Best Places to Run Around The World
There is nothing nicer than being able to continue your workout routine no matter where you are, especially for those of us who are athletes or freak fitness lovers who simply simply can’t live a day without exercise. I am one of them, and for this reason I have put a list together of the most epic places around the world to run.
1. Tenzing-Hillary Everest Marathon, Nepal
The Everest Marathon is - unsurprisingly - the highest marathon in the world. Starting at Everest Base Camp (7,598 feet above sea level), the annual marathon, held each May, Traverses Mountain trails through the sublime landscape of the Himalayas. It’s a requirement that all runners be in the country for three weeks before the marathon to acclimatize properly. There is snow and ice along the path, so this is not for trail novices - but you probably could have worked that out for yourself.
2. Safaricom Marathon, Kenya
If you thought running in the heat was difficult, try running a marathon through the African savannah - with lions. The Safaricom Marathon in Kenya is run every June. As for the lions, don’t worry about it though - armed rangers guard the runners with helicopter support. Your real concern will be competing against some of the world’s best long-distance runners.
3. Rio de Janeiro Beachfront, Brazil
Join the locals for a jog along Rio de Janeiro‘s beachfront. The promenade along Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon is a popular running route with cariocas; As well as being an attractive setting for a run, this is also an excellent people watching opportunity - particularly as Rio residents are not shy about showcasing their physiques.
4. Two Oceans Marathon, South Africa
Claiming to be the ‘most beautiful marathon in the world’, the Two Oceans Marathon is a 35-mile race around the coast of Cape Town, and its name comes from the fact that participants will run along both the Atlantic and the Indian Ocean.
5. Tel Aviv Night Run
The Tel Aviv Night Run, a 10 kilometer run, with approximately 25,000 participants, is welcoming to all types of runners. The Night Run is an upbeat, fun and exciting event. The music makes you wonder if you’re at a dance club or at a running event. Practically all of Tel Aviv comes out to watch this race, and cheer on its fellow Tel Avivians. The finish line, at Ganei Yeshoshua in Park Hayarkon always has the best celebratory party.
6. Fujisan Marathon, Japan
Whilst a marathon is never easy, a beautiful setting really does help with those last few grueling miles. The Fujisan Marathon is held in November each year, taking advantage of the crisp conditions around Mount Fuji, which is located a couple of hours outside Tokyo. Aside from the iconic mountain, runners will pass blue lakes and autumnally colure trees along the route, which also includes a particularly tough mountain climb.
7. Caserta (Italy)
Given its vastness, the park of the Reggia di Caserta (Royal palace) allows runners to train on various types of terrain - asphalt, trails or grass routes, both uphill and downhill. The courses are both shaded or under the sun, and the main loop is approximately seven and a half kilometers in length. The park is well supplied with water fountains and restrooms. At any time of the day you will see runners. The only issue is that the park closes around 5/6pm each afternoon.
8. Sydney’s Northern Beaches
The 8km loop around Narrabeen Lagoon is one of the best scenic running routes on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. It’s a popular track for walkers, joggers, dog walkers and cyclists with lush greenery and shading, tranquil water views and a variety of running surfaces to keep it interesting. You can start at Jameson Park and finish up with a breakfast at the Boatshed Cafe, or hire a paddleboard and get out on the water for the day. Plus, a pit stop at the outdoor gym in Billarong reserve is a great place for a friendly chin up competition!
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