5 of the World’s Best Running Routes

We’ve all seen that meme on Facebook, suggesting just how contradictory it is that people drive to the gym in order to run on the treadmill. It really is the epitome of irony (note the sarcasm). So just imagine how incensed those same people would be at the idea that some running enthusiasts love running so much that they in fact travel on a plane, and travel half way across the globe, just to go on a jog.


The following five running routes are some of the best the world has to offer. Admittedly, you do have to catch a flight in order to get to them, but when it means skipping around ancient Inca ruins and not dog poo in the park, it’s got to be worth it, right?

1. Kalalau Trail – Kauai, Hawaii

This one’s definitely for the adrenaline seeking runners out there, as the trail is notoriously dangerous. However, assuming you do survive the rushing streams and nail-bitingly narrow ledges, you’re in for one hell of a treat; the eleven mile path provides the only land access to the breathtakingly beautiful Na Pali coast.

2. The Amstel – Amsterdam, Netherlands

Though no one will ever believe you that you’re travelling to Amsterdam just for a ‘pleasant run,’ the jokes on them. The city is architecturally stunning, and the running routes along the Amstel River in particular will take you past some of the city’s most famous landmarks.

3. The Promenade des Anglais – Nice, France

Five kilometres of white sand beach and crystal clear waters, and that’s just your view on the left (or right, depending on which direction you’re running in). On the other side awaits gorgeous panoramic views of the Mediterranean city, if you can see over the row of palm trees, that is!

4. The Inca Trail - Macu Picchu, Peru

A number of companies are now offering guided runs around the ancient Inca ruins. The route takes several days, taking in the luscious fog forests between Cusco and the lost Incan city of Machu Picchu, before finishing at the mysterious Gate of the Sun.

5. The Golden Gate Bridge – San Francisco, California

There’s a reason so many organised runs, including the San Francisco Marathon, the Golden Gate Half, and the Golden Gate Bridge Vista 10K, take in the amazing views provided by the Golden Gate Bridge. But the view is unquestionable better when you haven’t got a thousand heads bobbing in front of you, especially at sunrise or sunset.


Come across any great running routes yourself? Then be sure to let us know in the comment box below, and needless to say, great looking running routes need a great looking pair of running shorts...

Image Credits

Kahlua Trail - Robert Linsdell, Flickr

The Amstel - Bas Pijls, Flickr

The Promenade des Anglais - Jean-Pierre Dalbéra, Flickr

Inca Trail - Emmanuel DYAN, Flickr

Golden Gate Bridge - Jun Seita, Flickr

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