Running is a great way to discover the best spots of a new city while staying active and soaking in the sights around you. There are countless cities around the world that offer phenomenal running experiences, but here are our top 5 picks to help you plan your next running adventure à la Marco Polo.
Empire State of Mind (and Body): New York City, USA
New York City is a runner’s paradise filled with iconic landmarks, bustling streets, and beautiful parks. Central Park is a favorite among runners for its scenic paths, rolling hills, and vibrant atmosphere. The city also hosts the largest marathon in the world, the New York City Marathon, which attracts runners from all over the globe. The marathon takes runners through all five boroughs of the city, offering not only breathtaking views of its towering skyscrapers but also an immersive discovery of the hope that New York represents, which Alicia Keys sang in the chorus of Jay-Z’s hit song.
From “The Wall Jumper” to The Spree Runner: Berlin, Germany
Berlin is known for its flat and fast terrain, making it ideal for runners who would like to run in the city and set personal records. The city is also home to the Berlin Marathon, one of the World Marathon Majors, which takes place in September every year. The race course is known as the fastest route among the world’s major marathons, making it a popular choice for elite and recreational runners alike. In addition to the marathon, Berlin offers a network of scenic trails along the Spree River and through the city’s exquisite parks.
Son Goku’s Snake Way IRL: Tokyo, Japan
A huge part of global pop culture is anime, which is a Japanese colloquialism for “animation in Japan.” Many famous anime and manga artists and studios are based in Tokyo, making it a popular destination for fans looking to visit their favorite creators. But another thing that the city takes pride in is being the hub of runners in Japan, courtesy of the Tokyo Marathon. It is the only marathon in Japan that draws elite runners and mass participation, putting it on par with leading marathons worldwide. (Trivia for those who are not into anime or Dragon Ball Z: The Snake Way is a one-million-kilometer serpentine road in Dragon Ball Z Kai that Goku, the protagonist, navigates in the episode called “Son Goku Runs in the Afterlife!”)
The Square Mile: London, United Kingdom
London is a historic and diverse city with a rich running culture. “The Square Mile” refers to the original City of London, comprising a modest 1.12 square miles in the heart of the city. Since its inaugural event over 40 years ago, the London Marathon has established itself as an annual highlight on the sporting calendar. The marathon begins at Greenwich Park and ends at Buckingham Palace, taking runners past iconic sites like the Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, The London Eye, and the famous Big Ben. Additionally, the city offers a network of scenic trails along the River Thames and through the city’s beautiful parks, where runners can stop by for some sightseeing. Another interesting fact is that couples have gotten married or celebrated their wedding at the marathon event.
AIRian’s Road: Seoul, South Korea
Seoul is a dynamic city with a mix of ancient traditions, cutting-edge technology, and—the worldwide phenomenon—Korean Wave, which includes K-pop and K-drama. The city is where the globally-acclaimed Seoul International Marathon takes place in March each year. The marathon course, as highlighted in the 17th edition of The Shib, takes runners through the heart of the city, past historic temples, modern skyscrapers, and vibrant neighborhoods. The marathon’s IP belongs to the world-class media conglomerate Dong-A Group which has partnered with the Web3 running project known as AIRian to enhance the participants’ running experience. On top of that, Seoul offers a variety of parks and trails for runners to explore, including the scenic Han River Park and the challenging trails of Bukhansan National Park.
Explore New Cities on “Runner’s High”
These five cities offer unique running experiences for runners of all levels. If you’re looking to participate in an internationally-recognized marathon, explore iconic landmarks, or simply enjoy a leisurely run through a new city, these destinations are highly recommended. So lace up your shoes, hit the pavement, and start exploring these amazing cities by foot!
