This article highlights the top fitness events to watch in 2026 so you can plan ahead and add them to your travel schedule. Our selection includes the iconic World Marathon Majors, the demanding IRONMAN World Championship, the innovative Global Wellness Summit and the city-wide movement of the Dubai Fitness Challenge. Together, these events reflect the diversity of the global fitness and wellness landscape and offer meaningful ways to stay active and inspired.
World Marathon Majors
The World Marathon Majors unites thousands of runners from more than 80 countries, all aiming to earn one of the most respected achievements in long-distance running: the Six Star Medal. To receive it, participants must complete the six iconic marathons: Tokyo, Boston, London, Sydney, Berlin, Chicago, and New York.
Beyond athletic performance, the series promotes cultural exchange among runners and explores unique routes and landscapes around the world. Each race also partners with major charitable initiatives in health and education, strengthening its social impact.
To learn more about the World Marathon Majors and its relevance, watch this inspiring story of Rose & David.
IRONMAN
For athletes seeking the ultimate challenge, the IRONMAN is the toughest endurance fitness and wellness event on the planet. Each race includes a 2.4-mile (3.8 km) swim, 112-mile (180 km) bike ride, and 26.2-mile (42.2 km) marathon, all completed within a single day. Originated in Hawaii, the event has expanded with races held across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
While the race is a showcase of strength and resilience for pro-triathletes. It also attracts thousands of amateurs who join to overcome personal limits and elevate their overall fitness level.
Global Wellness Summit
The Global Wellness Summit is one of the most influential annual conferences in the wellness industry. Known for its expert-led panels, high-quality research, and market forecasts, the summit gathers leaders in health, technology, fitness, hospitality, and medicine to explore the innovations shaping the future of well-being.
Held in Phuket, Thailand in 2026. The summit creates a multicultural environment that highlights local wellness traditions while offering global insights. It is a key event for professionals seeking innovative projects and trends that will define the next years of wellness.
Dubai Fitness Challenge
Now imagine an entire city turning into a wellness event—that is the Dubai Fitness Challenge. This month-long initiative encourages residents and visitors to adopt a healthier lifestyle through the 30×30 challenge. A simple 30 minutes of activity for 30 days during the month of November.
To support and make the event inclusive, hundreds of partners offer free classes, workshops and outdoors festivals. Including the Dubai Ride, which brings over 40.000 riders to the Sheikh Zayed Rd, and the Dubai Run the world largest free running event with over 300.000 participants in 2025.
In 2025 Be Relax also joined the wellness challenge event by hosting yoga, sound healing, and essential oil workshops at the Dubai International Airport in terminal 3, reaching Dubai residents and travelers in transit.
The Dubai Fitness Challenge stands out for its unique ability to turn the entire city into a celebration of well-being.
To wrap-up
From world-class endurance races to city-wide wellness events, inspiration comes for every type of enthusiast. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or embracing a healthier lifestyle, keep these global events on your calendar.
