Top 15 Running Places In The World
Humans were born to run. It’s literally one of the things we do best. What entices us to return is the plethora of running paths that are waiting to be explored.
And that’s what makes this list so special. Are you in the market for a short city jaunt or a long, over 100-mile mountain ultra? Then one of the featured runs in this compilation is sure to appeal to you.
Top Runs in the World
1. Timberline Trail, Mount Hood, Oregon
In the Pacific Northwest, there are various paths that encircle the local volcanic mountains, but the prime route might be the Timberline Trail, embracing Mount Hood which measures 11,240 feet in height. The Civilian Conservation Corps constructed the path in the 1930s and it largely remains at the treeline.
One can almost always look upon the summit and its glaciers, and you can see waterfalls, flowering plants, mountain pastures, and ancient forests as you travel.
If you are in the area during August, you could come across people who are walking along the Pacific Crest Trail on their journey north to Washington. The pathway is kept up and clearly identified, however crossing the many streams can be hazardous. When in doubt, don’t cross.
2. Hudson River Waterfront Walkway, Bayonne, New Jersey, to the George Washington Bridge
If you jog in New York City, it is more difficult to take in the views of the city. But on the New Jersey side of the Hudson River, to the west, this trail along the water’s edge presents a magnificent sight of 8.6 million people’s city and its never-ending assemblage of tall buildings.
We are partial to the three miles of our route connecting Morris Canal Park and Pier A Park in Hoboken, passing the Korean War Veterans Memorial and the Lefrak Point Lighthouse, which still need to be finished.
It’s advised to do it near the end of the day when the city starts to light up.
3. Tour du Mont Blanc, Switzerland, Italy, France
This could be the fanciest or most opulent course that spans over 100 miles.
It would be a shame to deprive yourself of the two main delights that the Alps provide – the wine and cheese – by doing it all at once. It’s a blessing that you don’t have to decide between pleasurable indulgence and accepting pain on this incredibly tricky and rough path—you encounter both.
You will have the option to explore the incredible mountain paths in France, Italy, and Switzerland, increasing your altitude by approximately 3,000-5,000 ft each day and being rewarded with delightful refreshments when you arrive at your destination. Or really take your time and hike it instead.
4. Lake Ouachita Vista Trail, Mountain Pine, Arkansas
Over the last decade or so, the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail has been constructed, snaking its way through the Ouachita National Forest’s rolling hills and copses of hardwoods and pine trees.
As the title implies, the view of the lake’s deep azure waters is revealed. During the summer, wildflowers are aplenty, and as we enter autumn, the leaves transform into a captivating variety of oranges and reds.
Competitors will reach a peak of 1,000 feet over the lake located on Hickory Nut Mountain and will have the opportunity to traverse a length of the ridgeline in the eastern part of the path. It may be helpful to know that at the western end of the trek, you are in an area that does not allow the sale of alcohol, so bear this in mind if you plan to have a beverage after your hike.
5. Lake Bled Loop, Bled, Slovenia
Bled, a stunningly beautiful mountain town in Slovenia, almost appears to have been lifted from the pages of a fairy tale, as if it could not possibly be real. The city and the castle are located directly next to the peaceful blue lake, and there is an islet in the centre where a house of worship exists which can only be reached by watercraft.
The route meanders along the lake, surrounded by trees. It goes by beaches that are perfect for swimming, as well as eateries to stop at when refuelling. Increase the length of your jog by going up one of the numerous paths leading into the mountains.
6. Kepler Track, Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
Situated in the well-known Fiordland National Park on the South Island of New Zealand, this path offers plenty of distance along alpine ridges, woodlands, and peaceful, extensive lakes.
Anticipate a kept-up and simple-to-traverse path that ranges from crushed stone to stone and debris.
If you feel like enjoying the sights of Lake Te Anau and the Murchison Mountains or taking a dip in any of the lakes or shorelines on the trail, huts with bunk beds and beds are available to book while on your travels.
A permit must be acquired and the path constitutes an impressive four-day-long trek.
7. Copper Ridge Loop, North Cascades National Park, Washington
In 1968, after almost one hundred years of trying, President John F. finally accomplished the designation of this difficult terrain into a national park. Kennedy’s signature.
It is evident why the Copper Ridge Loop deserves federal protection when you experience it first-hand. The starting point for the trail is about 3.5 hours away from Seattle and covers a total distance of 34 miles. It leads travellers through a wooded area, up mountain ridges and into a vibrant river valley.
This trail, which sits 34 miles away from Seattle, is a genuine storybook adventure: on your journey, you will experience a forest of tall evergreen trees, a valley flanked by a river, breathtaking perspectives of both Mount Shuksan and Mount Baker, and splendid meadows of vibrant wildflowers.
This beautiful mountain range nicknamed the “American Alps” is an ideal spot to go for a jog when you have some spare time.
Stunning sights of Mount Shuksan, loaded with glaciers, Mount Baker, and the isolated Pickett Range are in plentiful supply. Anticipate steep peaks bedecked in broad ice sheets, coniferous vegetation, dazzling mountain ponds, and meadows of blossoms. You will additionally have the chance to ride a two-person cable car across the Chilliwack River.
8. Hong Kong Trail, Victoria Peak, Hong Kong
This track, which is clearly marked, runs a distance of 31 miles from Victoria Peak, the apex of Hong Kong Island, to Big Wave Bay, otherwise known as Tai Long Wan. Eight divergent parts make up this pathway. The first two portions have some pavement, but the later parts of the route are more challenging.
