Strava and Airbnb partner on ‘run-cations’ as 74% of young Brits eye countryside running holidays
Strava and Airbnb have partnered to promote ‘run-cations’, seen as a growing trend among young British travellers who are booking staycations centred around scenic rural running, fresh air, and group connection.
The partnership combines local accommodation options with route discovery and includes complimentary post-run treats from local bakeries.
New research from the two companies shows the trend is largely driven by Gen Z runners (aged 18–29). According to Strava, nearly three-quarters (74%) of young runners have either planned or are considering a countryside run-cation this autumn/fall.
The data suggests this age group is notably committed to running, with 68% now considering themselves regular runners. Strava reinforces this trend, reporting that 33% of all athletes on its platform are Gen Z, a demographic that has increased by 30% in the past 18 months.
Strava points to a growing sense of ‘city loop fatigue’ that is pushing runners toward the countryside. While 47% of young runners typically run in cities and towns, the majority (56%) admit they feel bored or uninspired by urban routes, often citing a lack of scenic views, crowded surroundings, and air pollution.
The appeal of a run-cation is often less about chasing personal bests and more about switching off and connecting with others, reflected by Strava data showing that nearly a quarter of all runs in the UK are with other people.
To address the 64% of young runners who admit they don’t know where to start when finding local routes, the partnership highlights popular local running spots (found in the Strava app’s Maps tab) within trending rural destinations identified by Airbnb data.
To make the escape sweeter, Airbnb and Strava have partnered with five local bakeries to offer free sweet treats for runners who complete a run-related activity on the Strava app or are staying in an Airbnb in one of the featured areas. This UK-based reward scheme runs from October 16, 2025 to December 16, 2025.
Luke Impett, Partnerships and External Affairs for Northern Europe at Airbnb, said “In the hustle of day-to-day life, it’s easy to forget how restorative a weekend escape with friends can be. That’s why together with Strava, we’re making it simpler than ever to experience undiscovered, rural destinations in the best of the UK’s countryside so travellers can spend time truly connecting.”
Evelina Jarbin, Senior Director of Strava for Business, said “The way in which people are being active and socialising has evolved – people are looking for new experiences and ways to connect with their community, with exercise and exploration at the heart of it all.
“Through collaborating with Airbnb, we’re celebrating and motivating these newfound ways of how people are moving, and connecting communities together.”
Top trending rural destinations in the UK for autumn/fall run-cations include:
- Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
- South Downs National Park
- Fife
- Hope Valley
- Rural Cambridgeshire
Check out the Strava RIA Member profile here .