416: Run the World: Inside Major Marathon Travel with Leyla Porteous, GM Sports Tours International, Runner, & Coach

In this episode, Marni syncs up with Leyla Porteous, General Manager of Sports Tours International, a company that takes runners across the globe for major marathons and creates full-service Race-cation experiences with curated hotels, support, logistics, restaurant recommendations, and pro-level treatment. Sports Tours International connects U.S. runners to international races and international runners to U.S. races, offering seamless, elevated marathon-travel packages for iconic events worldwide. Marni and Leyla unpack the growing world of destination marathons and the appeal of turning races into global adventures. They break down how Sports Tours International operates, how bib access works within their travel packages, and why more runners are prioritizing travel-based racing. The conversation also highlights exciting emerging marathon destinations, including Cape Town, Sydney, and new races in China, and what makes these global events stand out. Leyla shares her journey from triathlon to running, her coaching background, and how she helps athletes embrace resilience, mental toughness, and joy in the sport. Together, Marni and Leyla explore running as a mental health tool, the life lessons learned from endurance sports, and the sense of community that forms when runners travel the world to race. CONNECT Sports Tours International on Instagram Marni On The Move Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, or YouTube` Marni Salup on Instagram and Playlist on Spotify SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER Sign up for our monthly newsletter, Do What Moves You, for Marni on the Move updates, exclusive offers, invites to events, and exciting news! SUPPORT THE PODCAST Leave us a five stars and a review on Apple, it's easy, scroll through the episode list on your podcast app, click on five stars, click on leave a review, and share what you love about the conversations you're listening to. Tell your friends the episodes you are listening to on your social. Share a screen shot of the episode in your stories, tag us, we will tag you back!