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.
Urban Fatigue Drives The Escape to the Country
Two-thirds (68%) of Strava’s Gen Z cohort consider themselves regular runners — a clear explanation as to why you see so many more of them pounding the urban pavements and parks. 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 56% of young urban runners are frustrated by a lack of scenic views, crowded surroundings, and air pollution. Nearly two-thirds (64%) admit they don’t know where to start finding routes in new places.
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: 72% of Gen Z runners like to plan a post-run reward — complimentary sweet treats at local bakeries.
Top Trending Tips & Destinations
Airbnb found a list of four top regional destinations for Autumn trips: Forest of Dean, South Downs National Park, Fife, Hope Valley, Rural Cambridgeshire.
Rural Cambridgeshire (East)
Wicken Fen nature reserve and trails by the River Cam. Strava says the most popular run is ‘Green Dragon to Waterbeach’, along the Cam. Treat stop: Norfolk Street Bakery.
Hope Valley, Peak District (Midlands)
Breathtaking scenery in the middle of the UK. Strava says “Runners love the Ladybower Trail, snaking alongside the reservoir” — a 7km round trip. Treat stop: Peveril Bakery.
Fife, Scotland
Coastal paths, countryside trails, historic fishing villages. Strava says: “Take a short drive from Edinburgh airport to discover The Heritage Trail next to the Loch Leven Nature Reserve.” Treat stop: Merchants House Cafe.
South Downs National Park (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. Strava says the Bridge to Brandy Hole is the most popular route. Treat stop: Robin’s Nest Coffee Shop.
Wye Valley and Forest of Dean (West England/Wales)
Riverside paths, small waterfalls, and dense, ancient woodland. Strava says “Biblins to Hadnock Peregrin is a popular 5k run along the valley with some elevation gain.” Treat stop: The Crusty Loaf.
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. 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.
Further Resources
- More: strava
- More: ridewithGPS – alternative route planning
- More: Komoot – alternative route planning
- More: Airbnb
Last Updated on 3 October 2026 by tfk the5krunner
Small things I always use
- Garmin 90-degree charging adapter: Charges your Garmin from any USB-C cable. Essential when travelling. I use one.
- Body Glide: The blue anti-chafe stick swimmers and runners carry. I use it.
- Speedo earplugs: Fewer ear infections and no cold-water dizziness. I use them.
- Dryrobe Advance: My winter changing robe for open-water swims. I use one. A cheaper option is the AONYIYI changing robe.
- Maurten: Race fuel that stays easy on the stomach. I use them.
- Garmin charging puck: The quickest way to top up before a session. I use one.
- Injinji: Toe socks that stop rubbing, so you run more. I use them.
- Ultimate toe protectors: Stop black toenails on long runs. They work. I use them.
- Compressport R2 v2 calf sleeves: My calf sleeves of choice. I use them.
- Cellucor C4: My pre-workout before hard sessions.
- TPU tubes: Schwalbe Aerothan, Tubolito and Pirelli SmarTube. Light, tiny spares. I use all three.
- G8 insoles: Adjustable insoles that are good. I use them.
- Cycplus Cube: A 97g electric pump that gets a road tyre rideable in two minutes. I carry one. 5% off with code THE5KRUNNER.
Watches and sensors
- Polar H10: My daily driver for waking HRV.
- Polar Verity Sense: My backup arm-worn HR sensor.
- Nomad bedside charger: Charges my iPhone and Apple Watch overnight. I use it, and many of their bands.
- Train.Red: The best muscle oxygen sensor I’ve used.
- Tymewear: Accurate heart rate and reliable ventilatory zones. I use it to pace endurance rides over an hour.
- Garmin Forerunner 970: A pro-grade triathlon watch. I use this.
- Apple Watch Ultra 4: My daily smartwatch. No phone needed on rides.
- Garmin Fenix 9 Pro: I’ve just bought one.
On the bike
- Continental GP5000 for everyday riding, and Aero 111 on the front for special occasions.
- Helmets: Specialized S-Works Evade 3 for road riding, and Rudy Project Wing for TT-style races. I use both.
- Ravemen FR300: A front light that mounts under your Garmin or Wahoo. I use one.
- Wahoo TRACKR Radar: I use it on one bike and Varia on the other. They perform the same.
- Garmin Varia RTL515: Radar that warns you of cars from behind. I use this model.
- Wahoo ELEMNT Roam 3: The bike computer that’s easy to use. I use mine on most rides.
- Favero Assioma Pro RS2: Accurate power pedals that swap easily between bikes. I use this model.
Home and indoor training
- NPE Runn: Makes my basic treadmill smart, sending more accurate speed and distance to my watch and Zwift. I use it.
- Google Wifi: Keeps Zwift connected in my pain cave. I use it.
- Apple TV 4K: Zwift on the big screen. I use two.
- Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd gen): My video doorbell, running in both Google Home and Apple Home. I use it.
Health, recovery and sleep
- FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus: Shows how my blood sugar responds to diet.
- hDrop: Measures my sweat loss in summer and indoors.
- Fourth Frontier Zone: Checks my heart under load in hard sessions.
- Oura Ring 5: My partner’s recovery tracker of choice.
- Kineon MOVE+: Red light therapy for niggles. It works.
- Eight Sleep: A cooling mattress cover my partner and I use nightly.
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tfk is the founder and author of the5krunner, an independent endurance sports technology publication. With 20 years of hands-on testing of GPS watches and wearables, and competing in triathlons at an international age-group level, tfk provides in-depth expert analysis of fitness technology for serious athletes and endurance sport competitors. ID
