Guided running tours can take you to places the average tourist won't get to see.
This is a guest post by Robert Brown, who is a runner, writer and founder of Runabees.com -- a site that reviews athletic footwear.
If you're an avid runner who likes to travel, you know how hard it can be to stick to your training -- or even just find a good route for your daily runs when on vacation or any other trip that takes you away from your home routine.
A growing number of people are embracing more active and healthy lifestyles, so it's no surprise that the popularity of guided city running tours is growing.
Companies design runs that are suitable for all ranges of runner types: amateurs, those who simply want to stay fit while sightseeing and even hardcore runners.
Check out our guide to help you scout out a guided city running tour that suits your interests and needs.
Guided running excursions might be free or come with a cost. As expected, the paid ones offer more benefits and extras such as souvenirs, T-shirts, certificates, beverages and snacks. Free tours usually mean you would give the guide a tip if you enjoyed the running experience.
GET PREPARED: Plan your tour depending on the route and sites you are keen to see. Many cities have multiple types of guided running tours and offer various routes. Bring a good camera that you can easily carry while running.
Many guided running tours will allow you to choose the timing for the tour as well as its length, which is definitely a benefit, especially if you are on a business trip, and your time is scheduled for business meetings and tasks during the day. Check with the company to see whether it allows flexible scheduling of its tour times and various routes to run.
Check the weather forecast for the destination you are visiting, so that you can book your guided run for a day and time when it is not likely to be pouring, freezing or scorching hot.
Guides will ask how experienced a runner you are and the desired pace you like. Also, bear in mind that the program probably will be a stop-and-start run and not so much a rigid workout because there will be points of interest that you will want to learn about and take pictures.
Don't worry if you think you might be too slow for a running group tour. Many guided running tours include more than one guide, and they set different paces. Just make sure you discuss this matter beforehand with the guides.
TIPS AND TRICKS: In some cities you can book a hotel that offers guided running tours. If you're an avid runner who makes training runs a priority in your schedule even while traveling, you can look for a hotel that offers such guided running tours when booking one for your destination.
If you sign up for a group tour, you will meet various people from different parts of the country and the world who share your interest in running. This means you can make new friends. Book your run as early as possible, so that you make sure you can get the running guide and schedule you prefer.
Ask whether the guides will provide the water or other beverages. If not, plan to bring your own snacks and water or sports drink.
Also, if you want to carry a camera, a wallet and other personal items, it is a good idea to bring a runner's backpack, or ask your running guide whether they have the ability to transport your personal items for you.
If you want to bring your baby in a jog stroller, children or a dog on the running tour with you, check whether this is allowed and what the requirements are.
If you have special bathroom needs and requests, discuss them with your running guides beforehand so that you feel comfortable during the tour.
Best Running Tours in Top Destinations for Travelers (Our Top 5):
Off 'N Running Tours (Los Angeles)
New York City Running Tours (New York)
Running Copenhagen (Denmark)
Go! Running Tours (Barcelona)
City Jogging Tours (London)
Do you know of any guided running tours in your favorite cities? Do you like to run in a new destination when you travel?
Let us know.
Thanks for reading,
JR
More running and travel articles:
7 Reasons to Go Out For a Run When You Travel
Running and Biking Workouts Help You See More and Stay in Shape When Traveling
Use Beach Running to Change Up Your Travel Workout
If you're an avid runner who likes to travel, you know how hard it can be to stick to your training -- or even just find a good route for your daily runs when on vacation or any other trip that takes you away from your home routine.
A growing number of people are embracing more active and healthy lifestyles, so it's no surprise that the popularity of guided city running tours is growing.
Companies design runs that are suitable for all ranges of runner types: amateurs, those who simply want to stay fit while sightseeing and even hardcore runners.
Check out our guide to help you scout out a guided city running tour that suits your interests and needs.
Guided running excursions might be free or come with a cost. As expected, the paid ones offer more benefits and extras such as souvenirs, T-shirts, certificates, beverages and snacks. Free tours usually mean you would give the guide a tip if you enjoyed the running experience.
GET PREPARED: Plan your tour depending on the route and sites you are keen to see. Many cities have multiple types of guided running tours and offer various routes. Bring a good camera that you can easily carry while running.
Many guided running tours will allow you to choose the timing for the tour as well as its length, which is definitely a benefit, especially if you are on a business trip, and your time is scheduled for business meetings and tasks during the day. Check with the company to see whether it allows flexible scheduling of its tour times and various routes to run.
Check the weather forecast for the destination you are visiting, so that you can book your guided run for a day and time when it is not likely to be pouring, freezing or scorching hot.
Guides will ask how experienced a runner you are and the desired pace you like. Also, bear in mind that the program probably will be a stop-and-start run and not so much a rigid workout because there will be points of interest that you will want to learn about and take pictures.
Don't worry if you think you might be too slow for a running group tour. Many guided running tours include more than one guide, and they set different paces. Just make sure you discuss this matter beforehand with the guides.
TIPS AND TRICKS: In some cities you can book a hotel that offers guided running tours. If you're an avid runner who makes training runs a priority in your schedule even while traveling, you can look for a hotel that offers such guided running tours when booking one for your destination.
If you sign up for a group tour, you will meet various people from different parts of the country and the world who share your interest in running. This means you can make new friends. Book your run as early as possible, so that you make sure you can get the running guide and schedule you prefer.
Ask whether the guides will provide the water or other beverages. If not, plan to bring your own snacks and water or sports drink.
Also, if you want to carry a camera, a wallet and other personal items, it is a good idea to bring a runner's backpack, or ask your running guide whether they have the ability to transport your personal items for you.
If you want to bring your baby in a jog stroller, children or a dog on the running tour with you, check whether this is allowed and what the requirements are.
If you have special bathroom needs and requests, discuss them with your running guides beforehand so that you feel comfortable during the tour.
Best Running Tours in Top Destinations for Travelers (Our Top 5):
Off 'N Running Tours (Los Angeles)
New York City Running Tours (New York)
Running Copenhagen (Denmark)
Go! Running Tours (Barcelona)
City Jogging Tours (London)
Do you know of any guided running tours in your favorite cities? Do you like to run in a new destination when you travel?
Let us know.
Thanks for reading,
JR
More running and travel articles:
7 Reasons to Go Out For a Run When You Travel
Running and Biking Workouts Help You See More and Stay in Shape When Traveling
Use Beach Running to Change Up Your Travel Workout
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