Running Tours: An Enjoyable Way to Discover New Destinations—Here’s Where to Experience Them

Six years ago, I endured one of the worst cases of jet lag imaginable. After ten days traveling through Southeast Asia, I felt completely out of sync. Upon arriving in Siem Reap, Cambodia, my hotel concierge suggested an early morning run to Angkor Wat. He promised a simple 5K that would help reset my body clock. Armed with a pair of sneakers and minimal running experience, I was set up for a 5 a.m. meet with the general manager, who would guide me on this journey.

That morning, I jogged from the city to the temples, arriving just in time to witness the stunning sunrise over Angkor Wat. The exhilaration transformed me into a dedicated travel runner, the kind of person who plans runs in every city they visit. Over the years, I've run alongside guides in cities like Tokyo, Washington, D.C., and Torino, Italy. I've even mapped out my own routes, researching sites of interest in Milan and Athens to create personalized 5K adventures.

What’s the benefit of running tours? “You get to see the sights at your own rhythm, immerse yourself in the culture, discover hidden gems you might miss otherwise, and truly be in the moment,” explains Lena Andersson, founder of Go! Running Tours, which operates in over 65 cities across six continents. “All you need is a good pair of running shoes and an open mind.”

Whether long or short, running tours deeply connect you to a place and its atmosphere. They allow you to cover more ground in less time than traditional walking tours, freeing up your schedule for exploring less famous attractions. Plus, you skip the hassle of parking and locking up a bike, making it easier to focus on your surroundings. A running tour isn’t just about culture and curiosity; it also provides a rewarding sense of achievement.

What to Anticipate on a Running Tour

Running tours typically combine running with site visits and brisk walking. Most guides will share stories as you go, but don’t worry about having to chat the entire time. Shorter tours usually cover around five kilometers (taking about an hour), although you can find options that stretch to 10 kilometers or more. Safety is paramount, so guides choose routes that steer clear of busy roads. You can book a running tour at any time, but early mornings are ideal for avoiding crowds.

There are primarily two types of tours: private and group. The benefit of a private running tour is the customization—you determine the pace, intensity, and distance. Want to explore Rome’s imperial landmarks, stunning piazzas, and savor the best cappuccino spots in the Eternal City? You can do just that.

“Private tours are perfect because you dictate the pace, your objectives, and what you want to experience,” says Raoul Spronken, founder of RunningTours.Net, a global online marketplace for independent running tours.

Group tours, in contrast, are more like follow-the-leader runs. They can accommodate over 20 participants along a predetermined route, though some tours have multiple guides to form smaller groups when needed. It’s a great way to socialize, but there’s little room for spontaneity.

Top Destinations for Running Tours

The great thing about running is its versatility; you can enjoy it in a bustling capital, a serene town, along a coastline, or even atop a mountain. The following tours will immerse you in your chosen location, whether through its history, scenery, or culture.

ArcheoRunning Roman Bridges Tour

My hometown gem: This running tour centered on Ancient Rome kicks off at the iconic Circus Maximus and takes you over the oldest bridges from antiquity. Led by licensed tour guide and passionate runner Isabella Calidonna, the journey includes stops at significant Roman bridges, such as the ancient Ponte Rotto, where she shares their fascinating histories and connections to nearby landmarks. Throughout the roughly five-kilometer run, Calidonna highlights intriguing historical tidbits along the way.

Go! Running Antigua Guatemala

This 5K tour in Antigua, Guatemala, showcases stunning baroque architecture, breathtaking mountain views, and UNESCO World Heritage sites. Runners traverse the historic center, experiencing the rich tapestry of Mayan culture and modern life at landmarks like the Cathedral of San José, the ruins of the Santa Clara convent, and the Santa Catalina Arch.

Go! Running Bangkok: From Street Art to Street Food

Focusing on street art and street food in Asia’s most vibrant city, this tour begins on Charoen Krung Road, Bangkok’s oldest colonial street. It guides you through two centuries of rich history and culture, showcasing architecture, bustling street markets, and impressive street art, culminating at the lively markets of Yaowarat Road.

BlacklistLA

BlacklistLA is a nonprofit running group centered around community, meeting every Monday evening at 8 p.m. for a 90-minute run through the vibrant Arts District in Downtown Los Angeles.

Sightrunning Istanbul

The “Historical Peninsula” tour by Sightrunning Istanbul meanders through the Sultanahmet neighborhood, beginning at the Sultanahmet metro stop near Poika Caffe. This tour showcases iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the scenic Bosphorus Strait.

Maastricht Running Tours - Highlight Tour

This tour, the personal favorite of owner Raoul Spronken, is what launched the RunningTours network. Raoul leads a 1.5-hour run (approximately six kilometers) through key attractions. Participants will pass by historic watermills, explore charming squares, and traverse Maastricht’s ancient city walls, all while gaining insights into the town’s rich history.

SecretLondonRun: Jack the Ripper

This 10-kilometer group running tour takes you through the winding alleys of East London, transporting participants back to the Victorian era during the infamous Whitechapel Murders and the Jack the Ripper case. Runners will learn about the victims of the Whitechapel Murders and various theories surrounding the identity of the Ripper.

Go! Running: Train with Kenyans

Set more than 2,000 meters above sea level, the Ngong Hills serve as a training ground for Kenya’s elite runners. This 15-kilometer tour winds through the picturesque hilly landscape, offering stunning views of Nairobi and the Great Rift Valley. Travelers will not only glimpse the lives of Kenya’s top athletes but can also pick up running and training tips to enhance their own workouts.

Runstreet NYC Art Run

Marnie Kunz’s exclusive Art Run is a specially curated five-kilometer journey through downtown Manhattan and Brooklyn, showcasing New York’s famous street art as the backdrop. Kunz makes stops at various murals and street art pieces in the Lower East Side, Bushwick, and Williamsburg, sharing engaging stories about the artworks and their creators.