Are race-cations becoming the new travel trend for 2020?

Whether you run marathons, run for medals, or run for beer, race-cations might the new travel trend that will get even more people moving in the New Year.

What are race-cations? As the New Year approaches, everyone starts looking at trends, like new travel trends. While some people prefer a relaxing on a beach or exploring history, other people look to a vacation as a way to achieve their goal, stay active and feel good about themselves. Are you ready to lace up your shoes on your next vacation?

Every weekend, there seems to be another running race, obstacle course or other activity. In many cases, the events have a theme that attractions the weekend warrior to join the fun. Those themes can often get a person off the couch, start moving and plan a trip to participate in this special event.

Some of the best examples are the RunDisney events at the Disney Parks. From the Princess Run to the Star Wars Weekend, these running races often turn into race-cations for the whole family.

The opportunity to run through Disney Parks, take photos with your favorite characters and earn a medal entice thousands of people to make plans almost a year in advance for these annual events. The sense of community and the feeling of accomplishment fuel people to make these events their annual vacation.

As 2020 approaches, these race-cations seem to be a travel trend. While RunDisney has been hugely successful, Universal has joined in the epic running adventure. After a successful Jurassic Park theme run at Universal Studios Hollywood, a new Trolls and Dreamworks themed race is scheduled for 2020.

Universal Orlando has its own Epic Character Race scheduled for February 2020. Throughout the course, Minions, Shrek and even Blue will inspire runners to add a little pep in their step.

These races bring fans face to face with their favorite characters while encouraging them to be active. More importantly, these races are all-level inclusive. While some racers will finish the course in epic times, other people focus on the experience.

That experience is what makes that race-cation more memorable. It connects the visitor with their favorite characters and connects them with a bigger group of people who share the same interest.

While some people know about the theme park racing events, those experiences aren’t the only race-cations. Throughout the U.S., various cities entice visitors with all type of events.

Sure, elite runners plan and train for momentous marathons but even the weekend warrior can make their annual vacation a little more active when there is a race incorporated into that vacation plan.

For example, Daytona Beach has several running experiences that could balance a Florida Beach vacation with a once in a lifetime opportunity to run at the Daytona Speedway. Or, vacationers can plan around running over the Skyway Bridge on the West Coast.

If the beach isn’t your top choice, the Green Bay Packers offer an annual race that involves Lambeau Field. Several Wisconsin runs offer beer and cheese celebration post-race.

Many people use running races as a way to explore the beauty of the area. From the annual Volcano Forest Runs in Hawaii to Carlsbard 5000 along the scenic California coast, those stunning views can keep people motivated to keep moving.

No matter your favorite fandom, there is probably a running race that can fit into your next vacation. From Universal to the rain forest, there are always ways to mix running into any vacation. Race-cations are definitely a travel trend for 2020.

Have you every planned a race-cation? What do you think the top 2020 travel trend will be?