The paths are sheltered from the sun by a covering of trees, making it a perfect location to escape the heat during the summertime. Perched on Victoria Peak, you can witness stunning views of Victoria Harbour and Kowloon, the mainland part of the metropolis.
As you travel, you will come across a wide array of vegetation, reservoirs, cascades, and awe-inspiring views. The end of the path provides spectacular perspectives of its own, in addition to a beach.
9. Otter Trail, Garden Route National Park, South Africa
This is the most exclusive trail on our list. The Garden Route National Park is so coveted that people often have to schedule a year in advance if they want to participate in the limited activity that takes place within – a hike limited to only a dozen people each day.
If you are fortunate to have the opportunity to take a hike, you won’t be facing any throngs of people.
The route winds through a mixture of terrains which include forests with continual vegetation, cascades, streams, a jagged shoreline, unspoiled strands, and an abundance of plants and wildlife. Want to race it? The Otter Trail Run is held in October.
10. Maui Half Marathon, Hawaii
Hawaii appears to be an enjoyable tropical oasis, an ideal place to relax on the shore and consume food continuously. There are numerous ways to stay busy. A hugely popular race is the Maui Half Marathon.
Exploring the coastline of Hawaii, meeting the natives, smelling the salty air of the ocean and witnessing a stunning sunrise over the shoreline, it’s a really incredible experience.
For anyone who takes pleasure in sports and is wondering how to use their holiday time, a fantastic plan would be to prep and join a half marathon held in a balmy locale. In addition, you won’t have enough time to bemoan having had too much food.
11. Polar Night Half Marathon, Norway
This site could possibly be the greatest spot to jog globally due to its distinctiveness. Why is it so unique?
It may come as a surprise, but in regions situated near the North Pole, the sun is only visible for about 2 hours each day. From the end of autumn until the beginning of spring, there is a period of darkness outside.
Lots of tourists come to Norway for the exclusive chance to check out the stunning Aurora Borealis, a radiant and multi-hued nighttime sky that is only observable in Norway, Sweden, and Finland.
The Polar Night Half Marathon sets off in the middle of the day, but with the sun being absent, the whole event will occur in the dark. For those who have a passion for jogging during the chilly time of year, this is the ideal place!
12. Peniche, Portugal
Peniche, with its peninsula leading into the Atlantic, has something to offer everyone–from breathtaking views of the sea for those who love lazing on the beach to world-renowned waves drawing in thousands of tourists annually, as well as an array of pubs and eateries for studious and exhilarated travellers. Finally, it has no shortage of stunning running paths for those looking for a new experience.
If you opt for Peniche as your running location, the journey can begin in the coastal town which is known for its surf spots and carry on through the stunning seaside cliffs.
For a little more than 5 miles, you can get a short yet intense experience in one of the top spots to run on Earth.
This route is great for inexperienced adventurers or travellers who want to get in some exercise while on their stunning Portuguese trip. It’s a smooth, easy track with access to an outdoor gym.
13. Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland is renowned amongst professional athletes for its annual provision of fresh and attractive trails for running.
Grapevine reports that running has become increasingly popular with more than 70 running events held throughout Reykjavík on an annual basis in the past few years.
Iceland provides an abundance of attractions, including the Gullfoss cascades and the Olfusa River. Therefore, Reykjavik is an ideal spot to marvel at the grandiose glaciers, mountains, and wildlife from afar.
It is advisable to go on a running tour of Iceland during the May to September period. Going to this place can be difficult if you have not planned ahead.
14. Albuquerque, New Mexico
It is recommended to tackle the Bosque Trail, which is a paved path with a view of the Sandia Mountains over 10,000 feet, in the early morning.
No matter if you select a level path by the Rio Grande or a difficult mountain track, this metropolis for runners has plenty to keep you occupied all year long.
Runners of all levels can take it easy and take in the scenery while running along the even asphalt path of New Mexico, so grab your gear and set out on your journey!
15. Carpathian Mountains, Romania
Do you have the courage to attempt a one-hundred-kilometre ultramarathon through the Carpathian Mountains? Believe it or not, if you train properly, the effort will be worth it.
Romping through an array of vivid blooms, hearing the faraway jingling of cowbells, and taking in the one-of-a-kind peaks that loom over Transylvania – what else could you expect from the great outdoors?
Anne-Marie Lategan, a fitness coach and an ultra-runner, is the initiator of the three-day 100K Ultrabug ultramarathon which starts off in Bucovina, an authentic part of the world known for its castles and monasteries.
The Carpathian Mountains are the second biggest mountain range in Europe, they are home to mystical woods and old-fashioned towns. You must have the courage to stay in that situation!
Ultramarathons provide a way to get away from the current world and to check out wild terrains, so, I promise you that Romania will give you a great adventure.
Side notes
An endless number of amazing locations to go jogging exist all over the globe. Only a runner can truly appreciate the magnificence of running with a breathtaking view beside them, the irresistible rush of adrenaline, and how tough it is to stop.
Have you ever contemplated taking a trip specifically for the greatest running trails? Going to the seaside is already a cliché.
In our imagination, running is the perfect way to get away from it all, but when athletes pick a place to run, one of the fundamental queries is “Where shall I go?”
It turns out that your jogging session is often the most enjoyable part of your outing, though few people take this option. When you decide to investigate a fresh place by going for a jog, you find out about it more completely and simply than the ordinary tourist, who commonly opts for the “business” style of travelling.
