The forested areas to the north and south of Aarhus’ city centre, together with the flat cycle paths around the lakes to the west, provide wonderful variety for those looking to get in the miles.

Brabrandstien and the lakes

The Brabrandstien cycle and pedestrian path forms a loop of approximately 20 kilometres around the Brabrand and Arslev Engsø lakes to the west of the city, along the first section of the Aarhus to Silkeborg hiking trail.

The trail starts just west of the city centre and can be accessed from the junction between Skovgaardsgade and Carl Blochs Gade; at the corner between Carl Blochs Gade and Thorvaldsengade; or off Vestre Ringgade by Søren Frichs Vej.

The first section runs along the narrow Aarhus river, before opening to beautiful views of lakes. Whether watching the rising sun glistening on the lakes’ calm surface, or watching fishing boats silhouetted against the setting sun, this is a lovely place to enjoy nature and the outdoors at any time of the day.

The wide, flat, paved surface makes it an ideal place for tempo workouts. And even if you don’t fancy the full loop, there are shorter loop options available, with river crossings before and between the lakes.

Marselisborg Forests

The 10 kilometre stretch of forested sand dunes south of the city centre provides a pleasant, slightly undulating playground for all outdoor enthusiasts.

Paved cycle paths run, for the most part, along the main road through the forest, providing a crossing-free route right from the entrance of the forest all the way to Moesgaard Strand.

There are also other paved paths and dirt trails criss-crossing the beech-tree forest, some offering surprising and ever-changing views of the harbour, and glimpses of the sheltered sandy coves below.

From the trails you can access the infamously hilly fields around the Moesgaard Museum which hosted the 2019 World Cross Country Championships.

Climb the slanted roof of the museum to get some perspective of the challenge competitors faced on their way to glory and to enjoy great views of the surrounding area.

Photo: Lone Dybdal

Other options

Those staying to the north of the city will find pleasant forest trails around Riis Skov, a wooded area, which, like Marselisborg forests, runs along the coast. The route around the perimeter is approximately five kilometres.

The Botanic Gardens, close to Den Gamble By, one of the city’s main attractions, is considerably smaller than the other options but makes a pleasant extension to the Brabrandstien when not overrun with families and other users at the weekend.

The weekly Brabrand ParkRun, held at 9am on Saturday mornings, is located approximately 3km west of the city centre. The Aarhus Half Marathon is held in late June each year.

While you’re there

Among the top thing to do in Aarhus are dining in the characterful Street Food Market near Dokk1, the city’s new library; exploring Danish cultural history at Den Gamble By (the old town), an outdoor living folk museum with original buildings from all over Denmark; and visiting the many other museums and galleries around the city.

You can enjoy 360 degree views the city through the multi-coloured circular walkway atop the ARoS Art Museum and get up close to a herd of deer at the Marselisborg Deer Park.

Thrill-seekers are well catered for at the Tivoli Friheden Amusement Park. And there’s always the great outdoors, which can be explored by foot or on two wheels.

Further afield, the towns of Silkeborg and Skanderborg, linked by hiking trails through forests and along lake shores, are both worth a visit.

About the author
Elizabeth Egan is a consultant Performance Lifestyle Practitioner, the author of Notes from Higher Grounds: An Altitude Training Guide for Endurance Athletes, and a keen runner who loves exploring running routes around the world.

Are you a fan of Fast Running? Then please support us. For as little as the price of a monthly magazine you can support Fast Running – and it only takes a minute. Thank you.

The post A running guide to Aarhus appeared first on Fast Running.

Once an important industrial hub, Hamburg is located on the mouth of the Elbe river in northern Germany. It is the country’s second largest city and is home to Europe’s third largest port.

Hamburg also has more bridges than any other city, is home to the world’s largest model railway museum, and has a lively cultural and entertainment scene with more than 100 clubs and music venues, 60 museums and 40 theatres.

It also has many nice places to run!

The waterfront along the Elbe, the banks of the Außenalster (Outer Alster Lake) in the city centre, and the many parks and gardens within the city limits, provide adequate variety for those spending a few days in this popular tourist destination.

The forested, hilly area outside Harburg, south of the Elbe, provides plenty of variety for those interested in being a more adventurous with their leisure activities.

Außenalster

Außenalster is the larger of two artificial lakes on the Alster River in the heart of the city, and the cycling and running tracks on its shores are a popular recreational spot for locals.

The wider trails and parkland on the western shores are the more suitable for running, though it’s possible to do a loop around the entire lake, with only a small section on streets.

Stadtpark

Hamburg State Park, located in the Winterhude district, three kilometres north of the city, is easily accessed by both S-bahn and U-bahn trains.

It is also the location of the impressive Planetarium, a former water tower, who’s 21-metre diameter dome is the largest of its kind in Europe!

The outer gravel paths of the park provide a loop approximately five kilometres long.

