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Let’s be honest. When you think about holidays, you’re probably imagining relaxing, eating, drinking and dancing (if you’re feeling lively). But we reckon you can also combine keeping fit with taking in the sights of a new city – especially if you’re deep into marathon training. And of course after jogging several miles you’ll certainly be able to truthfully describe the views as “breathtaking”. So pack your trainers and your partner or mates and scope out these five running routes. You’ll certainly earn that first glass of wine, beer or gin on your weekend away (make mine a large).
Pound the pavements in Paris
Paris is pretty flat and you can run along one of the most famous rivers in the world, La Seine. This city’s also noted for its parks and wide boulevards so it doesn’t really matter where you stay, you’ll find somewhere to strap on your trainers and hit the streets. There’s also several running tours you can take if you don’t want to plan your own route. They usually throw in some local information (especially where to go for breakfast afterwards).
The Paris Marathon is for die-hard runners – but you could always warm up with a fun run with a twist. The Love Run sees participants joined to a partner by the wrist. Yes, you’re in it together, for the 7km park route starting at the Bois de Boulogne. And you’re positively encouraged to raid the dressing up box for this race.
Running dates for your diary:
Love Run Paris: 19th March 2017 – our package includes travel, accommodation and tickets from £129pp – book here
More things to do in Paris
Prague parks will get you motivated
Running over the Charles Bridge in Prague
If you need a running route to inspire you, then Prague is the place to chalk up some kilometres. You’ll have lots to look at as the city is one of the prettiest in Europe and the hills will really give you a good workout. We recommend the Letna park run whichis 3.8km. The route might be short – but it’s set up perfectly for laps if you’re feeling particularly energetic.
The run starts next to the home of world famous football team Sparta Prague, so there are loads of public transport options to get you there. You also get views of the entire city including the old town, historic bridges across the Vltava river and the baroque buildings that make up Prague’s skyline. Take your phone – your Instagram followers will love this one.
Running dates for your diary:
Prague International Marathon – 7th May 2017
More things to do in Prague
Catch up with the sights in Copenhagen
Our Old Town route is 10km and takes in a large amount of this Scandinavian city. The run starts near the City Hall (Radhus) plaza (Radhuspladsen) next to the world famous Tivoli gardens. You can tick off Nyhavn (New Harbor) and the Little Mermaid statue as well as the landmark department store Illum, the new opera house and many of Copenhagen’s forts, churches and canals on your way.
By covering off a lot of the main shopping district, the old harbour, the royal palace and the university district in one go you’ll be free to spend the rest of your time relaxing with a pint of Carlsberg and a Danish pastry.
Running dates for your diary:
More things to do in Copenhagen
Get out of breath in Budapest
Budapest Panorama from Mount Gellert – © budapestinfo.hu
Ok, our steep Gellert Hill run is 2.2 km so you’re going to have to be a fan of those hills. But think of the views, just think of the views. It’s a 336ft total ascent and has a maximum elevation of 710ft – but at least it’s short. And we mentioned the views, right?
And as Budapest has held the official title of ‘City of Spas’ since 1934 you can relax afterwards in one of the cities most famous and beautiful bathhouses. Next to the Liberty Bridge, within the Gellért Hotel, are the Gellért Baths. They opened in 1918 and you can enjoy the Art Nouveau architecture while you soak.
Running dates for your diary:
More things to do in Budapest
Run around London (before everyone wakes up)
Big Ben provides the running backdrop
London is one of the premier cities in the world for running – and home to one of the most famous marathons on the planet. There’s loads of parks to run around, and the Embankment is a good way to see Tower Bridge and Somerset House, but we’ve gone for this London North to South Westminster run at 12.36km.
The capital centre is notorious for being ridiculously busy during rush hour, and even at the weekend. Keen runners shouldn’t fret though – because as anyone who has seen 28 Days Later will attest, London is at its most beautiful early in the morning. And this run is definitely worth setting the alarm for.
You start at the Palace of Westminster in the shadow of Big Ben, loop into north London and back again for just over 12km. Taking in Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, Oxford Circus, Regents Park, Regents Canal, London Zoo and Primrose Hill, you’ll finish back by the river ready for some breakfast.
Running dates for your diary:
More things to do in London
Which cities have you been running in?
Bradenburg Gate -Berlin
Have you always wanted to run through Berlin or take a dreamy jog around Vienna? Maybe the beach in Barcelona is where you want to get your Baywatch on?
Let us know your favourite running routes by leaving a comment below.
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