It is the ultimate feat of endurance, both physically and mentally. Sore feet pounding the pavement kilometer after kilometer, hour after hour, step by step until every part of you wants to give up. For many people that would sound like the worst way to spend their vacation. But for a select few it is as good as spending time relaxing on a beach.

On our Runner’s Diary section of the website we have shown how much running can be achieved in a year just in the Philippines. With more runs planned we look at the joy of running for pleasure and combining it with travel.

Such is the popularity of running holidays that The Guardian recently published an article about Six Races that are also holidays. The appeal of these types of holidays is to see a different side of the world from a unique perspective, the feeling that you are one of a select few to experience a country in this way.

It is not just cross-country running that appeals to traveling runners. Long distance athletes from around the world make their way the world’s biggest cities to take part in the famous marathons. Forbes complied a list of the 10 Top Marathons people should travel to participate in.

The great thing about running is that there is something for everyone, from beginner to iron man races. Whether you go it alone or with fellow runners, running holidays are great way to detach from the world and have an adventure. Who knows you might even pick up a furry friend along the way as The Telegraph documented how a dog followed a man 100 miles during a recent endeavor.

Running holidays require a different type of traveling. Dealing with the stress of the race or run is enough without having to worry about finding the right hotel and getting to and from the airport. Many leading airports, such as Heathrow, offer hotel services to make traveling easier and remove the stress of finding parking spots before and after the race. Parking4Less states that airport hotels are ideal for busy passengers on the move.

This type of provision isn’t just limited to European airports either, as on-airport hotels and parking have become an increasing trend in Asia and North America too. It’s minor details like this that are certainly worth planning before you arrive at your desired destination.

Where ever you end up running, whether it is on the other side of the world or in your home country the important thing is to enjoy yourself while taking part in the challenge. Travel running is one of the most exciting ways to explore the world and meet new people with the same interests.