Travel + Participation in Sporting Events: Why It's A Winning Combination
Add some extra motivation to your fitness regime
Participation in trail running, cycling, triathlons and similar activities is outpacing that of traditional sports such as soccer and rugby. And while travelling to view traditional sporting competition like the Soccer World Cup or the Rugby 7s is on the bucket list for some, for others their next holiday will involve lacing up their running shoes, clipping into their bike pedals, or diving into open water to participate in sporting challenges.
Travelling for mass participation sporting events is a growing trend and it’s easy to see why. Events like the Ironman World Championship in Kona, the New York Marathon, and the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc are bucket-list experiences that combine the thrill of competition with the excitement of exploring a new destination.
My partner Rudi recently travelled to Forrest in regional Victoria to have a crack at the Otway Odyssey 50Km Shorty mountain bike event.
Here’s what he shared about the reasons he chooses to combine travel with event participation:
The Sense of Community: One of the things I notice when I attend an event such as the Otway Odyssey is that I’m surrounded by like-minded people.
Before the race, you can pop into the local pub for a Beechworth Pale Ale (the best pale ale in Australia if you ask me) and strike up a conversation with your neighbour about what bike they brought along to the event, how have they felt their preparation has been, what excuses they have ready to go if things go poorly and who they are trying to beat.
After the event you get to swap stories, like “did you see that dude who just rode in knicks and nothing else?” and celebrate personal milestones including how many e-bikes you smoked on your acoustic!
This shared experience often creates lasting memories and friendships that extend far beyond race day.
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Exploring Beyond the Event: The Otway Odyssey is held in Forrest, a town of about 250 people. It’s a place, that, were it not for the Otway Odyssey, I would never think to visit. But now that I’ve been, I would recommend it to others for sure; it's got 70+km of trail...who knew???
It also gave me a chance to spend a couple of days in Melbourne prior to the event, and then explore more of regional Victoria, spending a week riding in Victoria’s High Country.
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A Purpose-Filled Adventure: I found it very satisfying to travel with a goal in mind. The months of preparation leading up to race day and the exhilaration (or relief!) of crossing the finish line meant that the trip was more than just a holiday, it was the culmination of dedication, perseverance, and personal achievement.
Popular Sporting Events That Draw Travellers If you're considering planning a trip around a sporting event, here are a few iconic options to inspire you:
Ironman Triathlon Series: The IRONMAN® and IRONMAN® 70.3® Triathlon Series is the world’s premier full-distance and half-distance triathlon series consisting of over 150 qualifying races in 50+ countries, regions and territories across the world.
New York City Marathon (USA) : One of the most famous marathons, taking runners through all five boroughs with electrifying crowd support.
Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (France/Italy/Switzerland): A breathtaking 171 km race through the Alps, attracting elite and amateur trail runners alike.
MAAP Beechworth Granite Classic (Victoria): Three days of riding the best champagne gravel roads in Australia, in a laid-back, strictly podium-free affair.
Peaks Challenge (Victoria): Set across three of Victoria’s most famous climbs, you’ll tackle the ascents of Tawonga Gap, Mount Hotham and finally, ‘The Beast’ that is the back of Falls Creek.
Ready to plan your next adventure?
Whether you're aiming for a finish-line celebration or simply want to be part of something bigger, I can help you craft a travel experience that blends your sporting ambitions with unforgettable destinations. Get in touch and let's get started!
