Ever run up (and down) Pikes Peak in Colorado? Or along the shoreline of the beach in Hawaii? Or the Great Ocean Road in Australia? Or the streets of Cape Town in South Africa?
I love hearing about all of your amazing adventures in running, so I thought this might be the perfect topic for today, especially as we’re all getting excited about running again. Tell us all about your favorite place(s) to run. 😃 — Terrell
I need to add you to my mailing list because for some reason all of your emails are going into my promotions box and I keep missing these, but my favorite run is the Enchantments trail in Washington. It's an 18 mile 5k ft climb, but its stunning. Like, running through something out of a fairy-tale. Most people day hike it, but I like to run it a couple of times a year when there's no snow.
I really enjoyed running on the National Mall while on vacation in DC, seeing the monuments and museums in the area. I plan to go back and try to run the Army 10 miler with my son (he is in the Army).
Bayshore 1/2 and full marathons, along Grand Traverse Bay in Michigan. Running along the bay for most of the race is inspiring and takes your mind off of running 🙂. Also Acadia national park 1/2 in Maine - great scenery!
In 2018, I ran the Star Wars Dark Side Half Marathon through several Disney World theme parks. I'm a kid at heart and enjoy Disney's theme parks. It was so much fun seeing the characters at the mile markers :)
Near Stairway to Heaven in Honolulu, HI. Actually, every hike I've done near Honolulu. Remember the breathtaking, daunting, green mountains in Jurassic Park and Lost? Scenery like that in the fog had me very seriously reconsidering everything from where I live to my fast-paced lifestyle and beyond. I always thought of Oahu as the world's most overrated tourist destination, but I learned two major things shortly after stepping off the plane there for the first time: the hype is 100% deserved, and the best things there are actually completely off the beaten path. LOVE that place.
My 1st favourite is the big sur marathon and 21 miler is so gorgeous as you run you see the Pacific Ocean and it's just amazing 2nd favourite is crater Lake in Oregon it is absolutely beautiful too as you run to see the Lake it's like a beautiful trail in the trees are beautiful
In May 2019 I had the great pleasure to join a truly unique adventure organized by Josh Sanders in which a group of runners from all over the United States met in Chicago, flew to London, rented two vans, drove to Czechia and then embarked on the Great European Half Marathon. The goal was to run in the most countries in one 24-hour period. Starting in Czechia, we ran 1 mile in 13 countries (Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Austria, Germany, Italy, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, and The Netherlands). The friendships made on this adventure, the reactions from the locals when they learned what we were doing, and the beautiful locations where those mile segments were run will always be something I cherish. Josh's blog post about this adventure can be found at https://www.joshsanders.net/blog/greatesthalf
Great Wall Marathon. It was an amazing run. About 6 miles was on the wall the rest was run through the countryside and small villages. People with there kids would be on the side of the road to give us high fives. Some of the kids would give the women flowers. It was also the hardest run I ever did, but worth it
When I lived in Jacksonville Florida, I worked nights. At the end of my shift, I would head out to the beach most mornings. At 7:30 there weren't many people there. I would change into my shorts and sneakers and run on the beach. For those who haven't run on soft sand, well, it's not easy. But being next to the ocean and feeling the sea breezes on my face made my it the best part of my day. Leaving the beach area was the hardest decision of my life.
Wow, some incredible places. I really don’t think I’ve been to that type of a place yet but I’m planning on running in Key West in January 2022, already signed up, so will gladly consider that my best place for viewing so far!
Awesome to read everyone’s favorites. Mine was a Spartan OC race in Monterey, Ca. Somewhere around 5000’ of elevation gains (plural because it was a lot of ups and downs) but the views at the top were amazing. Want to do the Long Beach half someday. I think running on highway along the Pacific Ocean would be incredible.
1. New York Marathon 2019. Running through the 5 boroughs with the huge crowds of shouting ppl on the sides was truly amazing.