Alter Botanischer Garten and Wallanlagen

A central ring of parks and public spaces, running in an ark from the lakes to the sea front, on the western edge of the city centre provides a pleasant run for those looking to take in some of the sights and sounds of the city.

But don’t expect to run fast here; the small, connected parks and gardens are busy throughout the day.

The banks of the Elbe

An impressive series of parks and riverfront paths run along the northern shores of Elbe to some large parks and forests on the outer limits of the Hamburg metropolitan area.

Starting at the Park Altonaer Balkon (there are great view of the port from here), and running west through Hinepark, Donners Park and Park Rosengarten, undulating paths make up the first section of the run, before connecting with a mostly-flat, multi-use path that continues for approximately 10 kilometres to a large forested area which includes Waldpark Falkenstein and Sven-Simon-Park.

If an out-and-back stint of more than 20 kilometres sounds a bit ambitious, take the path as far as the first marina (Yachthafen Teufelsbrück), and cross Elbchaussee – one of the main roads through Hamburg’s leafy western suburbs – into Jenischpark, another pleasant and undulating park.

Further afield

The state forests which straddle the Hamburg and Lower Saxony state borders to the west of Harburg, on the southern shores of the Elbe, provides all the tracks and trails outdoor enthusiasts could ever wish for.

The nearest access is a 20-kilometre drive from the city centre, with the area is also accessible by public transport or bicycle. Expect tranquillity, soft forest paths, and some hills!

Races in Hamburg

The Hamburg Marathon, staged in late April or early May alongside half marathon and relay events, attracts approximately 15,000 participants. The course record of 2:05:30 was set in 2013 by Eluid Kipchoge. Park Hunderwiese Alstervorland, on the banks of the Außenalster, hosts a weekly ParkRun.

Though not one of Europe’s most obvious tourist destinations, Hamburg has much for visitors to see and do.

And when not checking out the world-famous Miniatur Wunderland model railway attraction, exploring the city’s historic buildings, sampling the lively nightlife, or shopping for designer clothes, runners have an ideal opportunity to get in some extra miles in variety of beautiful settings.

About the author
Elizabeth Egan is a consultant Performance Lifestyle Practitioner, the author of Notes from Higher Grounds: An Altitude Training Guide for Endurance Athletes, and a keen runner who loves exploring running routes around the world.

Are you a fan of Fast Running? Then please support us. For as little as the price of a monthly magazine you can support Fast Running – and it only takes a minute. Thank you.

The post A running guide to Hamburg appeared first on Fast Running.

Berlin’s Tiergarten, right in the heart of this historic city, provides miles of dirt and surfaced trails. But it is far from the only running option in the city.

Indeed, the expansive, if somewhat lesser-known, Grunewald forest, located on Berlin’s western limits, may challenge London’s Richmond Park, Dublin’s Phoenix Park and Madrid’s Casa de Campo as one of the top city-based running locations in the world.

Tiergarten

Overlooked by the famous Brandenburg Gate – one of the city’s best-known landmarks – and Germany’s impressive parliament building (Bundestag), the Tiergarten provides surprising solitude amid the hustle and bustle of Berlin tourism.

The park is 210 hectares (520 acres) in size and is a common destination for tourists looking to do some outdoor activity. If you head there you are sure to spot other runners while taking in the sights and sounds of West Berlin.

Keeping south of Straße des 17. Juni (the main road which runs west from the Brandenburg Gate through the park) you can get a loop of almost 5km, with only one road crossing along a mix of dirt and paved paths.

Trees are plentiful and provide adequate shade from the mid-summer sun, as well as beautiful colour during the autumn months.

Tiergarten is the start and finishing point of the famously fast Berlin Marathon in late September, while the city’s half marathon (early April) runs through the Tiergarten in its early stages.

Grunewald Forest

While Tiergarten is a very pleasant place to play and provides adequate variety for a short stay in the city, those seeking a truly unique running experience should hop on one of the many S-Bann trains that head west and alight at S Grunewald (Potsdam trains) or Heerstraße (Olympiastadion trains).

There, the 3,000-hectare Grunewald, a forested playground of truly epic portions, awaits. With the shortest routes north to south running almost 10km, and the east-west routes reaching almost 4km at their longest, you’re unlikely to run out of trails here.

And somewhat undulating single and double track trails provide plenty of variety. The biggest challenge is not getting lost, though there are lots of maps in the area indicating your current location.

While in the area, be sure to check out the historic Olympic stadium (Olympiastadion), or continue the train journey south-west to beautiful Potsdam.

Indeed, with some hotels in the area, you could well choose the Grunewald as your base for exploring Berlin and the surrounding area.

Where else

Volkspark Hasenheide, located to the south of the city centre, is home to Berlin’s only parkrun (9am, Saturday mornings).

The adjacent Tempelhofer Feld – a large recreational area and park on the site of an old airport and parade ground – utilises six kilometres of an old runway as a cycling, skating and jogging track. It is a popular area for locals to picnic and barbecue, especially at the weekends.

