Trail Runcation: Conceptualizing an Emerging Phenomenon in Sports, Experiential, and Sustainable Tourism

Abstract

The concept of runcation, defined as the intentional integration of running and vacation, has gained increasing relevance within global sports and active tourism. Within this broader trend, trail runcation has emerged as a distinct and under-theorized phenomenon in which trail running constitutes the primary motivation for travel and structures the overall tourism experience. Trail runcation combines endurance sport, immersion in natural environments, cultural engagement, community interaction, and wellbeing-oriented travel practices. This paper conceptualizes trail runcation as a standalone phenomenon within sports tourism scholarship. Drawing on interdisciplinary literature from sports tourism, event tourism, trail running studies, recreational trail economics, sustainability research, and runner motivation theory, the study develops an exhaustive conceptual framework and proposes a multi-layered research agenda. The paper contributes theoretically by defining trail runcation as a new category of sports tourism and practically by providing destinations, policymakers, and event organizers with a structured foundation for sustainable trail-based tourism development. In conclusion, trail runcation represents an emerging and distinctive form of sports tourism that integrates trail running, nature immersion, cultural engagement, wellbeing, and sustainable travel practices. By conceptualizing trail runcation as a standalone phenomenon, this study provides a theoretical foundation for future research and offers practical insights for destinations and stakeholders seeking to develop sustainable and experience-driven tourism opportunities.