Holiday Nerd

    Cities for Running Events

    Almost every major city – big or small – now hosts some kind of running event. From 10Ks to half marathons and full marathons, city races have become one of the best ways to combine travel with a personal challenge.

    If you’re into running – or simply want a goal that justifies a trip – building a break around a race can be a unique way to see a city. Closed roads, iconic landmarks and thousands of runners create an experience you simply don’t get as a tourist.

    The challenge however (apart from the actual running) is these trip can get expensive quickly as the entry fee is often the smallest part of the total cost.

    Accommodation prices almost always spike around major events, even if large cities and in smaller cities transport costs can go up exorbitantly too.

    The Ballot Problem

    Many of the biggest races operate via ballot. You apply… and then wait. Sometimes for months.

    That creates a dilemma as to  whether you book accommodation early and risk not getting a place or wait for confirmation and pay inflated prices?

    A smart strategy can be booking refundable accommodation as early as possible. If you don’t get a place, you cancel. If you do, you’ve locked in a sensible rate. Whilst refundable rates are likely  more than non-refundable they are often more than non-refundable rates at the point you know you have secured a lot. Equally if you find once you have got your space non-refundable accommodation is cheaper you can just cancel your existing booking with no issues.

    Flights are harder. Prices can jump dramatically once places are confirmed and thousands of runners begin booking simultaneously, as airlines price their tickets dynamically based on demand. As soon as you secure a place, check immediately and book if reasonable.

    This is especially true for popular races in smaller cities with limited flight capacity, such as the Valencia Marathon or Great North Run.

    Once you add entry, accommodation, flights, food and transport, even a one-night trip can be expensive.

    Be Clever: Think Outside the Box

    If you get a place but the costs look hard to justify try rethinking the logistics. Either can you combine it into a longer holiday to the country so can get cheaper flights further from race day. Or can you get there by a slightly less direct route. 

    One member of the Holiday Nerd Gang faced this exact issue with the Valencia Marathon. Direct flights from London had climbed above £400 return (11 months out), compared to around £80 on a non-race weekend. The cheapest central hotel was roughly £500 for something relatively basic.

    Instead he:

    • Flew to Alicante for £60 return
    • Hired a car for two days (£60)
    • Stayed on the outskirts for £150

    A two-hour drive transformed the economics of the trip. Even parking near the start/finish was relatively inexpensive. The race went from £1,200+ to something far more justifiable.

    The key things to check are:

    • Look at nearby airports.
    • Consider car hire.
    • Stay slightly outside the centre.
    • Extend your trip if it changes flight pricing.

    Run the race — but race the logistics too.

    The Marathon Majors

    For many runners, the ultimate goal is completing the Majors:

    • London Marathon
    • New York City Marathon
    • Chicago Marathon
    • Boston Marathon
    • Tokyo Marathon
    • Berlin Marathon
    • Sydney Marathon

    These are bucket-list races with unmatched atmosphere and organisation — but they require early planning, persistence in ballots and realistic budgeting.

    Fast & PB-Focused Races

    If your goal is a personal best rather than just the experience, these European races are consistently recommended:

    • Seville Marathon – Flat, cool February weather.
    • Amsterdam Marathon – Fast course with Olympic Stadium finish.
    • Copenhagen Marathon – Well-organised and reliably quick.
    • Rotterdam Marathon – One of Europe’s fastest routes.

    For UK runners, these often offer better logistics and value than US majors.

    SuperHalfs Series

    For half marathon collectors, the SuperHalfs series is growing in popularity:

    • Prague Half Marathon
    • Berlin Half Marathon
    • Copenhagen Half Marathon
    • Cardiff Half Marathon
    • Lisbon Half Marathon
    • Valencia Half Marathon

    These combine fast courses with manageable city breaks.

    Scenic & Bucket-List European Races

    If you want history and scenery alongside your medal:

    • Rome Marathon – Ancient landmarks and cobbled streets.
    • Great North Run – Largest Half Marathon in the world with an unmatched atmosphere.Barcelona Marathon – Sea views and architecture.
    • Lisbon Marathon – Coastal stretches and dramatic bridges.
    • Athens Marathon – The original marathon route.

    Athens in particular offers storytelling appeal few races can match.

    UK Standouts (Beyond London)

    If you want atmosphere without international travel:

    • Edinburgh Marathon – Fast, largely downhill.
    • Manchester Marathon – Flat and PB-friendly.
    • Brighton Marathon – Coastal and well-supported.

    These can be easier to justify financially while still offering a “big event” feel.

    Dramatic, Extreme and Unusual Experiences

    If you want something truly different, these races take things to another level:

    • Midnight Sun Marathon – Run through the Arctic Circle under full daylight… at midnight. They also host a Polar Night Marathon in near darkness for an equally surreal experience.
    • Petra Desert Marathon – A spectacular and punishing course through ancient desert landscapes around Petra.
    • Big Five Marathon – Set inside a game reserve, where wildlife roams freely (don’t worry – safety teams are present).
    • Antarctica Marathon – The ultimate bragging rights. Ice, wind, and one of the most remote start lines on Earth.
    • Pyongyang Marathon – One of the few ways to see parts of North Korea’s capital, including sections typically inaccessible to regular tourists.
    • Walt Disney World Marathon – Run through Disney parks in Orlando. Expect costumes, characters, and a very different kind of race-day energy.

    Final Thoughts

    If the costs are looking unjustifiable then remember don’t book something you cant afford , you dont want the success of a race tinged with regret at the cost later, however don’t just give up when looking at the first prices. Think creatively about logistics and look at alternatives such as nearby airpots.

    City races are one of the best ways to experience a destination with purpose. They give your trip structure, challenge, and a genuine sense of achievement. A medal is also a unique memento of a trip that won’t easily fade from memory.

    If the costs start looking unjustifiable, remember: don’t book something you can’t afford. You don’t want the satisfaction of race day tinged with financial regret later.

    But equally, don’t give up at the first price you see. Think creatively about logistics — consider nearby airports, alternative routes, or extending your stay to spread fixed travel costs.