2. Walt Disney Marathon 2020. I had been to Disney World and Epcot a few times as a child and had many fond memories of those trips. So running through Epcot was very nostalgic. But when i entered the Magic Kingdom and turned the corner onto Main Street and saw the castle in the distance, my pores raised. It was truly a surreal moment. One i will never forget.
The system of rolling gravel roads in the park in the hills just northeast of Bergen Norway is easily one of my favorite places to visit and run. The amazing views make the initial climb well worth the effort, or you can take the Floyen funicular up. They have a very short, humbling race, the Stoltzekleiven Opp, to the park near the end of September.
My most adventurous full marathon run was the Jackson Hole Marathon that took runners through Yellowstone Park..bison crossing the road, the Grand Tetons in your view(minus the heavy rains for 8 miles) it was fantastic.
I ran the Vasquez Rocks Trail run half marathon near Santa Clarita CA.and The elevation and views were breathtaking . So was finishing the run!! Whew! Once for that run was good.
I ran (twice) what is billed to be "The Worlds Toughest Half Marathon" - The Pier to Peak Half in Santa Barbara. It starts at Stearns Wharf and ends 4,000ft up on La Cumbre Peak. First 2 miles are good, but after that it's a fairly brutal climb to the top! I'm sure there's worse - but this will definitely get your attention! Also, I'm lucky enough to be only .5 mile from a local trail head that is part of Cheeseboro State Park. Elevations a bit over 2,000ft. Miles and miles of trails...
Leading Ladies Half Marathon down Black Hills Canyon near Spearfish, SD. As we ran the canyon, the sun was rising, gradually painting the canyon walls with light on downward.
The long-stemmed rose and lemon-scented towel were delightful rewards at the finish.
I did an early morning run in Avalon, Catalina Island that was pretty fantastic. The city is usually crawling with tourists and it is difficult to walk, let alone run without bumping into folks, but, early in the morning, there is almost no one, and watching the sunrise from behind the mountains on the California mainland with almost 30 miles of the Pacific in between is hard to beat.
I'm looking forward to the Great Ocean Road half in May, 2022, which will be my first international race. As far as my favorite domestic half, my favorite was my first one in 1998; the original Las Vegas Marathon/Half Marathon (before the RnR organization took over). You were bussed out in the middle of nowhere, dropped off in the desert and you ran through the desert into Las Vegas. Its was peaceful, quiet and since it was my first race, it made it very special and memorable.
My favorite place to run is along the Rhine River, on the Switzerland side from my father-in law's house. My husband is from a village Northeast of Zurich, and when we go home, I spend each early morning enjoying a 4 mile run on a path looking over at Germany on the other side of the river, down to the water wheel and farm house. Everything is natural on this trail, no pavement, but lots of native trees and plants. Thinking of running here always gives me peace.
This is a fantastic thread w/ great races to consider! Running the Pittsburgh HM in 2019 was great! My first visit there, too. Han heard so much about the “three rivers” and the course took us across all three and was basically a tour of the city. Waitsfield, VT (Mad HM) in 2019 was really beautiful...but the hills kicked my tail!
Well... clearly a mention of Utica, NY doesn’t make one think “garden spot,” but driving into Utica, for The Boilermaker from north or south on Rt. 12, the view of the Mohawk Valley is stunning. The majestic part of the race itself is the crowd from start to finish of this venerable 15K. And then the 10,000 runners joined by about 20,000 fans at the finish line at the Matt’s Brewery post race is a sight to behold, often enhanced by a flyover. Love that race.
I love the Revel Big Cottonwood Half, running down the canyon when the sun is coming up is absoltuely gorgeous. Also had a fabulous run in Victoria along the water one morning where I kept hoping to see an Orca. So many beautiful places to run, love hearing everyone's stories!
I once ran along the Red Sea in Isreal to the border with Egypt where I was stopped by armed soldiers and I rapidly retreated. Not my favorite place but certainly the most interesting. I have also gone on runs (not races) in England, France, Italy and Peru.
