Contiki Announces Industry-First “Run Club” Trips

Tour operator Contiki has unveiled a new travel style for fitness lovers: Run Club trips.

The Run Club packages are designed for young adult travelers who want to discover the world while connecting with like-minded running enthusiasts. The mutli-country journeys cover bucket-list destinations with plenty of scenic runs along the way.

Launching in 2025, the tour operator will offer two fitness-focused itineraries: the 14-day European Highlights and the 19-day European Whirl Plus. 

Contiki, part of The Travel Corporation’s portfolio, specializes in travel experiences for travelers aged 18 to 35. The brand’s philosophy is “Travel.Together” — and with the new trip style, groups of up to 53 participants can enjoy sightseeing with expert guides while forging lifelong friendships with fellow fitness-lovers. 

The tour operator described the Run Club journey style as an “industry first” that is “revolutionizing active tourism.” A recent trends report by running app Strava identified a surge in running clubs’ popularity; global participation rose 59% in 2024. The research also found a strong connection between socializing and fitness for Gen Z, who are four times more likely to seek connections through fitness than other settings likes bars.

“Run Clubs represent more than a fitness trend for our 18 to 35 audience — they’re a way to connect, explore, and build community in an increasingly fragmented, online world,” said Contiki CEO Adam Armstrong. “The appetite for active trips with Contiki is increasing as bookings on our active itineraries surged 105% from 2023 to 2024. Whether along the Mediterranean coastline in France or through Austria’s breathtaking Alps — group runs always emerged as trip highlights.”