Travel is a getaway from daily life to experience a new place and new life. The fascination to explore new places and ideas, has made travel quite a sought after hobby these days. It allows people to explore more and gather sublime experiences and knowledge that make their lives richer. With the growing interest in travel, new narratives are added to traditional travelling to make it more exciting. One such moderated travelling experiences is marathon tourism.
Marathon tourism is travelling by participating in international marathon events in foreign countries. The route of the marathon goes through different parts of various countries. Travellers take part in such international marathons that allows them to travel on feet throughout the country and get to know it from the roots. Here are a few major factors that have made marathon tourism a trend in many countries and among travel enthusiasts.
Key Takeaways:
- Marathon Tourism is a popular form of travel that coincides with international marathon events.
- Tourism makes the marathon much more than the competition.
- Marathon Tourism is open for every person and not only experienced athletes.
- It provides a closer experience of the local places, culture and people.
Tourism with benefits
One. The idea of marathon tourism makes running far more interesting and motivating. Apart from the competition, it becomes an experience of a lifetime as the runner gets to explore the surroundings on a run. This freedom of venturing through different and new places while still under harsh training and physical strain has pushed the number of participation in multiple and international marathons than the local and straightforward ones. Often, marathon tourism is termed as tourism with benefits as it keeps a check on physical fitness while facilitating an adventurous exposure of new places.
The idea of marathon tourism makes running far more interesting and motivating. Apart from the competition, it becomes an experience of a lifetime as the runner gets to explore the surroundings on a run.
Two. Marathon tourism is popular because it is open for every person. As the term implies, a marathon is usually only for athletes with some training and experience. But, marathon tourism is open to everyone, regardless of age, experience or gender. Therefore, an inexperienced person can be a part of it and simultaneously enjoy the benefits of its tourism.
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Exploring on foot
Three. The route of tourism marathons spread across different areas of any country which are not usually highlighted in travel guides. It allows an intimate experience of a country which would not have been possible if a person travels in flight and follows a guide book.
The popularity of marathon tourism is symbolic of the shift the trend of snapping pictures of historical sites and other destinations to closely experiencing the local culture and local people.
Four. Marathon tourism is much more luxurious and carefree than normal travels. It is because the marathon events are organized by certain firms, charities and tour groups that take the responsibility of providing the best experience to the runners. The tension about food, stay and other such stuff is taken care of by the organisers. All that is left for the traveller/runner is to run and travel through the country. As for physical exertion, it is often reduced by close interaction with the local culture and people and exploring the scenic beauty of a destination.
Five. The popularity of marathon tourism is symbolic of the shift the trend of snapping pictures of historical sites and other destinations to closely experiencing the local culture and local people. As the runners cross different places, they are cheered by the local people, entertained with local bands which only further motivates them.
In the long-run, the zeal to explore new and lesser-known destinations in-depth combined with awareness regarding fitness, ought to make marathon tourism very popular.
Rudrani Kumari is an intern with SheThePeople.TV.
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