The Run Club Revolution: Europe’s wackiest routes and races

2024 was the year of the that running revolution. Strava reported a 59% rise in signups, run clubs burst onto the scene and fitness apps even started overtaking dating apps with ⅕ Gen Z turning to dating within their sports community. With #RunTok content blowing up on social with over 32K posts in the past 4 months, it seems that everyone and their mum is on the trend.

But after a year of turns around the same old parks, surely, we’re facing an inevitable run route fatigue.

Travel company First Choice is predicting that run trips could be the latest travel trend for runners looking to spice up their usual route. Not only do they promise a totally new landscape to get your blood pumping, but with whacky run routes popping up around Europe they can make for a really unique holiday. From Pirate Races in Spain to running under the midnight sun in Iceland, First Choice has round up the most unusual run trips in 2025.

Midnight Sun Run in Iceland

The Suzuki Midnight Sun Run in Reykjavik is as magical as it sounds. With Iceland experiencing 24-hour daylight in June, this race takes place under the midnight sun, with three epic distances to choose from: Half Marathon, 10k, and 5k. It’s a chance to experience the beauty of Iceland’s Laugardalur valley in a way that few have ever seen.

The Vellir in Reykjavik is the ideal base for a Midnight Sun Run, and with free access to its Reebok fitness centre as well as a vibey Sportsbar, stays here are giving fitness at every turn. Prices from £611* per person. Price is based on 2 adults sharing a Double Standard room, on a Bed and Breakfast basis for 4 nights, flights departing from London Luton airport on 18th June 2025. Hand luggage only and transfers not included.

Pirate Running Festival in Spain

The Total Energies Bilbao Night Marathon is no ordinary race - it’s a pirate-themed running festival. With distances including Marathon, Half Marathon, and 10k, you’ll cruise through 8 entertainment zones designed to keep you pumped throughout the course while being surrounded by live entertainment and thousands of cheering spectators. This is an event you won’t want to miss with nearly 2,000 runners from around the world showing up every year to run, dance, and celebrate together.

Stay at the ILUNION San Mames hotel to experience Bilbao’s vibrant culture right on your doorstep. The hotels' central location allows for easy access to everything the city has to offer. Prices from £383* per person. Price is based on 2 adults sharing a Double Standard room, on a Bed and Breakfast basis for 4 nights, flights departing from London Gatwick airport on 16th October 2025. Hand luggage only and transfers not included.

Berlin Braves: Run, Party, Repeat

The Berlin Braves take community running to a new level. They’re a collective of award-winning runners and basketball players who also host the ultimate cultural and music events for their members. So, if you’re looking for new run-sights in Berlin’s unique and trendy subcultures, the Berlin Braves are the way to go. You can sign up to their ’Homie Package’ membership for only €10 a month or try their trial and just dip into their events when you’re in town. Who knows maybe you’ll find yourself back for their monthly events.

The Vienna House by Wyndham Andel's Berlin makes for the perfect base to run around the city from, with city skyline views, a gym and spa. Prices from £208* per person. Price is based on 2 adults sharing a Twin Superior room, on a Room Only basis for 2 nights, flights departing from London Luton airport on 12th March 2025. Hand luggage only and transfers not included.

Paris Sunrise Running Tours

For solo runners who want to tag a unique route onto an existing trip, a run tour is a great addition. First Choice has experiences such as Sunrise Running Tours that will see you jogging through Paris while the city is still asleep - past the Eiffel Tower, along the Seine, and through other iconic landmarks.

The Terrass Hotel Montmartre offers its guests a truly spectacular stay with a rooftop bar overlooking Paris’s skyline and a spa offering an endless list of treatments and massages- perfect for unwinding after quite literally running around the city. Prices from £386* per person. Price is based on 2 adults sharing a Double Standard room, on a room only basis for 3 nights, flights departing from London Gatwick airport on 23rd March 2025. Hand luggage only and transfers not included.

Viking Run in Norway

The hardcore KnarvikMila in Norway is the ultimate test of endurance, with a 21k, 10k and 5k option routing you through Brekkeløypa and the ancient Nordic countryside. Top runners in each race will compete for the FjordViking prize, with the main prize being a car – so if you’re legs have given out, you’re covered.

Pick a stay in the Quality Hotel Hasle Linie which is nestled in the buzzing capital of Oslo. Prices from £401* per person. Price is based on 2 adults sharing a Double Room, on a Bed and Breakfast basis for 5 nights, flights departing from London Gatwick airport on 4th Sept 2025. Hand luggage included and transfers not included.

With the run revolution showing no signs of slowing down, 2025 is poised to be the year that the run revolution turns international. Whether it's the Viking Run through Norway’s stunning landscapes, the thrill of the Midnight Sun Run in Iceland, or joining the trendiest run clubs in Germany, there's no shortage of unique running experiences available.

For more information visit firstchoice.co.uk