Why Running Holidays Are Perfect for Solo Travellers
- Laura Whyms
- 40 minutes ago
- 5 min read
If you’ve ever dreamed of taking yourself on an adventure but felt unsure about going alone, a running holiday might be the perfect solution. Travel has become increasingly social, wellness-focused, and community-driven, and running retreats are at the heart of this movement. More and more runners, from complete beginners to experienced marathoners, are choosing running holidays as a way to explore the world, meet like-minded people, and reconnect with themselves.
At Run Weekends, we specialise in running retreats for all abilities, welcoming everyone from run-walkers to ultra-runners. Our philosophy is simple: we’re not about pace, we’re about experience. And that’s exactly why running holidays are such a powerful choice for anyone travelling alone.
Below, we explore why running trips are ideal for solo adventurers and highlight some of the best destinations for your next running getaway.
Contents:
Reasons why Running Trips are ideal for Solo Adventurers:
Running Holidays Instantly Create Community
Travelling alone can feel daunting, but running has a unique ability to dissolve barriers. On a retreat, you’re immediately surrounded by people who share your love of movement, nature, and exploration, even if you all run at different speeds.
Unlike traditional group tours, running holidays bring together people with shared values: wellness, curiosity, adventure, and connection. This makes conversations more natural, friendships quicker to form, and the entire experience more meaningful.
At Run Weekends, every trip is designed with community in mind. Whether we’re exploring trails or relaxing over a post-run coffee, you’ll always be part of a friendly, inclusive group.
Running Holidays Are Safe and Structured
Solo travel is liberating, but it also comes with logistical challenges: planning routes, choosing safe areas, figuring out public transport, and navigating unknown trails.
A running holiday removes that stress completely.
You get:
Fully planned routes
Local guides or expert leaders
Safe, scenic trails chosen for all abilities
Accommodation, meals, and logistics handled for you
This gives you the freedom to enjoy the running, the scenery, and the company without worrying about the details.
You See More Than You Ever Would on Foot
Running retreats let you explore countries in a way traditional tourism can’t match. Instead of staying in busy city centres or sticking to standard tourist routes, you’re out on the trails, in nature, meeting local people and discovering places you’d never reach by car.
Whether it’s mountain paths, coastal trails, desert landscapes, or rural villages, running allows you to experience a country with all your senses; its silence, its colours, its texture, its energy.
This is why solo travel + running holidays is such a powerful combination: the experience feels immersive, authentic, and deeply personal.
Running Holidays Boost Confidence & Independence
There’s something empowering about travelling alone and realising what you’re capable of.
On a running holiday, that grows even more. Every trail you complete, every new place you explore, every challenge you step into builds confidence, both as a traveller and as a runner.
Solo travellers often say that joining a running retreat helped them:
trust themselves more
take on new adventures
feel bolder and more capable
reconnect with their own potential
It’s not just a holiday, it’s a confidence reset.
Top Running Holiday Destinations for Solo Travellers:
Georgia: For Runners Who Love Mountains, Culture & Wild Beauty
Georgia is quickly becoming one of the world’s most exciting running destinations. With the dramatic Caucasus Mountains, green valleys, medieval watchtowers, and incredibly warm hospitality, it’s ideal for runners who want a blend of culture and wilderness.
Why Georgia is perfect for solo travellers:
Safe, friendly, and welcoming
Breath-taking trails without intense technical difficulty
A strong hiking and running culture
Amazing food and vibrant local traditions
From Svaneti’s high-alpine paths to peaceful trails around Kazbegi, Georgia offers variety and beauty that solo travellers instantly fall in love with.
Uganda: Wild Trails & Once-in-a-Lifetime Adventure
If you want a running holiday that feels truly special, Uganda is unforgettable. Think rolling hills, deep forests, red dirt trails, and friendly local communities who genuinely love to welcome visitors.
Why Uganda is great for solo running travellers:
Unique landscapes you won’t find anywhere else
Wildlife, national parks, and beautiful rural scenery
Fantastic mix of runnable terrain for all abilities
A chance to experience everyday village life in a meaningful way
Uganda is perfect for the solo traveller who wants both adventure and connection, a place where nature and culture blend seamlessly.
Jordan: Desert Trails, Rich History & Soulful Landscapes
Jordan offers something magical for runners: wide-open desert landscapes, ancient pathways, Bedouin culture, and some of the most peaceful running you’ll ever experience.
Top reasons solo travellers love Jordan:
Safe, warm, and incredibly welcoming
Beautiful desert trails with soft terrain
Sunrises and sunsets you’ll never forget
A deep sense of calm and connection
Whether you’re tracing Bedouin routes in Wadi Rum or running quiet trails near Petra, Jordan is the kind of destination that stays with you long after you return home.
Lake District; Friendly Trails & Classic Scenery
The Lake District is one of the best places in the UK for beginner-friendly running retreats and weekend running getaways. It’s perfect for solo travellers who want something close to home, full of variety, and incredibly beautiful.
Highlights:
Iconic fell and lakeside routes
Inclusive groups and welcoming atmosphere
Short travel time for UK/Europe travellers
Ideal introduction to trail running
This retreat is relaxed, social, and designed for runners of all levels.
How to Choose the Right Running Retreat as a Solo Traveller
1. Pick a Group That Welcomes All Abilities
This is what Run Weekends is known for. You don’t need to be fast. You just need to love exploring.
2. Look for Small Groups
Our groups of 8–20 runners make it easy to form genuine friendships.
3. Choose a Destination That Excites You
If the place gives you goosebumps—you’ve found your retreat.
4. Check the Pace Philosophy
If you're new to running retreats, choose one with no-pressure pace policies (ours!).
5. Prioritise Experience Over Speed
The best running holidays combine culture, nature, food, and unforgettable views.
Ready to Book Your First Solo Running Retreat?
If you want to explore the world, meet supportive people, and enjoy incredible runs at a pace that feels right for you, Run Weekends is the perfect place to start.
We offer:
Running retreats for all abilities
Small groups that make solo travellers feel at home
Beautiful destinations with guided routes
Inclusive, friendly, no-pressure running holidays
Beginner-friendly trail running retreats around the world
Explore our upcoming running retreats, find the perfect running holiday for you, and join a community that runs for joy, not for pace.
Your next unforgettable running adventure is just a few clicks away.
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