Running Events as Slow Tourism Destinations in Italy and Beyond

A growing trend in Italy sees athletic competitions serving as catalysts for slow tourism experiences, with approximately 600,000 runners annually traveling to participate in races that double as cultural explorations. This phenomenon transforms athletic performance into opportunities for post-race travel, involving participants' families and friends. Numerous events illustrate this trend. In Lombardy, the Sarnico Lovere Run follows Lake Iseo's shoreline, while the Lake Garda 42 offers routes along Lake Garda's northern shore. Coastal events include the Run for the Whales from Sanremo to the Pelagos Sanctuary, with proceeds supporting the Tethys Institute's cetacean research. The Elba Island Marathon features multiple race distances alongside family-friendly activities at its Marathon Village in Marina di Campo. Historical sites provide backdrops for races like the Agropoli Paestum Half Marathon in Cilento, which passes the Greek ruins of Paestum, and the Partanna-Selinunte Half Marathon in Sicily connecting medieval castles to archaeological parks. Evening and nighttime running events include the Jesolo Moonlight Half Marathon along the Venetian coast and Cuneo's Run The Night, which supports mental health initiatives. Internationally, Norway's Midnight Sun Marathon in Tromsø takes place under continuous Arctic daylight. Travel industry responses include Skyscanner's Run The World section and specialized agencies like Travelmarathon, founded by Mario Di Silvestro and Giuseppa Croazzo, which organizes approximately 25 annual events. Another agency, Ovunque Running, co-led by Alessandro Della Santunione and Massimo Rossi, notes demographic shifts toward younger participants and more women in running tourism. These agencies emphasize post-race experiences, offering excursions ranging from Chicago skyscraper tours to Scottish Highlands visits.