A-Rosa River Cruises has partnered with tourism social enterprise Charitable Travel to launch a running-themed cruise holiday in October 2023 to raise money for charity.
Participants will run 10km per day over five days, through some of the most scenic landscapes along the Danube and cities such as Vienna, Bratislava and Linz.
The ‘Run The River’ cruise will be led by Rory Coleman, a lifestyle and marathon coach.
Every holiday booked with Charitable Travel includes a 5% donation to each customer’s chosen charity.
Participants are also encouraged to work with a nominated charity to raise further funds.
Lucia Rowe, managing director at A-Rosa River Cruises UK & Ireland, said: “This is a product that is very close to my heart, and it is going to be an incredible journey that will enable everyone involved to become a better version of themselves.
“Whilst running is the focus, it is about so much more than that. It is a lifestyle choice and journey into our better selves that begins from the moment that people book.
“I am particularly delighted to do this in partnership with Melissa Tilling, the CEO of Charitable Travel, who is a keen runner and charity fundraiser herself and whose business is delivering so much for the people who need it most.
“I’m so excited I will be on this trip also, to support Rory and provide additional guidance from my own personal running journey.”
Melissa Tilling, chief executive at Charitable Travel, added: “This ‘Run The River’ adventure is an incredibly innovative concept in thematic river cruising and charity fundraising combined.
“We have a specific social purpose to support charity fundraising, so this cruise is a perfect fit for our mission and we are delighted to be working on this with Lucia and her team.
“As with all our holidays, ‘Run The River’ has been organised so guests can support their choice of charity, but with the added twist of conquering a great-50 kilometre running challenge whilst cruising in comfort and raising money for a great cause.
“Having retired from running after my first marathon in London in 2017, ‘Run The River’ has tempted me to get the running shoes back on and beat this goal for charity.”
Rowe commented: “If this inaugural running cruise proves popular, it could become the first in a series of cruises that run across the different rivers that A-Rosa sails on.”
The cruise departs on October 25, 2023, and is priced from £1,099. This ground package includes one night’s pre-cruise B&B accommodation in Engelhartszell, five nights on a premium all-inclusive basis on A-Rosa Donna, plus the full ‘Run The River’ programme and pre-cruise coaching and guidance with Rory Coleman. Flights or rail transport are extra.