If you ever feel like you have enough of Berlin’s city parks, the paths along the bank of the Landwehr canal and Spree river link Tiergarten to the area around the Olympic stadium, via the beautiful Schloss Charlottenburg, over a distance of approximately eight kilometres.

Berlin’s turbulent twentieth century history, thriving art and music scene, and position as a major modern European city ensure that there’s plenty for all visitors to see and do here.

And with more than adequate variety, runners are well catered for and can easily combine a running and sightseeing holiday.

About the author
Elizabeth Egan is a consultant Performance Lifestyle Practitioner, the author of Notes from Higher Grounds: An Altitude Training Guide for Endurance Athletes, and a keen runner who loves exploring running routes around the world.

Are you a fan of Fast Running? Then please support us. For as little as the price of a monthly magazine you can support Fast Running – and it only takes a minute. Thank you.

The post A running guide to Berlin appeared first on Fast Running.

With a population of almost 21 million, Mexico City is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world. However, this densely populated capital has lots of surprises for those who want to get some running in while exploring Mexican history, food and culture.

Located at 2,240 metres above sea level, running will be challenging, but if you stay long enough you can get some altitude training benefit too.

And the main parks and running trails are located near some of the main attractions and sights, so the rest of the family can be easily entertained while you get the miles in.

Here’s a quick rundown of what Mexico City has to offer:

Bosque de Chapultepec

This large urban park on the edge of the business district provides plenty of running options relatively close to the heart of the city. However, there are a few busy roads through the park, and occasional traffic light stops are to be expected as you make your way around the park’s perimeter.

There are a two designated dirt jogging trails within the park: a 1 km loop near the Paseo de la Reforma entrance, and the 2 km El Sope trail just west of Lago Mayor at the western end of the park.

Avenida College Military and Gran Avenida provide a circular asphalt route around the Castle to the south of the park. The hill up to the castle is a good place for doing hill efforts in the mornings before the crowds arrive.

Bosque de Tlalpan

There is a variety of trails of varying lengths around Bosque de Tlalpan, one of the city’s busiest running spots.

Snacks and fresh fruit juices can be purchased from nearby vendors, and running footwear and clothing is often available to purchase near the park entrance.

Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez

The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Ciudad Deportiva Magdalena Mixhuca has three main running routes.

A gravel track, similar to the other ones around the city, runs on the inside of the main eastern portion of the racetrack, a second dirt track runs along the outside of the eastern portion of the racetrack, and the racetrack itself is a popular asphalt route for joggers, rollerbladers and cyclists.

Other options within the city include Viveros de Coyoacán, a small park in the Coyoacán district south of the city with a traffic-free compacted 2 km dirt trail around its perimeter.

The completely flat, paved, traffic-free 5 km route which circles the Virgilio Uribe (Cuemanco) regatta course and the 4 km Circuit Mario de la Cueva at Ciudad Universitaria, home of the 1968 Olympic Stadium.

There is also 4 km of flat asphalt roads at Xochimilco Ecological Park in the south of the city; and Bosque de Aragón, located just north of the airport and of Deportivo Oceania, which combines well-marked asphalt and dirt routes to make a flat course of approximately 5 km in length.

More serious runners who wish for greater variety and fewer laps should look beyond the city limits and consider exploring the following options in the forested area of the Mexico–Toluca toll road, 30‒40 km from the city centre. This is also where the local elite athletes are likely to be found.

El Ocotal

The moderately hilly forest loop, approximately 5 km long, is located at an altitude of approximately 2,900 m on the city side of Acopilco, north of the Mexico–Toluca motorway.

La Pila

La Pila is a 12 km out-and-back dirt trail (24 km in total) located south of the Mexico-Toluca motorway approximately 5 km from El Ocotal.

It is located at an altitude of 3,300 m, is relatively flat and like El Ocotal is popular among serious runners.

Parque Nacional Desierto de Los Leones

The forested area before la Pila, and more or less opposite El Ocotal, known as the Desierto de Los Leones, provides additional running routes in the area.

Local races

There are road races in the city almost every weekend. The Mexico City International Marathon is held each September and takes in sites in Centro Histórico, Basque de Chapultepec and Polanco.

However, with an altitude well in excess of 2000m, don’t expect to set a personal best!

The sites

Mexico City is an ideal place to take a non-running partner, and to combine a training and cultural holiday. There are running trails near most of the major tourist and entertainment spots facilitating an enjoyable day out for all the family.

Bosque de Tlalpan is next to the Six-Flags amusement park; Xochimilco Ecological Park is adjacent to the floating gardens of Xochimilco and there are numerous sites and attractions in Bosque de Chapultepec, including a large zoo, the National Anthropological Museum, the Museum of Modern Art, and the National History Museum.

This historic centre (Centro Histórico) features a number of historic sites and free attractions, many of which are located around Zócalo (also known as Plaza de la Constitución), the large square where locals congregate, and events are held. Catedral Metropolitana is the largest cathedral in the Americas.

