Sports travel is booming in popularity—go abroad to run marathons & go hiking

By / MOOK Scenic Spots Home Travel Life Network Editorial Team
 
One of the hottest travel trends in recent years is “sports” + “travel.” Many people have become enthusiastic about going overseas to run marathons, go hiking, or cycle. Sports travel not only allows you to sightsee, enjoy local cuisine, and experience the culture, but also adds an element of physical fitness, making it an increasingly popular choice. Phoenix Travel specially recommends four international marathon events from the second half of 2016 to 2017, as well as the 2016 World Walking Congress, inviting everyone to experience world-class sporting events and make sports truly borderless.

♦ Sydney Marathon, Australia: Run for a Cause
The Blackmores Sydney Running Festival originated as a continuation of the 2000 Sydney Olympics. With the local government promoting health and fitness, the charity funds raised through the running event are returned to the community via Athletics Australia, turning running into a way to give back.

The course mainly circles around central Sydney. Whether you’re running the full marathon, half marathon, or 9K, you’ll cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge and enjoy scenic city views and the iconic Opera House. As a charity run, there’s also a family-friendly “Fun Run” suitable for all ages, covering just 3.5 km from the Sydney Harbour Bridge to the Royal Botanic Garden. (Group registration deadline is July 29, 2016)
Phoenix has specially arranged a 6-day Sydney tour and an 8-day Blue Mountains National Park trip, so you can experience the beauty of Australia beyond the run.
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•2016Sydney City Marathon – Metropolitan Sydney6DaysFrom 48,800 TWD (includes visa, taxes, excludes tips)
?/strong>?/strong>•2016Sydney City Marathon – Blue Mountains National Park8DaysFrom 59,800 TWD (includes visa, taxes, excludes tips)

 

The course mainly circles around central Sydney. (Photo provided / Phoenix Travel)

♦Kobe Marathon, Japan: Perfect for First-Time Overseas Runners
The birthplace of Japanese marathons is Kobe. The 6th Kobe Marathon, themed around “Gratitude and Friendship,” originates from the 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake. Thanks to global aid, the city has since been restored to its former beauty. This marathon is not just about running for yourself, but also for everyone. The route follows the scenic Seto Inland Sea, featuring flat terrain and stunning ocean views, with a generous seven-hour time limit—making it very runner-friendly. A unique feature of the Kobe Marathon is the use of sunflowers as the flower of gratitude and friendship, with runners wearing yellow gloves and singing together to express thanks.
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•Run!2016Kobe Marathon, Japan5Days-Independent Travel (Minimum 2 travelers)(Full marathon 42K)From 33,900 TWD (includes taxes, excludes tips)

Pyongyang Marathon, North Korea is held to commemorate the birthday of the late North Korean leader Kim Il-sung. (Photo provided / Phoenix Travel)

♦Pyongyang Marathon, North Korea: Run to Kim Il-sung Stadium and Challenge a Bronze-Level Road Race
Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea, hosts the “Mangyongdae Prize International Marathon” every April. First held in 1981, it has long been known for its secrecy and exclusivity, but since 2014, it has finally opened to overseas amateur runners.

The Pyongyang Marathon is an IAAF Bronze Label Road Race. (Photo provided / Phoenix Travel)

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