Luxury Glamping at Endurance Events: A New Trend in Active Travel

The Rise of Comfort-First Active Travel in the UK

Endurance events in the UK have evolved far beyond the racecourse. What used to be early starts, muddy fields, and sleepless nights in basic tents has transformed into a new kind of active travel—one that combines physical achievement with creature comforts. At the forefront of this shift? Luxury glamping at UK challenge events.

From Endure24 Leeds and Endure24 Reading to the stunning Race to the Stones series, endurance festivals are adopting the festival-style infrastructure that music-goers have long enjoyed. For runners, ultra-athletes and weekend warriors, the experience now starts long before the starting gun—and it doesn’t have to end with a sore back and a soggy sleeping bag.

What Is Glamping at Endurance Events?

Glamping—glamorous camping—means swapping your pop-up tent for a spacious bell tent, foam roll for a real bed, and chilly mornings for fresh coffee and hot showers. At endurance events, this style of accommodation offers both convenience and recovery benefits, making it ideal for athletes who want to perform well and still enjoy the atmosphere of the event village.

Services like The Canvas Co provide luxury camping at UK endurance events, offering premium tents complete with beds, lighting, and stylish interiors—all set up and waiting for you on arrival.

Why Glamping Makes Sense for Endurance Athletes

Whether you're tackling your first 24-hour relay or conquering your fifth ultra-marathon, glamping brings real advantages:

1. Rest and Recovery

Sleep is a key component of race prep and recovery. A proper bed, quality linen and a quiet, private space can mean the difference between a strong finish and an exhausted stumble.

2. Logistics Made Easy

Forget setting up tents in the dark or finding a spot in an already-packed campsite. Your tent is ready when you arrive, so you can focus on bib collection, carb-loading, or just soaking up the atmosphere.

3. Premium Facilities

Many glamping areas offer access to exclusive toilets, showers, pamper tents and chill-out spaces—a real step up from the usual portaloos and queues.

4. Community Vibe

Luxury glamping doesn’t mean missing out on the camaraderie. In fact, these areas often foster a closer, like-minded community of runners, with plenty of space to share stories, stretch out, or simply unwind.

Featured Events Offering Glamping in 2026

Here’s a closer look at some of the UK’s leading endurance events where glamping is changing the game.

Endure24 Leeds – Bramham Park

Often dubbed “Glastonbury for Runners,” Endure24 Leeds is a 24-hour team relay race with a buzzing festival atmosphere. Taking place at Bramham Park, this event is perfect for both seasoned ultra-runners and social teams. With its woodland trails and rolling parkland, it’s as scenic as it is challenging.

Why glamp here? After your laps are done, retreat to a peaceful bell tent with soft bedding and solar lighting. No fuss, no faff—just rest.

Endure24 Reading – Wasing Park

The southern sibling of the Leeds event, Endure24 Reading brings the same high energy and friendly atmosphere to Berkshire’s Wasing Park. Expect undulating trails, supportive crowds, and long summer evenings.

With a large site and festival feel, having your glamping pitch close to the action means you’re never far from your team or a well-earned meal.

Race to the Stones

One of the UK’s most iconic ultras, Race to the Stones follows the historic Ridgeway trail, finishing at the Neolithic stone circle of Avebury. Whether you’re doing the full 100km in one go or splitting it over two days, this event is physically and mentally demanding.

At the overnight basecamp, luxury glamping means you can actually recover—think hot showers, catered food, and a warm, private bed in a bell tent. Ideal when every ounce of energy counts.

What’s Included in Premium Glamping with The Canvas Co?

The Canvas Co offers turnkey glamping solutions at major UK endurance events. Expect:

• Fully furnished bell tents (4m–5m options)

• Real beds with reflex foam mattresses

• Bedding and linen provided

• Carpets, rugs, lighting and décor

• Optional extras: phone charging

Everything is designed to enhance your experience—so you can focus on your race, not your gear.

Is It Worth It? Runners Say Yes

Increasingly, athletes are choosing premium glamping for the added comfort and reduced stress. As one Endure24 participant shared:

“Amazing tent and very good service! We had a 3 person glamping tent at Endure24 Reading. The staff were very friendly and we were settled in very quickly. The tent was perfect - we could stand up in it and had enough room for all our stuff. The fairy lights around the entrance and main pole was so good. Highly recommended, will definitely use Canvas Co again!”

With more endurance events in the UK offering glamping in 2026, it’s becoming part of the race-day strategy, not just a luxury extra.

Festival-Style Fitness Retreats Are on the Rise

Glamping is also popular at fitness retreats and hybrid events, where yoga, workshops and wellness meet trail runs and OCR courses. If you're exploring events that blend endurance with experience, premium accommodation completes the package.

Ready to Book Your Glamping Spot?

Premium glamping at endurance events sells out quickly—especially for popular dates like Race to the Stones 2026 and Endure24 Leeds. Check out our list of festivals below to choose the one you are attedning, then look through our accommodation to see which is best for your needs.

FAQs

Q: What is glamping at UK endurance events?
A: Glamping is luxury camping with real beds, lighting, and premium tents—perfect for runners needing comfort at events like Endure24 or Race to the Stones.

Q: Do I need to bring my own bedding?
A: No, The Canvas Co provides full bedding and linen as part of their premium glamping packages. We also offer Empty Bell Tent packages whichare cheaper than our luxury packages. For these packages you are just provided with the bell tent, you will need to bring bedding and airbeds.

Q: Can I book glamping for a team of runners?
A: Yes, tents are available in different sizes and can accommodate solo runners, pairs, or teams. With our biggest Touareg Tents housing up to 8 people

Q: Is glamping available at Race to the Stones 2026?
A: Yes, glamping options will be available at the overnight basecamp. Early booking is advised.

Q: How far are the tents from the start/finish line?
A: Glamping areas are located near the main event village, ensuring easy access to race start and facilities.