The Palacio Nacional lines the entire eastern side of the Zócalo. Templo Mayor, the ruins of a double pyramid complex from Aztec times; the Museo Nacional de Arte housing Mexican masterpieces from a period of five centuries; and the magnificent Palacio de Bellas Artes are also worth a visit.

The Xochimilco Floating Gardens, with colourfully decorated barges floating along the Aztec canals; and Villa de Guadalupe, which honours Mexico’s patron saint, the Virgin de Guadalupe; are just two of the main attractions in the city’s suburbs.

Teotihuacan, one of the largest archaeological sites in Central America is located just 40 km from the city. Other options offering solace from the busy city include Taxco, famous for its narrow, cobbled streets and colonial architecture; Puebla, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned throughout Mexico for its cuisine; and Cuernavaca which is known as ‘the City of Eternal Spring’ thanks to its temperate climate.

Unlike St Moritz, Flagstaff or other popular altitude training spots, Mexico City doesn’t offer endless trail options from your doorstep. Nor does it have running paradises such like Dublin’s Phoenix Park or London’s Richmond Park within its city limits.

However, those who want to explore the real Mexico away from the Yucatán Peninsula will find adequate trails and a thriving running community.

About the author
Elizabeth Egan is a consultant Performance Lifestyle Practitioner, the author of Notes from Higher Grounds: An Altitude Training Guide for Endurance Athletes, and a keen runner who loves exploring running routes around the world.

Are you a fan of Fast Running? Then please support us. For as little as the price of a monthly magazine you can support Fast Running – and it only takes a minute. Thank you.

The post A running guide to Mexico City appeared first on Fast Running.

The city of Addis Ababa is relatively safe by African standards, and the small town of Sululta, in the hills just north of the city, provides rural trails, excellent facilities and breath-taking altitude conditions for runners of all levels.

Friendly local athletes will happily show you the routes and famous running sites in the area. Taking part in the Great Ethiopian Run will make you fully appreciate the difficulties of racing at altitude, and is a common bucket-list item for recreational and high-performance runners alike.

While a trip to the Ethiopian capital makes an ideal running holiday for recreational athletes, it is also a great venue for serious athletes looking to carry out a block of altitude training. The cost of living is low and direct flights, from both London and Dublin, mean it’s more accessible than you might expect.

Addis Ababa is built on a series of hills and the altitude varies between 2,200m and 2,650m depending on where you are in the city. In addition to some of the famed running sites in the area, the unfinished roads around this fast-growing city provide ideal off-road training for steady and tempo runs.

Roads which have been surfaced, but which are not yet in full use, are utilised for marathon sessions.

There are also numerous running options in the countryside just north of the city, where surfaced and dirt roads, forest trails and grass provide the full range of running surfaces.

The off-road routes tend to be unlevel and rocky. The Ethiopians often use these surfaces for their gentle recovery runs, and if you run with a group of locals you will notice that they use hand signals to indicate upcoming obstructions as they zig-zag over a relatively small area of ground in their infamous style.

The following are some of the must-visit training grounds:

Meskel Square

Meskel Square, also known as Abiot or Revolution Square hosted propaganda demonstrations during the reign of Derg leader Mengistu Haile Mariam and is of historical as well as sporting significance.

Today, hundreds of Ethiopians of all ages and abilities come here every morning to carry out a fitness routine, or to train to be the next international star in a very unique training environment.

Runners start on the bottom row of the tiered steps which surround the square, run to the end, and then run in the opposite direction across the next row, and so on until they have reached the top.

Meskel Square is part of the Ethiopian running experience, though the pollution means that it isn’t the best environment for high-performance training.

Mount Entoto

Mount Entoto Natural Park is a popular place to run, and one of the few areas of Addis Ababa immune to the spread of the city. Eucalyptus trees cover this area known as the ‘lung of Addis Ababa’.

The high altitude—up to 3,200 m on Mount Entoto—makes this area considerably cooler than the surrounding city, but the additional altitude makes running even more difficult.

Sululta

Just north of Entoto Natural Park the Sululta area provides an ideal environment for training. Most Ethiopian athletes train here at least twice per week, and even more so since Kenenisa Bekele built a synthetic track in the town.

From dirt trails through the forests, to the large grass area known as satellite field, Sululta has everything to offer in terms of off-road running routes away from the pollution of the city. The town is situated at 2,750 m above sea level.

All-inclusive training camp: Yaya Village

Located 11 km north of Addis Ababa near Sululta, Yaya Village is a popular training base for foreign visitors. The four-star resort which opened its doors in 2011 is situated at 2,700 m altitude and is co-owned by Haile Gebrselassie.

All-inclusive accommodation is available at the camp for 30 guests in twin rooms. Facilities at the camp include a 400 m dirt track and a large gymnasium.

