TOURS has a new Chairman. The organisation met at one of its annual general meetings, the day after the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon elected a new board. Patrik Yderberg from Swedish TOURS member, Springtime, was unanimously elected as the new Chairman. Patrik replaces Jeff Adams from Marathon Tours, who stepped down after a highly successful five year term leading the organisation. The role was redesignated from President to Chairman at the same meeting, to reflect a more administrative and facilitative function to the job.

The annual New York meeting also saw the election of a new board with Achim Wricke (Interair Germany) and Steven Seaton (2:09 Events UK) remaining in their roles as Treasurer and Secretary, Mari-Mar Walton (Travelling Fit Australia) was elected as the new vice-Chair, while Lauren Hare (Penthouse Travel, South Africa), Daniel Soprano (Amaison, Argentina) and Victor Ortiz (Destiny2Sport, Panama) take on the roles of Directors-at-large.

The February 2025 TOURS conference was hosted in magnificent style and no small expense by Beaujolais Runners. A number of TOURS members returned to Lyon on November 22 to run the Beaujolais International Marathon and half-marathon with their clients.

The Beaujolais team led by Alain Bouhy and Fanny Debrun made a big effort to recognise the support of TOURS, adding our logo to the international T-shirts, providing special facilities at the Expo and finish area and recognising our groups attending the pre-race pasta party and post-race Beaujolais night celebration dinner. Hopefully this is the first step in a long term collaboration between TOURS and Beaujolais runners.

Marathon Tours US founder and former TOURS President Thom Gilligan was among an inspiring list of nominees for the 261 Fearless Inc’s Inaugural K V Switzer awards. Thom was nominated for the Global Connector Award for his work at Marathon Tours pioneering running destination travel and bringing thousands of runners together across borders and creating safe welcoming opportunities for women to explore the world.

Although Thom didn’t win the award, which was presented to legendary long distance runner Tegla Loroupe for her work in creating the Peace Run, his nomination was wonderful recognition for Marathon TOURS and TOURS.