TUI Rhodes Marathon 2026 delights running enthusiasts
The ‘runcation’ trend continues: more than a third of participants are under 30
Over 5,000 runners from 65 countries visited Rhodes
1,000 children gathered in Rhodes for the TUI Kids Run to run for the TUI Care Foundation
The TUI Rhodes Marathon 2026 set a new record with over 5,000 participants. The popular recreational distances were once again in high demand: Over 2,000 sports enthusiasts had registered for the 5-kilometre run, including walking, with a further 1,000 children taking part in the junior competitions. The classic main distances of 10 kilometres, the half-marathon and the marathon were also hugely popular. Over 200 TUI colleagues also took part in the run.
The wide age range of the event is also striking: more than a third of participants are under 30, whilst older age groups are also strongly represented. This is proof that the TUI Rhodes Marathon appeals to people of all generations. The majority of participants travel from abroad.
“Experiences are a reason for additional travel. Today, guests are no longer just looking for destinations – they are looking for memories, activities and authentic encounters. That is precisely why the TUI Marathons suit us so well. These events are much more than just sponsorship – they are experiences for thousands of athletes, their families and friends that will remain in their memories for a long time,” said Sebastian Ebel, CEO of the TUI Group.
“The 11th TUI Rhodes Marathon was a great success and shows further growth. This further strengthens Rhodes’ position in international sports tourism and the global running community. At the same time, it has once again put our island in the spotlight as a modern, cosmopolitan destination that combines top-class sporting events with unique natural beauty and authentic hospitality.
The partnership with TUI as the title sponsor and strategic distribution partner of the event played a key role in the marathon’s continued internationalisation, raising Rhodes’ global profile and attracting participants from all over the world. “I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to TUI, all co-organisers, our sponsors, supporters, volunteers and everyone who has worked with such dedication to ensure the success of this event,” said Marieta Papavasileiou, co-founder and president of the Rhodes Marathon Organising Committee.
Rhodes is particularly well suited to running events due to its geographical location and climatic conditions. The island enjoys more than 3,000 hours of sunshine annually, making it one of the sunniest regions in Europe. Based on the forecast weather conditions, which promise sunshine and mild temperatures in April 2027, the TUI Rhodes Marathon has been scheduled for 18 April.
About TUI Group
The TUI Group is a leading global tourism group. The group is headquartered in Germany. TUI shares are listed on the MDAX index of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and on the regulated market of the Lower Saxony Stock Exchange in Hanover. The TUI Group offers its more than 34.7 million customers integrated services from a single source and covers the entire tourism value chain under one roof. The Group owns more than 460 hotels and resorts with premium brands such as RIU, TUI Blue, and Robinson, as well as 18 cruise ships, ranging from the luxury class MS Europa and MS Europa 2 and the HANSEATIC class expedition ships to the Mein Schiff fleet of TUI Cruises and cruise ships at Marella Cruises in the UK. The group also includes leading European tour operator brands and online marketing platforms, for example for hotel-only or flight-only offers, five airlines with 125 modern medium- and long-haul aircraft, and around 1,200 travel agencies. In addition to expanding its core business with hotels and cruises through successful joint ventures and activities in holiday destinations, TUI is increasingly focusing on the expansion of digital platforms. The group is transforming itself into a global tourism platform company.
Global responsibility for sustainable economic, environmental, and social action is at the heart of our corporate culture. The TUI Care Foundation, initiated by TUI, focuses on the positive effects of tourism, education and training, and the strengthening of environmental and social standards with projects in 30 countries. In this way, it supports the development of holiday destinations. The globally active TUI Care Foundation initiates projects that create new opportunities for the next generation.