Yaya’s location outside of the city means that the best trails through the eucalyptus forests and surrounding farmland are within easy reach of the compound.

Running guides are available to pace runs and show you the best trails. Kenenisa Bekele’s synthetic track is located a short jog away.

Races

The Great Ethiopian Run, a 10 km through the streets of central Addis Ababa, was set up in 2001 and quickly grew to be the biggest race in Africa.

In 2012, more than 35,000 runners took part, and the race usually attracts more than 500 participants from overseas. Everyone in the mass start is issued with a race tee shirt, which makes for a colourful scene, but race numbers or timing chips are not used unless you preregister and pay an additional fee.

The Great Ethiopian Run organisers also run other races in Addis and around Ethiopia. International half marathon and marathon events start from Haile Gebrselassie’s resort in Hawassa in the south of the country.

The sites

The National Museum of Ethiopia, which houses pieces of the skeleton of one of the oldest humanoids ever discovered; the Ethnological Museum is located in the former palace of Emperor Haile Selassie, where much of the former emperor’s living quarters remain untouched; the Mercato, one of the largest markets in Africa; and the Red Terror Martyrs’ Memorial Museum, just off Meskel Square, are all worth a visit.

Just 50 km south of the city, Debre Zeyit, has a pleasant climate and seven beautiful Rift Valley lakes, which are popular for water sports, bird watching and relaxing at the luxury resorts.

There are a number of beautiful and interesting sites elsewhere in Ethiopia, though many of them are more than a day trip from Addis.

Among the highlights are the astonishing rock-hewn churches in Lalibela, the ancient tombs in Axum, rare Ethiopian castles in Gonder, the ancient walled city of Harar and the unusual mountain peaks of Simien Mountains National Park.

Let’s not forget the spectacular waterfalls, hot springs and palm tree groves of Awash National Park, the Blue Nile Falls and the monasteries on the islands of Lake Tana. Tribal region safari tours through the Lower Omo Valley are also popular.

RELATED: A guide to running in Madrid

While most of Ethiopia’s athletes are not from the capital, hundreds of wannabe champions flock here from towns and villages in Oromia region and other rural areas, in the hope of achieving success like their great heroes.

Bekoji, of Town of Runners fame, is one such town, and the birthplace of numerous world-class athletes, including the Dibaba sisters, the Bekele brothers, and Derartu Tulu.

Every trip to Ethiopia should include an overnight visit to Bekoji where you can observe the next generation’s training sessions as well as taking a run in the local countryside yourself.

About the author
Elizabeth Egan is a consultant Performance Lifestyle Practitioner, the author of Notes from Higher Grounds: An Altitude Training Guide for Endurance Athletes, and a keen runner who loves exploring running routes around the world.

Are you a fan of Fast Running? Then please support us. For as little as the price of a monthly magazine you can support Fast Running – and it only takes a minute. Thank you.

The post A running guide to Ethiopia’s Addis Ababa appeared first on Fast Running.

Spain’s third largest city, located on the Mediterranean, has excellent running routes in easy reach of the city centre and a thriving running community. It’s difficult to see or do anything in Valencia without bumping into a host of runners and joggers, and the annual half marathon (October) and marathon (December) are great excuses to visit this ‘Ciudad del Running’.

Here’s a quick rundown of what Valencia has to offer:

Turia Gardens

Turia Gardens (Jardí del Turia) is a 110-hectare area of parkland, sports facilities and public attractions running along a dry river bed through the heart of the city. 

The many and varied Turia users can get on with their chosen recreational activity without impeding each other along separate designated paths. A 5km marked route specifically constructed for running is indicated by periodic blue signs with silhouette of two people running. 

Meandering from close to the Bioparc (Zoo) in the west of the city to the City of Arts and Sciences in the east, and located just metres north of the historic old town, a run through the Turia Gardens is an ideal way to get a feel for the city and the sites on offer. 

There are multiple entrances along the 7-kilometres of park, making it accessible from most of the city’s hotels, and since the park runs under all the original bridges – just as the river Turia did before it was rediverted to prevent flooding – there are no road crossings along its entire length.

There is an outdoor gym, and water fountains throughout the park.

Parque de Cabecera and beyond

Those who prefer something a bit more remote or who tire of Turia Garden’s cultivated beauty should head to Parc de Cabecera at the western end of the gardens. Take the gravel cycle track from the northern end of this park into the gently undulating Spanish countryside, where there are seemingly endless kilometres of tracks and trails. 

Dehesa del Saler and Albufera Natural Park

Approximately 10 kilometres south of the city, the vast Dehesa del Saler pine forests and sand dunes, which separate La Albufera – a large freshwater lagoon and nature reserve – from the Mediterranean, provide further variety.  A cycle path links the City of Art and Sciences with the area, providing a flat, long-distance option from central Valencia to the home of the paella.