Two of my favourite runs so far are the Monument Valley Half and Melbourne (Aus) Half. Monument Valley is spectacular, running around all of the buttes. The Melbourne Half is notable for the finish in the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) Stadium which has a capacity of 100,024! The Ottawa, ON half also deserves mentioning because of its awesome local support.
I loved reading all these comments and adding to my wish list. I have to say my two favorite races were the Maui half,(doing anything in Maui is a dream) and the Las Vegas half. The Las Vegas is at night running the strip and exhilarating! For my daily runs, I love a run along the bay front and then along the coast of Newport Oregon.
several. covered bridges half marathon in woodstock, vt; running along the atlantic ocean and past ipanema and copacabana beaches in rio de janeiro; running a half around rekajavik,, iceland,
Three of my favorite race courses: Maui Half marathon, Women's Nike Half in San Francisco (no longer offered sadly), and my favorite, the Bar Harbor Half Marathon in Maine. For this last race you run through Acadia National Park, around Eagle lake and start/end in Bar Harbor. It is a beautiful course on the carriage trails. Another favorite was the Monument Marathon and Half Marathon that takes place in Monument National Park, Scotts Bluff, NE - very beautiful scenery of a different kind.
Running the Grand island trail marathon in Mi. but you know Life is an adventure and running makes it better,having heart surgrey and being cancer free every run is good
Snow Canyon State Park Half marathon; stunning red rock course—enters the north end of the park and runs through the park exiting the south end of the park—and all downhill while in the park.
Not official races, just short runs--the trail and behind the falls at Seljalandsfloss in Iceland, then up to the top of Svartifoss Falls and along the ocean shore of the East Coast. Amazing scenery, beautiful views out to the ocean at Svartifoss. The rocks are square in Iceland!
One of my favorite places that I've run is the Embarcadaro in San Francisco. You get to see a little of the bay and the view of the city is amazing! Early in the morning there aren't many people out either.
Running at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon a couple of years ago. Most of it was rough/rocky, but running through the forest & then coming out to the edge of the Grand Canyon was just awe inspiring. My time stunk because I kept stopping to look/take pictures/walk up the rocky paths, but it was a race I would definitely run again.
We also ran a beautiful race at Bryce Canyon one summer (it’s usually in July) that was amazing and one at Zion in the springtime that was breathtaking as well. I may be a city girl, but I am definitely a country racer. The beauty of it pushes me on in a race.
Since no one mentioned it I'll be the first to offer the Boston Marathon because it was a 25-year goal filled with so many frustrations to finally arrive at the starting line. But, Pikes Peak began the thread, and I celebrated my 60th birthday running the Ascent as a Flatlander. It's one of the most difficult, but rewarding races to prepare for, and you're rewarded with so many stunning views while climbing the mountain.
I've been lucky enough to run in a lot of places in the US and I think my favorite spot was the Snake River Canyon Trail in Twin Falls, Idaho. It was like running along the Grand Canyon Ridge
I was attending a conference in Long Beach with my son a few years ago. A local running club had a 5k, 10k, quarter marathon, half marathon and full marathon along the shore of the Pacific Ocean. I ran the half marathon, starting at 5:30. That was an amazing experience. The course followed a trail along the ocean and was 3.3 miles out and back.
The Red Rock Canyon halfathon in the desert outside of Las Vegas just a few weeks ago. Spectacular. I'm hoping the Rock N Roll halfathon in Nashville in a few weeks will be just as good. What better place to run a Rock N Roll halfathon than the Music City!
A trail in Cascades Locks, Oregon, starting at the Bridge of the Gods, crossing the Columbia River and continuing along a gorgeous, evergreen-shaded trail. But Arizona trails, such as in my beloved Tucson Mountain Park, are also spectacular in a completely different way. I love this question and all of the diverse answers!
I loved running the Miami to Key West Ragnar race, I had 10 nighttime miles with a full moon and tons of stars, surrounded by palm trees, warm air and the sounds of the water. I think about running that stretch so often on my neighborhood runs. I also loved running Bayou St. John into City Park while I lived in New Orleans -- I saw alligators, pelicans, all sorts or cranes and herons, it was always beautiful.
