Sports Tours International Acquires U.S. Running Tour Operator, Destination Marathons

May 17, 2024

Charlotte, NC /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – Industry-leading running tour operator, Sports Tours International, has completed the acquisition of US based tour operator, Destination Marathons.

This strategic move marks an exciting new chapter for both companies. Destination Marathons joins the Sports Tours International Group, providing American runners with greater opportunity than ever before to experience iconic mass-participation events including the TCS London Marathon.

Both companies share common values of excellence, delivering first-class customer experience, and innovation. This acquisition will enable the combined team to leverage each other’s strengths and unlock growth opportunities.

Sports Tours International was founded in 1973 and has offices in the United Kingdom, France and Ireland. Every year, Sports Tours sends thousands of runners to all six Abbott World Marathon Majors and is the Lead Tour Operator for the TCS London Marathon ITO program.

The addition of an office in Charlotte, North Carolina, will enable Sports Tours International to sell TCS London Marathon packages, including guaranteed entry, to American runners – a huge market, proven by record demand for entries from the USA in the most recent entry ballot.

Sports Tours International’s Chief Executive Officer, Tim Przybysz said: “We are delighted to welcome Mark Janik and the Destination Marathons team to the Sports Tours family. Through this acquisition we can satisfy record demand for London Marathon entries in the USA and provide more American runners with an opportunity to experience the greatest marathon on earth.”

Destination Marathons Chief Executive Officer, Mark Janik said: “We are looking forward to joining the Sports Tours International Group and tapping into the industry-leading knowledge and expertise that has served the running industry so well for 50 years and counting. Joining a growing business with access to the biggest events in the world, including the TCS London Marathon, is a fantastic prospect.”

Sports Tours International has worked with the London Marathon since the first running of the race in 1981 and manages the International Tour Operator Program for the Irish Life Dublin Marathon. Sports Tours is also the Official Premium Tour Operator to the Tour de France, sending cycling fans from around the world to the sport’s marquee event.

Runners residing in the USA can guarantee their place on the 2025 TCS London Marathon start line by pre-registering for an entry and accommodation package with Sports Tours International here.

About Sports Tours International

Established in 1973, Sports Tours International is Europe’s leading tour operator in the mass participation events sector. With offices in Ireland and France, the group is fully owned by BetFred Chairman, Fred Done.

Sports Tours International is the Lead Tour Operator for the TCS London Marathon ITO program and Official Premium Tour Operator to the Tour de France, delivering once-in-a-lifetime trips to cycling’s largest event and helping more than 500 amateur riders take on the hardest stage of the race at The Etape du Tour every year.