Few organized sports and recreational events are as accessible to such a broad swath of the population as running.
“Some participants are competitive athletes chasing a goal, while others are families, beginners, trail runners or people supporting a cause that matters to them,” says Teddy Meyer, tourism director for Explore Clay County in northeast Florida. “That wide appeal is what makes these events so successful. They can bring together serious athletes and casual participants while also creating a strong sense of community.”
That kind of shared experience generates interest, adds Alexa Peregrim, director of sales for the Lackawanna County Visitors Bureau in northeast Pennsylvania.
“Participants are looking for more than just a race; they want memorable courses, destinations they can explore, authentic local culture and opportunities to turn an event into a full weekend experience,” she says. “That is one reason these events continue to attract such diverse audiences across different age groups and backgrounds.”
The same can be said for cycling events and triathlons.
“There is a need for tangible goals in an increasingly digital world,” says Nick Pazzi, sports director for Arizona’s Visit Tucson.
“That blend of personal achievement, shared experience and sense of place is why running and road sports continue to attract such a broad and loyal audience,” adds Joan Kranovich, vice president of business growth at Visit Quad Cities and director of Sports QC on the Illinois-Iowa border.
Not surprisingly, destinations that cater to runners and cyclists boast a combination of natural beauty and local appeal.
“A lot of it is just how accessible these sports are,” says Trent Brown, director of Norman Sports in central Oklahoma. “You don’t need a team or a fancy venue to get started; you just need shoes or a bike. Once people are in, they want goals, community and good experiences — and events check all those boxes.”
“Participants increasingly seek events held in scenic or unique locations,” adds Stacey Geroge, communications coordinator for Visit Crawford in northwestern Pennsylvania. “Areas with trails, lakes, rural roads, parks and attractive downtowns become highly appealing because athletes can combine racing with weekend getaways, family trips and outdoor exploration.”
Here are eight destinations worthy of a road trip.
Clay County, Florida
Clay County offers a strong mix of natural scenery, welcoming communities, accessible venues and outdoor recreation assets that make it a great fit for running, cycling and endurance events, according to Teddy Meyer.
Participants can experience lakefront views in Keystone Heights, wooded trails through Jennings State Forest, scenic routes along Black Creek, historic areas in Green Cove Springs and newer facilities like the Clay County Regional Sports Complex.
“Our destination has hosted everything from family-friendly 5Ks and trail runs to cycling events, mud runs and ultra-running festivals,” he says, citing such events as the Keystone Heights Freedom 5K, the Sombrero Ultra Running Festival, the Madre’s Fiesta trail running event and the Florida State Championship Gravel Grinder Series.
“Running, cycling, triathlon and endurance events are an important part of Clay County’s growing sports tourism strategy because they bring visitors into different areas of the county and showcase the destination in an authentic way. Clay County has a lot of hidden beauty and many stories to tell, and these events give people a reason to come, explore and hopefully come back.”
Crawford County, Pennsylvania
Crawford County has become an increasingly attractive destination for running, triathlon and cycling events because it combines scenic natural terrain, an athlete-friendly infrastructure and a welcoming small-town atmosphere that would be difficult to replicate in larger metropolitan areas, according to Stacey Geroge.
She adds that the county offers a mix of flat rail trails for beginners and endurance athletes, rolling rural roads for cycling events, gravel routes and forested trails for adventure racing and trail running and lakes and waterways for triathlon swimming segments.
Recent and upcoming events include the Conneaut Lake Sprint Triathlon, the Roughneck Gravel Roubaix in Titusville and the Oil Creek 5 & 13 Stacked Trail Races in Oil Creek State Park.
“Crawford County has increasingly positioned itself as a hub for endurance sports and outdoor recreation,” George says.
“Sports tourism research consistently shows that endurance athletes are willing to travel long distances and frequently extend their stays to experience local destinations. Road and endurance events are also highly inclusive from a demographic standpoint. Participants span multiple generations, income levels and competitive abilities. It is common to see elite athletes competing alongside first-time participants, families, charity teams and older adults pursuing lifelong fitness goals. That inclusiveness helps events maintain broad appeal and strong community support.”
Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania
Lackawanna County offers a strong combination of accessibility, scenery and event-ready infrastructure that makes it a prime destination for running, triathlon and cycling events, Alexa Peregrim says.
Athletes can experience everything from downtown streets and historic urban settings to quiet country roads, rolling farmland and mountain terrain. Montage Mountain Resorts in Scranton provide challenging elevation and trail opportunities, Camp Freedom in Carbondale offers access to outdoor recreation areas ideal for endurance and trail-based events and the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail serves up miles of scenic pathways suitable for running and cycling events.
The Steamtown Marathon and the Scranton Half Marathon are among the most recognized and well-attended endurance events in Lackawanna County, with the Steamtown Marathon attracting runners from across the country as an official Boston Marathon qualifier.
“One of our biggest goals is continuing to educate the sports tourism industry on the versatility of our region and the opportunities that exist here for new event development,” Peregrim says. “We are currently exploring and planning additional events focused on mountain biking, orienteering, trail running and multi-event race series that take advantage of our diverse terrain and outdoor recreation assets.”
