The London Marathon saw a record 45% increase in 2025 ballot applications after 53,000 participants completed the course this April. With 90k searches by Brits alone each month, increasing interest is making the London Marathon near impossible to enter, driving UK runners abroad for their running fix.
New research by Iceland’s flagship airline, Icelandair, has revealed the most searched for runs in the UK, with marathons being top of the list. Through combining Google searches, website traffic to race registration pages and the number of participants from 2023, Icelandair has determined the most popular races for Brits to add to their bucket lists!
The Boston Marathon, held annually in the USA, garners an impressive 18,000 average monthly UK searches, topping the list. As the world’s oldest annual marathon, it’s renowned for its challenging course, rich history and tough qualifying regulations. The legacy race attracts elite athletes from around the globe seeing 30,000 participants complete it’s course in 2023 and is a must-add to any British runner’s bucket list.
Accumulating 8,900 average monthly UK searches and being famous for its scenic route past landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre, The Paris Marathon takes second place. The race saw 54,000 participants run its cultural course in 2024, and is certainly not one to be missed.
Ranking third for British runners, the Ultra-Trail de Mont-Blanc, draws 6,300 monthly UK searches. Spanning France, Italy, and Switzerland, this ultra-marathon is famous for its gruelling course around Mont Blanc, Europe’s highest peak, and its breathtaking alpine scenery. The race is a test of endurance and skill, with runners facing significant elevation changes and challenging terrain. British trail runners looking for the ultimate adventure will find the UTMB an unparalleled experience, offering both a physical challenge and the beauty of the Alps.
This was all part of Icelandair’s wider study into the best destinations for running abroad, which revealed Vienna as the top destination for running holidays. Vienna’s index score of 74/100 showcased the location’s extensive and highly-rated running routes and affordable lodging. Chamonix/Mont Blanc in the French Alps ranked second and is known for its stunning alpine scenery and challenging trails. Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, is third, celebrated for its safe, scenic routes and clean air, making it an ideal running destination.
Icelandair spoke to Lotti Sorrell, Founder and Head Trainer at Longevity, who shared her top three tips for running abroad.
- Sleep is the number one factor which could make or break success and enjoyment of your run, so if you’re planning on completing a race abroad or exploreing extensive trails, make sure you take your sleep seriously, maybe by factoring in a few days to ‘settle in’ and adjust to your new setting and time zone.
- Be mindful about your fuel and stick to some more familiar [food] options whilst embarking on a running holiday. If you are getting involved in international running events, especially longer or more demanding ones, the introduction of new food types could potentially upset your stomach and negatively impact your performance. Sticking to familiar food options ensures that your body receives the necessary nutrients without the risk of digestive issues that can arise from unfamiliar ingredients or preparation methods.
- Have fun with it! Embrace getting lost, finding new paths, and chatting with locals; whatever you encounter is all part of the experience! The memories of international running events and training camps are some of the most treasured. Go and make your own; you won’t regret it.
