Nearly half of Brits are setting their sights on healthier living for the New Year, yet the truth is sobering: a recent Novo Nordisk poll shows that 43% of adults let their resolutions slip away before February arrives. As “Sunshine Saturday” – the UK’s busiest day for booking holidays – draws near (January 3rd), a fresh trend is poised to influence 2026 travel and fitness habits.
To outsmart the resolution slump, travellers are trading endless buffets for race bibs, sparking the rise of the “Runcation.” According to British heritage running brand Ronhill, planning a getaway around a race gives fitness goals a finish line to aim for. At the forefront is Mollie Millington, 46, a personal trainer from Hatfield with more than 10 marathons in 7 different countries under her belt. She offers her essential tips for planning a runcation, a new way to enjoy fitness and experience the world.
The end of “Quitters Day”
The second Friday of January is known as “Quitters Day”, the date most people abandon their fitness goals. With global research showing only 9% of people stick to resolutions long-term, and 25% quitting by the end of the first week, Ronhill suggests the “Runcation” – as a solution. Booking a holiday entirely around a race event – provides the tangible deadline needed to beat the drop-off.
A rapidly growing slice of the travel economy
Sports tourism is now one of the fastest-growing corners of the global travel industry, representing around 10% of worldwide tourism spend. According to the Sports Tourism Market Size, Share & Trends Report, the sector is projected to expand at a 17.5% CAGR between 2023 and 2030, driven by rising participation in mass sporting events.
Meet the British traveller already living the trend
While runcations are becoming more popular, Mollie Millington, 46, a personal trainer and lab manager from Hatfield, has been perfecting the art of the active holiday for years. With 10+ marathons completed worldwide, from the Jordan Desert to Tokyo, she credits runcations with keeping her motivated and injury-free.
“I do best when moving, so runcations are perfect for me,” says Mollie. “Booking a race gives you a fixed date and something to train for. You go away excited – and you come home with a medal instead of just a tan.”
Seeing the world at 10km/h
For Mollie, running isn’t just about fitness; it is a sightseeing hack that unlocks parts of the world regular tourists miss. Her running shoes have taken her across the Oresund Bridge connecting Denmark to Sweden, to “kissing the bricks” at the Indy 500 track in the USA, and navigating a South African winery at sunset on Valentine’s Day.
“Running allows you to see a new place at a different pace” Mollie explains. “Race courses take you through neighborhoods you may have never visited otherwise. You see the sunrise in places most people only see in photos.“
The rise of solo female adventure travel
With searches for “Solo Female Travel” skyrocketing post-pandemic, the Runcation offers a unique safety net: a built-in community.
“Meeting fellow runners in new countries is an amazing part of the experience. You make connections at the start pen or shake-out run that create instant memories,” says Mollie. “I have always felt safe travelling alone for races, which takes a big worry away. You already have something in common with everyone around you.”
The five-step “Runcation” start guide
To help first-timers plan their trip, Mollie – who is also a personal trainer – shares her essential rules for a stress-free runcation:
- The “carry-on” commandment – “I pack my outfit, shoes, and gels in my carry-on,” says Mollie. “Nothing new on race day! Lost luggage is a runner’s worst nightmare. Keep your essentials with you at all times.”
- Pockets are non-negotiable – When sightseeing on the run, you need to be hands-free. “Always pockets!” advises Mollie. “I need to hold my phone, gels, and action cameras. I don’t know how people run without carrying fuel or water. Breathability is also vital – I can’t always wear a jacket just for pockets because I get too hot.”
- Location over luxury – “Choosing a hotel near the start line is always a good idea, even if it’s slightly more expensive,” explains Mollie. “It reduces race-day stress and makes logistics easier, especially in non-English speaking cities like Tokyo.”
- Don’t overthink it, just go! – “Do it!” advises Mollie. “Some companies offer package trips, so if you’re going solo you’ll still have a group to hang out with. Running can be a type of meditation, and a solo weekend away to focus on yourself, and do exactly what you want to do around the race, can be the perfect reset.”
- Be travel-smart – “Consider the time zones and whether jet lag might affect you,” notes Mollie. “Always anticipate delays, so keep your important kit on you. Learn how to say hello and thank you in the local language, and don’t forget to look up as you run — you’re there to enjoy the views as much as the race.“
