Sports Tours International fly runners out to races in locations as diverse as Marrakech, Disney World, Barbados and Tokyo. So who better to give us a few tips booking a running holiday?

Sports Tours International specialise in taking athletes of all ages and abilities to some of the greatest events in the world. They fly out to races in places as diverse as Marrakech, Disney World, Barbados and Tokyo. So who better to give us a few tips booking a running holiday?


Why take a running tour?

Sports Tours International customers have a whole host of motives for taking running holidays, some of the most enticing reasons include:

  • Seeing new places at the same time as indulging their passion for running
  • Visiting areas you probably wouldn’t see as an ordinary tourist
  • Mixing with locals with a shared interest
  • Broadening their running horizons
  • Being part of major international running events like the New York, Rome, Berlin, or Boston marathons

Tricks for Trips

As dedicated sports lovers, Sports Tours International understand the importance of a well-planned training regime and they offer tailor-made training trips at Club La Santa in Lanzarote for runners of all levels. Here are their expert tips on training for an international event:

When going on long haul trips, don’t worry too much about adapting to the time zone difference – sometimes it helps to be awake earlier in the morning, for example

- Consider taking your own pillow and bedding with you. Sleepathlete offer products that are easily carried

- Avoid sampling exotic local foods until after the race – beforehand stick to foods you’re used to. Take your own energy products with you from home

- Find out as much as you can about the event and its location in advance of the race so you know what to expect.

- Book yourself onto a running training camp a couple of months in advance of the event to help focus your training

- Get the right kit for the expected weather and wear it in during training

Good preparation is the key to a great trip. Traveling with Sports Tours International ensures everything is covered. They also offer event-specific training camps ahead of major races and if you fancy raising money for a good cause, there’s a dedicated area to link you up with your preferred charity. Sports Tours International reps are all massive sports fans, who know each event inside-out, so whatever your question they’ll be able to help.


Your Perfect Event

Sports Tours International recommend you consider the following when choosing which event to sign up to:

- Size. For first timers, smaller events are easier, (e.g. Malta Marathon). Although some people appreciate the support of large crowds (e.g. New York Marathon)

- Distance. It doesn’t have to a marathon distance race, many people travel abroad to take part in half-marathons and 10K events

- It’s great having your partner, friends and family with you for support and encouragement, so consider where they’d enjoy visiting when booking your trip

- Cost. There are trips to suit every budget and for charity runners some charities offer help with travel to runners raising money for them

The most popular international events with British runners include:

Paris Marathon

Berlin Marathon  

Athens Marathon

Venice Marathon 

Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend

New York Marathon


New events Sports Tours International expects to quickly become popular choices include the New York City Half Marathon, the LA Marathon and some of the new women-only events like the New York Mini 10k, the Tjejmilen 10k in Stockholm and Disney's Princess Half Marathon in Florida all of which can be booked online via their website.

Sports Tours International

Established nearly 30 years ago, Sports Tours International are one of the UK’s largest independent specialist sports travel companies.  With official links to major competitions, they offer once in a life-time opportunities from taking in part in the marathon you’ve always wanted to do, to travelling in a Tour de France support vehicle and taking part in the L’Etape du Tour.

Customers have the added protection of ABTA membership and air-inclusive holidays coming under ATOL protection.

The team at Sports Tours International also organise competitions, such as the K-Swiss City of Manchester 10K and the JD Sports City of Salford 10k, which attract thousands of participants and spectators.