Airbnb & Strava Encourage Runcations
Published 28 October 2025
Accommodation rental platform Airbnb and fitness app Strava (both US-headquartered) have partnered to cater for young runners interested in countryside runcations in the UK. Tapping into Gen Z’s growing enthusiasm for running, they’re spotlighting rural stays and rewarding vacationers for completing runs with a post-activity treat.
According to research by the brands, conducted among 18- to 29-year-old Brits, 74% of young runners have either planned or are considering a countryside runcation. Furthermore, 56% admit feeling bored or uninspired by urban routes due to factors like the lack of scenic views, crowds and air pollution. And, although three in five young runners are keen to explore a countryside running holiday in the next three years, 64% admit not knowing where to start when looking for the best local route in a new place.
With the number of Gen Zers searching for autumn getaways rising, Airbnb and Strava have stepped in to curate autumnal countryside stays where visitors can enjoy running. The regions, selected for their year-on-year increase in autumnal booking volume among young travellers, include the Forest of Dean (Gloucestershire), South Downs National Park, Fife (Scotland), Hope Valley (Derbyshire) and rural Cambridgeshire.
Along with the destination, the platforms suggest accommodation and scenic running routes in the area. Additionally, based on the finding that 72% of Gen Z runners like to plan a post-run reward, the brands have partnered with nearby bakeries to offer app users a free post-run bake.
The Forest of Dean itinerary includes staying at Nuthatch Retreat, running from Biblins to Hadnock Peregrin and picking up a baked good from The Crusty Loaf. Meanwhile, those visiting Fife are recommended Weavers Cottage, the Heritage Trail by Loch Leven and Merchants House Cafe.
See The New Culture of Running for more on how travellers are incorporating running into their vacation time. Elsewhere, Gen Z Travel Trends 25/26 explores the types of trips favoured by young travellers. And read The Sports-Leisure Landscape Update Reports One and Two for further trends in fitness.