Laredo, Texas
Laredo’s warm climate, sunny weather and long summers allow for running, triathlon and cycling events all year long, according to Fidel Hale IV, sales coordinator for the Laredo Convention & Visitors Bureau. Two of the southwest Texas city’s biggest events are the Boston-qualifying Laredo Marathon and the annual Ride of Silence — a free cycling event held to honor riders killed or injured in traffic accidents while also raising awareness for road safety.
“These events are an important part of Laredo’s sports tourism strategy because they attract participants and visitors from both the U.S. and Mexico. Laredo actively promotes events in Monterrey, Nuevo León — helping increase tourism and economic impact in the city,” Hale says. “Laredo also has active running and cycling clubs that support local events and help grow the sports community.”
Norman, Oklahoma
In Norman, a strong base of runners, cyclists and triathletes who both participate and volunteer in events make this university city a prime destination for major events like the Stormin’ Norman Half Marathon, according to Trent Brown, who adds that the race attracts participants from 17 states and three countries.
The Maverick Criterium, meanwhile, is a multi-day cycling race and festival that spotlights Downtown Norman and the University of Oklahoma’s Campus Corner.
“One of the things we love doing is showcasing our urban districts and pulling them into endurance events,” Brown says. “It puts athletes and spectators right where the community lives, eats and hangs out. Beyond the dollars, these events show off Norman as a place that can host world-class experiences and supports an active lifestyle. People come once and end up coming back year after year.”
Quad Cities, Illinois and Iowa
The Quad Cities area offers a rare combination of scenery, infrastructure and authenticity that resonates with endurance athletes and event organizers, according to Joan Kranovich. Located along the Mississippi River, the bi-state region features more than 100 miles of connected biking and running trails with the ability to move seamlessly across state lines.
The region — Davenport and Bettendorf, Iowa, on one side of the river, and Rock Island and Moline/East Moline, Illinois, on the other — also supports a full spectrum of endurance sports with its flat and fast roads, rolling terrain, gravel routes and technical single-track options.
“One standout feature is the newly constructed I-74 Bridge, one of only a few interstate bridges in the country with pedestrian access, allowing athletes to cross the Mississippi River as part of their race experience,” Kranovich says, adding that Sports QC considers running, triathlon and cycling events vital components of increasing and sustaining locally rooted events.
“The Quad Cities has a strong base of experienced grassroots organizers and clubs, and our strategy prioritizes partnering with these local leaders to strengthen existing signature races, incubate new events and create repeatable annual properties that call the Quad Cities home. This model reduces reliance on purely bid-in events while building long term economic and community value.”
Events that already call the region home include the nationally recognized Quad City Times Bix 7, TBK Bank Quad Cities Marathon and Quad Cities Criterium, as well as the Big River Gravel Racing Series and Frozen Fat Fondo Fest.
The Quad Cities area also regularly welcomes RAGBRAI (Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa), one of the largest and most iconic cycling events in the world, which brings thousands of riders through Iowa.
Tucson, Arizona
There’s a reason Triathlete Magazine named Tucson the top destination for winter training. For example, the city offers The Chuck Huckleberry Loop — a nearly 140-mile car-free network of paved, shared-use paths ideal for long-distance biking, running and triathlon training without traffic hazards, Nick Pazzi says.
Additionally, cyclists and triathletes will find nearly 500 miles of dedicated bike lanes coursing through the city and an equally challenging number of rides into the surrounding mountains.
Nearly all of Tucson’s bicycling and mountain biking trails are also well suited for running, too, he adds.
Signature events include the Tucson Bicycle Classic, which started in 1989 and is held in February or March each year; November’s annual El Tour de Tucson, now entering its 44th year; the Epic Rides’ 24 Hours in Old Pueblo endurance cycling event; Borderlands Gravel and the Garmin Marathon Tucson.
“Visit Tucson relies on the knowledge and resources that these organizations offer in determining suitable routes, providing volunteers, securing sponsorships and promoting the events. Several of these organizations produce and manage events, while others provide logistical support,” Pazzi says. “Many events have evolved into destination experiences, featuring expos and social gatherings that make the entire weekend an event rather than just a one-day race.”
Valley Forge, Pennsylvania
Valley Forge and Montgomery County in southeastern Pennsylvania collectively offer nearly 100 miles of trails for runners and cyclers of all skill levels, according to Rachel Dailey, associate director of sports for Valley Forge Sports.
One of the region’s signature events is the Valley Forge Revolutionary 5-Mile Run, which began in 2006 and brings together runners and walkers of all levels for a course through Valley Forge National Historical Park.
The event supports the preservation and enhancement of the park and over the past 20 years has raised almost $1 million to help fund park improvements and visitor experience initiatives.
“It’s an environment where participants aren’t just running; they’re connecting with a story that is deeply rooted in American history. It has grown into a cornerstone event that highlights the region’s natural assets, history and strong sense of community,” Dailey says. “When you layer in purpose — like supporting a national park or connecting with a historic landscape — it adds depth to the experience and gives participants something meaningful to take away beyond the finish line.” SDM
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