Strava + Airbnb help 74% of urban Gen Z runners with sport-focused breaks

Three-quarters of young runners actively consider or plan rural run-cations. Friends, fun and fresh air are the new focus as beer, bars and urban bedlam are left behind.

Strava has spotted this trend among its communities and teamed up with Airbnb to encourage it and make planning easier.

Here’s a recap of what Strava and Airbnb found, followed by some quick dives into inspiring run locations, how to enjoy them, and some more general run route planning tips.

Urban Fatigue Drives The Escape to the Country

A startling figure from Strava is that two-thirds (68%) of its Gen Z cohort consider themselves regular runners, a clear explanation, if one were ever needed, as to why you see so many more of them pounding the urban pavements and parks. Indeed, other stats from Strava show that Gen Z runners make up a third of new Strava signups as the middle-aged cycling platform adapts to a changing fitness landscape.

The push factor is boredom. More than that 56% of young urban runners are frustrated by a lack of scenic views, crowded surroundings, and air pollution.

Airbnb and Strava suggest one solution.

Wanting to leave the city is a worthy goal, but then there are the where, how and what issues that immediately arise when planning a trip. Nearly two-thirds (64%) admit they don’t know where to start finding routes in new places.

Strava realises that the quality of the run route is not the only factor. Somewhere to stay and somewhere to reward yourself afterwards are as important as the views and challenges. So, the core of the partnership delivers three things.

• Airbnb Stays: Hand-picked, home-away-from-home stays for groups in trending rural areas.
• Strava Routes: Popular, scenic running routes that are nearby and easily discoverable via the Strava app’s Maps tab.
• Post-Run Reward: Mention the incentive, as 72% of Gen Z runners like to plan a post-run reward. State the complimentary sweet treats at local bakeries.

Top Trending Tips & Destinations

Airbnb dug deep into the runcation habits of its members and found a surprising list of four top regional destinations for Autumn trips when availability is good e.g., Forest of Dean, South Downs National Park, Fife, Hope Valley, Rural Cambridgeshire.

Here are the go-to run routes, treat stops, and places to stay in each area.

Rural Cambridgeshire (East)

You love the flat! There are many runs in Cambridgeshire taking in Wicken Fen nature reserve and trails by the River Cam, with obvious stops in Cambridge and a less obvious one to see Ely cathedral.

• Where: check out this gorgeous barn conversion with a hot tub and a fire pit.
• Strava says, “The most popular run is ‘Green Dragon to Waterbeach’, along the Cam.“
• It’s Treat Time: Try the Norfolk Street Bakery for a taste of Portugal.

Hope Valley, Peak District (Midlands)

You love a challenge and a coffee (or two). I first walked up Mam Tor when I was 11, so you’ve no excuse not to do the same and enjoy some of the most breathtaking scenery on offer in the middle of the UK. There are some super easy runs to be found, plus some that are…less so!

• Where: Full details on this barn conversion with original wooden beams
• Strava says “Runners love the Ladybower Trail, snaking alongside the reservoir“, a 7km round trip.
• Cakes: Peveril Bakery is the go-to pain au chocolate stop. It’s rude not to.

Fife, Scotland – the choice of the North

Coastal paths (tick), countryside trails (tick), historic fishing villages (guess what?…tick)

• Where: Weavers Cottage (sleeps 5) boasts artisan coffee and fresh bread for early risers
• Strava says, “Take a short drive from Edinburgh airport to discover The Heritage Trail next to the Loch Leven Nature Reserve.“
• Treats: Merchants House Cafe is the biggest importer of sugar into Scotland. Fact. Enjoy what they do with it.

South Down National Park (Chichester, Southern England)

I can recommend The South Downs to anyone wanting to explore the best of the South; it’s one of my cycling, running, and gear-testing go-tos.

• Where to stay: Vicarage Barn is also close to Goodwood, Arundel, Chichester Theatre, and West Wittering Beach (my local—admittedly, it’s an hour away). You can also stay at home to enjoy the cosy interiors.
• Strava says, “Whilst Bridge to Brandy Hole is the most popular route, it is short and flat. Try heading South to run around the extensive harbour areas or further North to the hill in the South Downs proper.“
• Caffeine Hit Stop: Rose who owns the Robin’s Nest Coffee Shop does coffee.  Nothing unusual, perhaps. It’s just that she does it very well.

Wye Valley and Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire (West England/Wales)

Riveride paths, small waterfalls, and dense, ancient woodland will test your Garmin’s GPS to the limits. Once you’ve completed your weekend runs, explore the Wye Valley some more and try to find Otis’s House from the TV series Sex Education – the chalet was sold in 2023…I couldn’t find it when I looked for it in the same year. Ludlow is also off the beaten track and worth a visit on your way home.

• Where to stay: Nuthatch Retreat – Laidback luxury with rolling views (sleeps 4 – 6-star and most-loved Airbnb ratings) – try stargazing or taking an outdoor bath.
• Strava says, “Biblins to Hadnock Peregrin is a popular 5k run along the valley with some elevation gain. The as-the-crow-flies return leg is significantly harder and hillier.”
• Treat: The Crusty Loaf is the ideal place to stock up before that big day’s run or hike. It makes great bread.

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. Airbnb is uniquely placed to support this new style of staycation: offering private, home-away-from-home stays where groups can kick back and recharge post-run, away from bustling cities. And because no run is complete without a pastry at the finish line, we’re proud to be partnering with local bakeries – not only to reward runners, but to connect travellers with the beating hearts of local communities. [L Impett, Partnerships, Airbnb]

How to plan your runcation

A simple weekend away running is NOT simple. Use Strava’s popularity heatmaps for route planning and check Airbnb reviews before booking. [the5krunner]

We all know that Airbnb allows us to find stays for just the right amount of time, its properties are honestly described, and visitor reviews are usually insightful.

Strava and the other route-sharing platforms like Ride with GPS and Komoot all try to help by curating routes for us, but from experience, you will know this regularly falls short. It’s complicated and time-consuming. A top tip for route planning is to use popularity heat maps by Strava or Garmin (free) to run where others regularly run, once you’ve found a great place to stay.

An interesting aside is that within the next month or so, Garmin is launching a new hook-up with Komoot, where routes are suggested based on your running history and abilities. These kinds of routing innovations will help our route planning in the future. AI can and will curate the entire weekend’s fun for us, including coffee stops.

Garmin to get next-gen route suggestion | Deepest integration yet aided by Komoot

Further Resources

• More: strava
• More: ridewithGPS – alternative route planning
• More: Komoot – alternative route planning
• More: Airbnb