The most amazing place I’ve run (rolled) is very close to me it’s a trail that runs through the hard woods of western pa along the Alleganny river. Eagles, deer, fox, turkeys. In the fall the woods are just stunning
I need to add you to my mailing list because for some reason all of your emails are going into my promotions box and I keep missing these, but my favorite run is the Enchantments trail in Washington. It's an 18 mile 5k ft climb, but its stunning. Like, running through something out of a fairy-tale. Most people day hike it, but I like to run it a couple of times a year when there's no snow.
I really enjoyed running on the National Mall while on vacation in DC, seeing the monuments and museums in the area. I plan to go back and try to run the Army 10 miler with my son (he is in the Army).
Bayshore 1/2 and full marathons, along Grand Traverse Bay in Michigan. Running along the bay for most of the race is inspiring and takes your mind off of running 🙂. Also Acadia national park 1/2 in Maine - great scenery!
In 2018, I ran the Star Wars Dark Side Half Marathon through several Disney World theme parks. I'm a kid at heart and enjoy Disney's theme parks. It was so much fun seeing the characters at the mile markers :)
Central Park. Period.
Near Stairway to Heaven in Honolulu, HI. Actually, every hike I've done near Honolulu. Remember the breathtaking, daunting, green mountains in Jurassic Park and Lost? Scenery like that in the fog had me very seriously reconsidering everything from where I live to my fast-paced lifestyle and beyond. I always thought of Oahu as the world's most overrated tourist destination, but I learned two major things shortly after stepping off the plane there for the first time: the hype is 100% deserved, and the best things there are actually completely off the beaten path. LOVE that place.
My 1st favourite is the big sur marathon and 21 miler is so gorgeous as you run you see the Pacific Ocean and it's just amazing 2nd favourite is crater Lake in Oregon it is absolutely beautiful too as you run to see the Lake it's like a beautiful trail in the trees are beautiful
In May 2019 I had the great pleasure to join a truly unique adventure organized by Josh Sanders in which a group of runners from all over the United States met in Chicago, flew to London, rented two vans, drove to Czechia and then embarked on the Great European Half Marathon. The goal was to run in the most countries in one 24-hour period. Starting in Czechia, we ran 1 mile in 13 countries (Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Austria, Germany, Italy, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, and The Netherlands). The friendships made on this adventure, the reactions from the locals when they learned what we were doing, and the beautiful locations where those mile segments were run will always be something I cherish. Josh's blog post about this adventure can be found at https://www.joshsanders.net/blog/greatesthalf
Great Wall Marathon. It was an amazing run. About 6 miles was on the wall the rest was run through the countryside and small villages. People with there kids would be on the side of the road to give us high fives. Some of the kids would give the women flowers. It was also the hardest run I ever did, but worth it
When I lived in Jacksonville Florida, I worked nights. At the end of my shift, I would head out to the beach most mornings. At 7:30 there weren't many people there. I would change into my shorts and sneakers and run on the beach. For those who haven't run on soft sand, well, it's not easy. But being next to the ocean and feeling the sea breezes on my face made my it the best part of my day. Leaving the beach area was the hardest decision of my life.
The Virginia Creeper Trail. It’s an old rail trail with beautiful scenery – farmlands, forests, streams and creeks, wooden trestles over deep ravines.
I love this thread - so many great ideas!
Sedona Arizona Half Marathon. Hills and amazing views throughout the course.!
Wow, some incredible places. I really don’t think I’ve been to that type of a place yet but I’m planning on running in Key West in January 2022, already signed up, so will gladly consider that my best place for viewing so far!
Awesome to read everyone’s favorites. Mine was a Spartan OC race in Monterey, Ca. Somewhere around 5000’ of elevation gains (plural because it was a lot of ups and downs) but the views at the top were amazing. Want to do the Long Beach half someday. I think running on highway along the Pacific Ocean would be incredible.
2 runs come to mind.
1. New York Marathon 2019. Running through the 5 boroughs with the huge crowds of shouting ppl on the sides was truly amazing.
