The 2026 series flags off in Da Nang, where the city’s iconic landmarks become the backdrop for a finish line worth flying for. (Image by Xuân Thống Trần)
There was a time when running events were local, one-day affairs. Today, destination races and running holidays are reshaping how runners plan their calendars. Runners are now planning entire trips around races, choosing destinations as much as distances. This shift has given rise to the “race-cation” — a growing fitness travel trend that blends running (or any other endurance sport), travel, and immersive experiences.
Turning Destinations Into Finish Lines Worth Flying For
That’s exactly the idea behind the return of AirAsia RedRun in 2026. After positioning itself as a supportive player in the region’s wellness movement through its partnership with HYROX APAC, AirAsia is now turning its focus toward building its own race-cation running series. After debuting in Penang last year, the series is expanding into a seven-city regional rollout: Da Nang, Bali, Kota Kinabalu, Cebu, Phuket, Surabaya, and Taipei.
But this isn’t just a running circuit. It’s a rethinking of how races fit into travel. Each destination is positioned as more than a host city. Instead, every stop becomes part of a broader fitness travel experience — a reason to book a flight, extend your stay, and explore further. AirAsia is effectively turning its route network into a map of race destinations.
With over 100,000 runners expected across Asia, RedRun is shaping up to be as much about cross-border travel as it is about crossing the finish line.
One Ecosystem, Seamless Race Planning
One of the biggest barriers to race-cations has always been logistics. Flights, accommodation, transfers, and add-ons. Planning can quickly become overwhelming. AirAsia is leaning into its broader travel ecosystem to simplify the process. Through a single platform, participants can book flights, hotels, and extras tailored to their race weekend.
With the first race of the 2026 series set to flag off in Da Nang on 26 April, runners who missed registration for that still have upcoming stops to look forward to:
Bali: A Classic Race-cation, Reimagined
Race Date: 10 May 2026 (Registration Open)
Bali already has a strong reputation in the global running scene, having hosted popular events like the Bali Marathon. But RedRun adds a different layer. It blends the island’s familiar appeal with a more accessible, flexible race format. Pricing starts as low as IDR200,000 (approximately RM47) under a Super Early Bird offer (available until 9 May 2026 on a first-come, first-served basis).
Regardless of whether you’re signing up for 5km, 10km, or the half-marathon (21km), the experience doesn’t stop at the course. Picture a sunrise run followed by a beachfront recovery breakfast, post-race massage, cafe hopping, and yoga sessions to stretch tired legs.
Kota Kinabalu: Where Ocean Meets Mountain
Race Date: 28 June 2026 (Registration Open)
If Bali is about recovery and rhythm, Kota Kinabalu offers something more dramatic. Here, your race backdrop includes both the South China Sea and the silhouette of Mount Kinabalu. It’s a setting that makes even a 5km feel memorable. Pricing starts from just RM59 (Super Early Bird available until 27 June 2026 on a first-come, first-served basis).
And once the race is done, Sabah opens up: island hopping at Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, diving trips, or — for those who want to keep the challenge going — climb up Mount Kinabalu.
AirAsia