Races

The annual Valencia Marathon, held alongside a 10km in early December each year, has IAAF Gold Label status and attracts more than 14,000 entries. The fast, flat course takes in most of the city’s sites, and finishes right in the centre of the City of Arts and Sciences.

Kenyan Sammy Kiprop Kitwara holds the men’s course record with his 2:05.15 clocking from 2017, which is also a Spanish all-comers record.

The Valencia Half Marathon, held in October each year, is another popular race along a flat route. Joyciline Jepkosgei (Kenya) set a new world half marathon record of 1:04:51 in the event in 2017, before returning to break the women’s only world record when Valencia hosted the World Half Marathon Championships in March 2018.

The sights

The Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (City of Arts and Sciences), an assemblage of audacious and futuristic architecture, designed primarily by locally born architect Santiago Calatrava and located at the costal end of the Turia Gardens, includes a science museum, planetarium, arts complex and exhibition space, among other attractions.

The cathedral, located in the heart of the old town, claims to be home to the Holy Grail. La Lonja, a civil gothic building originally home to Valencia’s silk and commodity exchange; the vibrant Mercado Central; and the Bioparc – a zoo/wildlife park devoted solely to African animals, are among the other attractions worth visiting.

There are also a range of museums and a number of good beaches. La Albufera, Castillo de Sagunto and Xàtiva are among the towns and sites of interest within easy reach of the city.

RELATED: Guide to running in Madrid

About the author
Elizabeth Egan is a consultant Performance Lifestyle Practitioner, the author of Notes from Higher Grounds: An Altitude Training Guide for Endurance Athletes, and a keen runner who loves exploring running routes around the world.

The post A guide to running in Valencia appeared first on Fast Running.

With a huge variety of beautiful trails, a conveniently located track, a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, and views to die for, the lake-side town has it all.

It does have a reputation for being expensive, especially during peak seasons, but those disciplined enough to cater for themselves and willing to visit during the quieter months of June or September are rewarded with a reasonably affordable running holiday.

St. Moritz has an excellent variety of trails within easy reach of the town, from flat routes, to relatively flat, and undulating options available in most directions. And those who like more of a challenge have plenty of spectacular mountain routes to choose from.

The Lake

A part-asphalt, part-gravel flat route, approximately 4 km long, circles Lej da San Murezzan, the lake which forms the focal point of the town. A number of other flat, undulating, and mountainous routes can all be accessed from here.

The flat lake route itself is ideal for warm up and cool down runs for sessions on the nearby 4-lane synthetic track or weight training sessions in the gym which overlooks the lake.

Forest trails

Paths lead from the eastern edge of the main lake into the forest and on past Lej de Staz, a tranquil lake suitable for a post-training dip. From here you can take an undulating track towards Pontresina, some more technical single-track trails through the forested hills north of the lake, or a wider, mostly downhill trail, towards Celerina.

The forest trails can also be accessed at the end of Via Surpunt, beyond the youth hostel (close to the track). From here you can also run south-west through the forest along the foot of the mountains towards Champfèr.

The other lakes

Lej da San Murezzan is just one of a series of lakes along the upper Engadin Valley. The banks of the other lakes, which lie roughly south-west of the town, also provide scenic mile after scenic mile of mostly flat trail.

There are trails on both northern and southern shores of Lej da Champfèr, the first in the series, making a circular route possible, but from Silvaplauna/Surlej, you’ll need to take the route to the east/south of Lej da Silvaplauna.

A small bit of road running is required through Sils im Engadin/Segl before the trails begin again along the southern shores of Lej da Segl. The distance from St. Moritz to the far side of Leg da Segl is more than 17 km, so even those who run far have lots of variety.

Down the valley

Downstream from St. Moritz the valley widens to offer an almost endless choice of trails in the Celerina/Samedan area. The area offers considerable variety and, apart from the final climb back to the town, miles and miles of perfectly flat ground.

The main paths run alongside the two main rivers – The En which flows from St. Moritz, and the Flax, which flows from Pontresina. There are other paths alongside the various ponds and smaller tributaries in the area and along the edge of the mountains (particularly from Bever onwards).

With mountains at either side of the valley, it’s difficult to get lost. The flat inline skating path around Samedan airport is popular for sessions.

Behind the mountain: Val Roseg

When you think you’ve explored all that St. Moritz has to offer – circled the lakes up the valley; explored the valley around Celerina, Samedan and beyond; ran the forest trails to the east of the town; even tested out the mountain routes to the north and west – there are still surprises awaiting.

Via Val Roseg is an unsurfaced road which runs from Pontresina, behind the mountains, gently uphill for approximately 7km alongside the Roseg river, with steep mountains on both sides. As you run out from Pontresina, you’ll see the glacier covered Corvatsch peak ahead. This route is easy to miss, but it makes an interesting change from the other beautiful options in the town.

Up the mountain

There are numerous options for those who prefer to run up and down steep mountains. Pick a peak – the ones with ski access are usually a good choice – find a trailhead, and run up! It really is as simple as that.

