running holidays are designed to:

• Cater for different paces and abilities

• Include breaks where needed

• Focus on enjoyment and scenery, not speed

  
  

Small group sizes mean guides can easily support everyone. Many first-timers are surprised by how relaxed the atmosphere is. There’s no pressure to perform, no race bibs, and no finish times. The emphasis is on running together and enjoying the journey.

2. Fully Inclusive Means Less Stress, More Enjoyment

One of the biggest reasons people love their first Run Weekends running holiday is how easy everything feels. From the moment you arrive, the details are taken care of so you can focus on running, relaxing and enjoying the experience.

Run Weekends trips are fully inclusive, meaning accommodation, guided runs and all meals are included, along with a drink at mealtimes. There’s no worrying about where to eat, what’s open, or whether you’re fuelling properly, it’s all sorted! After a run, you’ll sit down together for nourishing meals, share stories from the day and enjoy the social side of the trip without any added stress.

For first-time running holiday guests, this takes away a huge mental load and makes the whole experience feel genuinely like a holiday, not a logistical challenge.

3. What a Typical Day Looks Like on a Run Weekends Trip

No two Run Weekends running holidays are exactly the same and that’s part of the appeal. Each destination offers a different landscape, atmosphere and style of running, whether that’s coastal trails, mountain paths or forest tracks.

Most days start with a relaxed breakfast before heading out for a guided run, carefully planned to suit the group and the location. Routes are designed to showcase the best scenery, encourage conversation and make the most of being out in nature stopping for photos, views and moments you’d never notice if you were rushing.

Every trip has a detailed itinerary, which you can view on the Run Weekends website before booking, so you know exactly what to expect. Evenings are about winding down together, often over a shared dinner, chatting about the day, playing simple games, laughing and enjoying that easy camaraderie that comes from spending time outdoors together.

4. Terrain: Expect Variety and New Experiences

Running holidays introduce you to terrain you might not usually experience at home. This could include:

• Coastal paths and rolling countryside

• Forest trails and gravel tracks

• Mountain paths with stunning views

• Warm-weather trails in winter sun destinations

  
  

For many runners, this is their first real introduction to trail running. Guides will help you adjust your pacing, offer technique tips, and ensure routes are suitable for the group. Trail running is often easier on the joints and encourages a more relaxed approach making it ideal for a first running holiday.

5. Small Groups Create a Supportive Community

One of the most special things about a Run Weekends running holiday is the sense of community that develops. Trips are kept intentionally small, creating a welcoming, supportive environment where everyone feels included, whether you’re a confident runner or joining your first ever running retreat.

Running together, eating together and exploring new places naturally builds strong connections. Many guests arrive solo and leave with new friends, and it’s common for people to stay in touch long after the trip ends. Some even meet up again on future Run Weekends adventures or arrange their own runs back home.

For many runners, it’s not just the trails they remember, it’s the people, the conversations and the feeling of being part of something bigger than just a run.

6. Running Holidays Are About More Than Running

Despite the name, running holidays aren’t just about miles. They’re about experiencing a destination through movement.

Depending on the trip, this might include:

• Exploring villages, coastlines, or mountain towns

• Enjoying local food and culture

• Swimming, sightseeing, or wildlife spotting

• Learning about the area from knowledgeable guides

  
  

This balance between activity and exploration is what makes running holidays so appealing. You’re active, but not exhausted, challenged, but not overwhelmed.

7. Preparing for Your First Running Holiday

Preparation for a running holiday doesn’t need to be complicated. In fact, keeping things simple is often best.

Helpful tips include:

• Running consistently rather than intensely beforehand

• Bringing shoes you’ve already worn in

• Packing layers and weather-appropriate gear

• Staying hydrated and prioritising recovery

  
  

You don’t need specialist equipment or extreme training. Your guides will help you adapt to the terrain and conditions, ensuring your first running holiday feels manageable and enjoyable.

Ready for Your First Running Holiday?

A first running holiday with Run Weekends is about far more than just the miles. It’s about discovering incredible destinations, running scenic trails at your own pace, and sharing the experience with a supportive community of like-minded runners. With fully inclusive trips, small groups, carefully planned routes and everything organised for you, from accommodation and transport to meals and logistics, you can focus on enjoying the run and the adventure. Whether you’re new to running holidays or simply curious about what they’re really like, Run Weekends offers welcoming, unforgettable running trips and active holidays across Europe and beyond.

Explore upcoming running holidays and retreats at www.runweekends.com