September 28, 2026 - News

Running Tourism Goes Off-Road

New terrain.
Trail runners
Max Gierl

Economies are running on active travel.

What’s happening: Running vacation operator Rogue Expeditions is partnering with Graubünden Trailrun, a tourism initiative backed by Switzerland’s largest canton, to entice North American trail runners to the region.

Star power. Kicking off the partnership, Dylan Bowman’s Freetrail running community will host a retreat next August, with daily runs through the Swiss Alps paired with family-run hotel stays, thermal baths, and group dinners.

Staying power. With a substantial portion of local resort and hotel revenue tied to ski season, Rogue Expeditions will elevate the canton’s ongoing trail development to unlock off-season activity, including self-guided hut-to-hut and town-to-town routes alongside guided running trips.

Buying power. The economic case for running tourism has largely centered on road events in major cities, generating £226M surrounding London and NYC nearing $1B.

As trail running tops $20B, Graübunden is betting the boom could extend to rural mountain communities — giving ski destinations a new appeal for affluent, experience-seeking travelers.

Punchline: From legacy hospitality to local governments, runcations could fuel active travel beyond peak season.

Ryan Deer
Ryan Deer
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