The idea of going for a run on holiday might sound like your idea of a living nightmare, but hear us out. Running can be the perfect way to explore a new place while gaining a totally new perspective of your surroundings. Getting up bright and early and heading out for a run can give you the chance to see a place for yourself, away from the tourist crowds, when the only other people up are the locals going about their morning routines. It also gives you the chance to scout out the area you're staying in and spot any good local haunts that you can re-visit later in the day. So dust off your running kit, squeeze those trainers into your suitcase and get exploring...
California Cruisin', USA
As a city known for its health and fitness credentials, it's no surprise that Los Angeles has some great running trails. A particular favourite of ours is a route through Griffith Park, where you can stop to catch your breath overlooking the observatory and the city below - a spot made iconic by that dancing scene in La La Land. Elsewhere along the Californian coast, run along the five-mile Santa Barbara Waterfront, enjoying the beaches, piers and mountain views along the way. Head out in the morning - before the heat of the day kicks in - and you can beat the crowds to some of the best photo spots in town.
Running with the Masai, Tanzania & Kenya
East Africa's Maasai tribe are well known for their impressive running abilities. Swapping strip-lit gyms for the sun-baked bush and top-of-the-line trainers for car-tyre sandals, Maasai runners can keep going for days and nights on end to find water. Put yourself to the test by joining a Maasai warrior on an incredible fitness experience running across the plains around Chem Chem in northern Tanzania. Or, if you want to really push yourself, take part in the Safaricom Marathon in Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya, which has been rated as one of the world's must-do marathons. Spotting wildlife such as giraffe and zebra on your morning run is a truly unique experience that you won't forget in a hurry, which is why Kenya is one of our top destinations for a running holiday.
Bondi to Coogee, Australia
During a stay in Sydney, get up early and run the coastal path from Bondi to Coogee with local Sydneysiders. Either run one way (about four miles) and stop for breakfast in Coogee at the end, or head back to Bondi for a dip in the sea to round off the morning. Along the way, enjoy beautiful views of the coastline, aboriginal rock formations at Mackenzie's Point and one of the world's prettiest cemeteries - Waverly Cemetery.
The Hills are Alive with the Sound of...Runners, Italy
If the thought of a sweaty summer hike through Italy's Dolomites doesn't appeal, running might be just the answer. You can cover more ground (and more quickly) and all without a cumbersome, two-tonne pack you'd typically take when hiking. Make regular stops to catch your breath and then be breath taken all over again as you admire the incredible scenery. Mountain inns - or rifugi - are dotted along the way and are perfect for refuelling during longer runs. You can either run at your own pace and find your own way (with plenty of route suggestions and maps to help you out) or head out with an expert guide who will lead the way on your running holiday,
Escape the City, Singapore
Explore the MacRitchie Reserve early in the morning to see the greener side of Singapore before the heat of the day kicks in. This area is known by Singaporeans as a great spot for cross-country runs as there is a seven-mile nature trail loop - the MacRitchie Nature Trail - within the tropical rainforest of the reserve. Keep your eyes peeled for long-tailed macaque monkeys, squirrels and monitor lizards and, if you're lucky, you may even spot colugos (flying lemurs) in the trees as you run past.
Marathon in Myanmar
For a different take on the Temples of Bagan, see them while running the Bagan Marathon or half marathon. The route starts and ends at the 13th century Htilominlo Temple. Along the way, run across the plains of Bagan, where you will enjoy views of thousand-year-old temples and pagodas, pass through local villages and watch farmers tending to their rice fields. Expect to see lots of locals waving and cheering you on to get you across that finish line. For an original way to experience Bagan, this certainly ticks the box.