In the unlikely event that you do become bored of the trails in and around town, a short drive up or down the valley will lead to a whole new set of off-road trails and paths. Hiking and mountain biking maps which help give an overview of the local terrain and routes are available in most book, gift and grocery shops.

About the author
Elizabeth Egan is a consultant Performance Lifestyle Practitioner, the author of Notes from Higher Grounds: An Altitude Training Guide for Endurance Athletes, and a keen runner who loves exploring running routes around the world.

The post A running guide to the beautiful St. Moritz appeared first on Fast Running.

Though not the first European city break destination that comes to mind, Madrid is bursting with sights and attractions for tourists as well as being a welcoming place for runners.

From world-famous art museums to exciting architecture, designer shops and a famous nightlife – with authentic Spanish cuisine and an iconic football stadium threw in for good measure – Madrid has something to offer all tastes.

It is also full of parks, gardens and tranquil green spaces, and the jewel in this particular crown – Casa de Campo, located on the edge of the city – helps make Madrid an excellent destination for those looking to combine leisure activities with a typical city break.

Forget Central Park in New York, Hyde Park in London or Phoenix Park in Dublin, Casa de Campo is one of the top city running spots in the world.

That is if you don’t mind hills and getting a little bit lost in both the literal and metaphorical sense.

Casa de Campo

This former royal hunting grounds and country estate covers more than 4,000 acres to the west of the city. Gifted to the people of Madrid in 1931, following the proclamation of the Second Republic, the park is now the centre of much of the city’s leisure activities.

The terrain is undulating, but fans of hills will be delighted by the extent and variety of the trails. It’s quite easy to run 10 to 15 miles, mostly on soft dirt paths, without having to cover the same ground twice, though there are some surfaced, traffic-free roadways for those who like firmer conditions underfoot.

The area is popular, but thanks to its sheer vastness, it’s never crowded. It’s possible to run for minutes without seeing another individual, but you are likely to see other runners at some point, including some speedy ones.

There are numerous water stations, especially along the main thoroughfares on the southern and eastern limits of the park. And if you’ve brought the family along, there are other attractions in the park, including playgrounds, a boating lake, a zoo and an amusement park.

Parque Madrid Río

The Parque Madrid Río multi-use recreational trails start just north of the Puente Del Ray entrance (main pedestrian entrance) to Casa de Campo, and runs approximately 10km south/ south-west along the banks of the Manzanares.

The paved paths are popular for running, cycling and rollerblading, and can get busy, but have the added advantage of street lighting, making them an ideal place to exercise on winter evenings.

There are also playgrounds and activity areas, along with picnic areas, gardens, bridges, ponds and fountains along the way. The concrete surface is not ideal for those who like to run off-road, the route offers a great perspective of the palace, cathedral and city in general.

And Casa de Campo is by no means the only running spot in Madrid. Here’s a quick rundown of the other locations the Spanish capital has to offer.

Parque del Buen Retiro

Like Casa de Campo, Parque del Buen Retiro, or el Retiro as it is more commonly known, combines attractions and activities with soft running trails and green open space.

However, this park is walled and gated – and not always open – and can get busy, especially during the afternoons. The gravel trail around the perimeter is just over 4 km long, with further internal loops available.

The park is also home to an outdoor gym, playgrounds, sports courts, picnic areas, museums, fountains, monuments and a boating lake, with the Palacio de Cristal (Crystal Palace) a particularly popular attraction. El Retiro is the ideal place for the whole family to spend an afternoon.

Campo del Moro

Just east of the Palace is the small walled park known as Campo Del Moro. It’s relatively quiet gravel paths are ideal for a short recovery run.

The paths are narrow though and you may get caught up behind those enjoying a gentle walk in the beautiful surroundings, so it’s not a place for sessions or tempo runs, or, given that it only opens at 10am, it’s not for the early risers either.

And if those options are not enough, Anillo Verde Ciclista, the 65-kilometre multi-use greenbelt around the municipality of Madrid, offers even further variety.

Races

Spain hasn’t joined the parkrun revolution yet, but there are opportunities to combine a trip to Madrid with a race.

The Rock ‘n’ Roll Madrid Marathon, which also includes a half marathon and a 10k, is held in late April each year. The course is particularly hilly, so don’t expect a fast time, but this IAAF Gold Label race passes many of the city’s main sights.

The Madrid Half Marathon is held in early April, and those looking for a special race experience should check out the San Silvestre Vallecana Madrid, the largest of the numerous 10km races held across Spain on New Year’s Eve.

This event features separate elite and mass participation races, and held in the borough of Vallecas on the south-east of the city, the downhill course is less challenging than some of the other races in the city.

The sights

Madrid is famous for its art museums, football stadiums, shopping streets and green spaces. A number of fine buildings, squares and monuments, including the expansive Royal Palace, Plaza de Orient, the cathedral and its impressive crypt, Plaza Mayor, Palacio de Comunicaciones, Puerta de Europa, Palacio de Cristal, Monumento a Alfonso XII, Puerta de Alcalá (monumental gate), Templo de Debod and the tropical garden in Atocha station.