2. Walt Disney Marathon 2020. I had been to Disney World and Epcot a few times as a child and had many fond memories of those trips. So running through Epcot was very nostalgic. But when i entered the Magic Kingdom and turned the corner onto Main Street and saw the castle in the distance, my pores raised. It was truly a surreal moment. One i will never forget.
NY running all 5 burroughs / I have a co worker who runs alot and her fav is also san fran
The system of rolling gravel roads in the park in the hills just northeast of Bergen Norway is easily one of my favorite places to visit and run. The amazing views make the initial climb well worth the effort, or you can take the Floyen funicular up. They have a very short, humbling race, the Stoltzekleiven Opp, to the park near the end of September.
My most adventurous full marathon run was the Jackson Hole Marathon that took runners through Yellowstone Park..bison crossing the road, the Grand Tetons in your view(minus the heavy rains for 8 miles) it was fantastic.
I ran the Vasquez Rocks Trail run half marathon near Santa Clarita CA.and The elevation and views were breathtaking . So was finishing the run!! Whew! Once for that run was good.
I ran (twice) what is billed to be "The Worlds Toughest Half Marathon" - The Pier to Peak Half in Santa Barbara. It starts at Stearns Wharf and ends 4,000ft up on La Cumbre Peak. First 2 miles are good, but after that it's a fairly brutal climb to the top! I'm sure there's worse - but this will definitely get your attention! Also, I'm lucky enough to be only .5 mile from a local trail head that is part of Cheeseboro State Park. Elevations a bit over 2,000ft. Miles and miles of trails...
Leading Ladies Half Marathon down Black Hills Canyon near Spearfish, SD. As we ran the canyon, the sun was rising, gradually painting the canyon walls with light on downward.
The long-stemmed rose and lemon-scented towel were delightful rewards at the finish.
I did an early morning run in Avalon, Catalina Island that was pretty fantastic. The city is usually crawling with tourists and it is difficult to walk, let alone run without bumping into folks, but, early in the morning, there is almost no one, and watching the sunrise from behind the mountains on the California mainland with almost 30 miles of the Pacific in between is hard to beat.
I'm looking forward to the Great Ocean Road half in May, 2022, which will be my first international race. As far as my favorite domestic half, my favorite was my first one in 1998; the original Las Vegas Marathon/Half Marathon (before the RnR organization took over). You were bussed out in the middle of nowhere, dropped off in the desert and you ran through the desert into Las Vegas. Its was peaceful, quiet and since it was my first race, it made it very special and memorable.
My favorite place to run is along the Rhine River, on the Switzerland side from my father-in law's house. My husband is from a village Northeast of Zurich, and when we go home, I spend each early morning enjoying a 4 mile run on a path looking over at Germany on the other side of the river, down to the water wheel and farm house. Everything is natural on this trail, no pavement, but lots of native trees and plants. Thinking of running here always gives me peace.
This is a fantastic thread w/ great races to consider! Running the Pittsburgh HM in 2019 was great! My first visit there, too. Han heard so much about the “three rivers” and the course took us across all three and was basically a tour of the city. Waitsfield, VT (Mad HM) in 2019 was really beautiful...but the hills kicked my tail!
Well... clearly a mention of Utica, NY doesn’t make one think “garden spot,” but driving into Utica, for The Boilermaker from north or south on Rt. 12, the view of the Mohawk Valley is stunning. The majestic part of the race itself is the crowd from start to finish of this venerable 15K. And then the 10,000 runners joined by about 20,000 fans at the finish line at the Matt’s Brewery post race is a sight to behold, often enhanced by a flyover. Love that race.
I love the Revel Big Cottonwood Half, running down the canyon when the sun is coming up is absoltuely gorgeous. Also had a fabulous run in Victoria along the water one morning where I kept hoping to see an Orca. So many beautiful places to run, love hearing everyone's stories!
I once ran along the Red Sea in Isreal to the border with Egypt where I was stopped by armed soldiers and I rapidly retreated. Not my favorite place but certainly the most interesting. I have also gone on runs (not races) in England, France, Italy and Peru.
