A trip away does not have to mean that your running is neglected. Why not take advantage of your travel opportunities by running on one of the world's best running routes?
Here’s our pick of the world’s most spectacular running routes – which will enable you to combine a spot of running with your travels, and maybe even encourage you to run further! Happy traveling.
Sydney Harbourside, Australia
Distance: 7.5 miles (12.1 km). This is a very flat route, and one that takes in some of the best sights of Sydney – including the famous Opera House and Botanic Gardens. You can do a good circuit run by starting at the eastern end of Circular Quay and following the walkway around to the Opera House, where you can – if you’re feeling particularly energetic – run up and then down the steps of the Opera House. Picture credit: Marine Deswarte / Shutterstock.com
The Lakes, Minneapolis, USA
Distance: 6.5 miles (10.5 km), 6.8 miles (11km), or 10 miles (16km). For some great running, head for the three city lakes which form a great recreational area in the heart of Minneapolis – which will make you feel as though you’re actually outside the city. Together, the Lakes form the first leg of the Twin Cities Marathon Course – but each has its own distinct character: Lake of the Isles is the smallest and quietest of the three; Lake Calhoun is the largest; and Lake Harriet is the busiest – where you may find yourself having to dodge a lot of pedestrians!
The Amalfi Drive, Italy
Distance: 30 miles (48.2km). Usually noted for being one of the world’s most remarkable drives, there’s no reason why you should not run the route – or at least a portion of it – instead, provided you’re fairly brave. The Amalfi Drive stretches from Sorrento to Amalfi, and whatever section you run, you’re guaranteed to pass through some of the most picturesque towns and villages in the world. The route follows a narrow and twisting road with the cliffs several hundred feet below as you go.
The Great Wall of China
Distance: Approx 1,500 miles (over 2,400km)! What more spectacular site could there be to run along than the massive Great Wall? You’ll barely have a chance to scratch the surface, of course, and you’ll certainly have to get yourself in shape to make it worth your while – but running on it will be an experience you’ll never forget! There are plenty of tour operators providing chances to run a section, so organising a trip should be easy.
Niagara Falls, USA/Canada
Distance: Up to 26.2 miles (approx 42km). Imagine running past one of the greatest natural sights in the world! Niagara Falls has got to be one of the ultimate places to run – whether you’re just doing it for pleasure or pushing yourself in the official marathon that runs there every October. The marathon course here is the only international marathon to start in one country and finish in another, starting in the USA (Buffalo) and finishing in Canada (Ontario).
Prague, Czech Republic
Distance: Varies depending on your route. Although known almost exclusively as a destination for the pre-wedding party crowd, Prague should be on your ‘to do’ list of running spots. It’s so cheap and easy to get to – and inexpensive while you are there, too. Prague is one of the most marvelous cities to run in, why not head out from the Charles Bridge, and then run through some of the flat parks of the city, and along the shores of the River Vltav – all the while taking in the spectacular views? Picture credit: franz12 / Shutterstock.com
The Monopoly Run, London, UK
Distance: 15 miles (24.14km). Should you be feeling particularly sprightly on a trip to London, why not go for an early and alternative London sightseeing tour? This route involves a lengthy 15-mile-plus run through the streets of London, which takes in the majority of the sites on the London Monopoly game board including Mayfair, Bond Street, Oxford Street, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square and Leicester Square!
Marrakech, Morocco
Distance: 26.2 miles (42.16km). If you’re fed up pounding the streets at home, then why not think about running in marvellous Marrakech? It’s a stunning city and one that you’ll not forget – particularly if you take part in the city’s marathon in January along with up to 5,000 other runners. Daytime temperatures are not too stifling – around 20 to 25°C – but even if you’re not quite up to that full challenge, the magical city offers an exceptional setting for a run during the evenings.
Central Park, New York City, USA
Distance: 6 miles (9.65km). Central Park is pretty much synonymous with runners and joggers, and contains over 800 acres of space in the heart of Manhattan – making it one of the world’s most popular places to run. It’s even worth running a section of it just to check out some of the Central Park regulars! One of the best runs to go for is the Full Loop Course, which is just over 6 miles long.
A marathon in Athens, Greece
Distance: 5k race, 10k race, or marathon race (26.2 miles). Legend has it that the messenger Phiedippides brought news of victory from the battlefield of Marathon to Athens almost 2,500 years ago – and you can now follow in his footsteps by taking on the challenge yourself! The start is in the town of Marathon, and the finish line is in Athens’ magnificent Olympic Stadium, the Panathinaiko Stadium. Generally speaking, the first 7.5 miles (12km) are level; the next 12 miles are gentle long hills; and the final 6 miles or so are downhill. Picture credit: Anastasios71 / Shutterstock.com