There is also the famous Sunday morning El Rastro markets and many of the city’s numerous parks and gardens, can be enjoyed, at least from the outside, without spending a cent, and provide plenty of photo opportunities.

Even some of the main indoor attractions, including the world-famous art museums, are free to enter after a certain time of day, or on a particular day of the week.

Gran Vía, Madrid’s answer to Oxford Street, is packed with high street shops, while designer stores can be found along Calle de Serano and other streets in the Salamanca district north of El Retiro. Estadio Santiago Bernabéu is a must visit for football fans.

El Escorial, Segovia, Toledo, Aranjuez and El Pardo are among the sights, towns and cities of interest within easy reach of Madrid.

About the author
Elizabeth Egan is a consultant Performance Lifestyle Practitioner, the author of Notes from Higher Grounds: An Altitude Training Guide for Endurance Athletes, and a keen runner who loves exploring running routes around the world.

The post A guide to running in Madrid appeared first on Fast Running.

Almost nine million people live in London alone and a few of whom must be runners. Is it really the worst place to run?

So how does one cope with the difficulties of the metropolitan expanse? The big cities may seem scary and dangerous but they can be a runners’ paradise. Well, maybe just a little less than a paradise. Here’s what you should love about running in the city.

It’s good for agility

Studies show that on average you have to dodge 317 tourists on any 5km run along the Embankment and this may make your Strava time look atrocious, but there is a positive.

The agility used to dodge selfies sticks and street performers can strengthen the body for the rigours of marathon training and trail racing. Please don’t get ‘run rage’ with anyone though – breath deeply and curse loudly.

Office rooftop running

In 2017 a new rooftop running track was unveiled in as part of new 16-foot office development in Old Street. It’s a first for London, so if you don’t fancy dodging tourists or you are a track runner get yourself a job here.

The 150m two-lane track even has signs clearly marking the start and finish which will help you from inadvertently taking a plunge off. 10 laps will get you a lunchtime mile or 281 laps and you have a marathon.

Use the Facilities

If you’re a distance runner then the long run is a staple of your diet. All of us have been caught short, even Paula Radcliffe, but the joys of London mean there are plenty of facilities around that can help.

Did you know that every betting shop has a toilet? If you run in about to crap yourself and ask politely they are normally quite accommodating.

If you have to make a bet, then carry 20p and put it on the longest odds in the next race. It’s still cheaper than pay public toilets and there’s a chance you’ll win big by the time you’ve finished.

Checkpoints

It’s not just toilets, but checkpoints too. There is a couple of fine establishments called Sainsbury’s and Tescos that have opened up checkpoints all over London.

All you need is a debit card in your shorts and you never have to carry a drink or food on a long run again. Make sure you slow down on the way in, security might clothesline a sweaty runner charging for the bananas.

Getting lost

The beauty of London is that all the buildings are different shapes and sizes. In New York, there are skyscrapers everywhere and one block is identical to the next.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, Amsterdam all the streets and buildings are small so they all look the same too.

London has big ones, little ones and some shaped like Gherkins. When lost just look for the Shard, Crystal Palace Tower or Canary Wharf. You can triangulate your positions from these.

As well those, lovely Boris bike stations all have maps on them too. The maps are orientated for you so you don’t charge off in the wrong direction.

If you do end up lost and have already hit your 15 miles for the run, that handy card in your back pocket means you can get on the tube.

Don’t worry about being sweaty, most people on there already are anyway.

Green spaces

London may be a heaving metropolis, but there are still green spaces. In the centre you have loops of Hyde or Regents Park, the latter might even have the odd giraffe peering over a fence. Go further afield and Greenwich Park, Hampstead Heath or the wonderful Richmond Park.

Please don’t go poke the stags in Richmond Park, they are massive animals and they will literally beat you up.

It’s not even that far to get out to the Green Belt or the North and South Downs Ways. The commuters only use the trains to get to and from work, but you can do point to point runs on beautiful national trails.

Just use the train system to get to and from your start/finish points.

The people

Most Londoners have a reputation for being scary and unfriendly, but that’s certainly not the case. Yes, there are some unsociable people but it’s not like a village in Yorkshire doesn’t have that too. There are literally millions of wonderful people in London, just the maths and sheer quantities make this true.

Great running clubs and groups are plentiful and that’s the same for any city in the world.

It might take a little work but reach out to the running communities, go join a club or get on Facebook and Twitter. Any night of the week there’ll be a session going on somewhere.

Run away

To paraphrase Baz Luhrmann (who just copied Mary Schmich of the Chicago Tribune)

“Live in London once, but leave before it makes you hard. Live in the mountains for the rest of the times. Travel.”

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The post A runner’s guide to London appeared first on Fast Running.