Two of my favourite runs so far are the Monument Valley Half and Melbourne (Aus) Half. Monument Valley is spectacular, running around all of the buttes. The Melbourne Half is notable for the finish in the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) Stadium which has a capacity of 100,024! The Ottawa, ON half also deserves mentioning because of its awesome local support.
I loved reading all these comments and adding to my wish list. I have to say my two favorite races were the Maui half,(doing anything in Maui is a dream) and the Las Vegas half. The Las Vegas is at night running the strip and exhilarating! For my daily runs, I love a run along the bay front and then along the coast of Newport Oregon.
several. covered bridges half marathon in woodstock, vt; running along the atlantic ocean and past ipanema and copacabana beaches in rio de janeiro; running a half around rekajavik,, iceland,
running the falmouth 7 miler on cape cod.
Three of my favorite race courses: Maui Half marathon, Women's Nike Half in San Francisco (no longer offered sadly), and my favorite, the Bar Harbor Half Marathon in Maine. For this last race you run through Acadia National Park, around Eagle lake and start/end in Bar Harbor. It is a beautiful course on the carriage trails. Another favorite was the Monument Marathon and Half Marathon that takes place in Monument National Park, Scotts Bluff, NE - very beautiful scenery of a different kind.
Running the Grand island trail marathon in Mi. but you know Life is an adventure and running makes it better,having heart surgrey and being cancer free every run is good
Negril, Jamaica - Reggae Marathon - Amazing!
Snow Canyon State Park Half marathon; stunning red rock course—enters the north end of the park and runs through the park exiting the south end of the park—and all downhill while in the park.
Not official races, just short runs--the trail and behind the falls at Seljalandsfloss in Iceland, then up to the top of Svartifoss Falls and along the ocean shore of the East Coast. Amazing scenery, beautiful views out to the ocean at Svartifoss. The rocks are square in Iceland!
One of my favorite places that I've run is the Embarcadaro in San Francisco. You get to see a little of the bay and the view of the city is amazing! Early in the morning there aren't many people out either.
Running at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon a couple of years ago. Most of it was rough/rocky, but running through the forest & then coming out to the edge of the Grand Canyon was just awe inspiring. My time stunk because I kept stopping to look/take pictures/walk up the rocky paths, but it was a race I would definitely run again.
We also ran a beautiful race at Bryce Canyon one summer (it’s usually in July) that was amazing and one at Zion in the springtime that was breathtaking as well. I may be a city girl, but I am definitely a country racer. The beauty of it pushes me on in a race.
Since no one mentioned it I'll be the first to offer the Boston Marathon because it was a 25-year goal filled with so many frustrations to finally arrive at the starting line. But, Pikes Peak began the thread, and I celebrated my 60th birthday running the Ascent as a Flatlander. It's one of the most difficult, but rewarding races to prepare for, and you're rewarded with so many stunning views while climbing the mountain.
Berkeley Hills in California that overlooks the San Francisco Bay
Sorrento Italy and the Amalfi Coast. Hilly and crazy drivers, but beautiful!
I've been lucky enough to run in a lot of places in the US and I think my favorite spot was the Snake River Canyon Trail in Twin Falls, Idaho. It was like running along the Grand Canyon Ridge
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDJxmThFzpe/
I was attending a conference in Long Beach with my son a few years ago. A local running club had a 5k, 10k, quarter marathon, half marathon and full marathon along the shore of the Pacific Ocean. I ran the half marathon, starting at 5:30. That was an amazing experience. The course followed a trail along the ocean and was 3.3 miles out and back.
The Red Rock Canyon halfathon in the desert outside of Las Vegas just a few weeks ago. Spectacular. I'm hoping the Rock N Roll halfathon in Nashville in a few weeks will be just as good. What better place to run a Rock N Roll halfathon than the Music City!
A trail in Cascades Locks, Oregon, starting at the Bridge of the Gods, crossing the Columbia River and continuing along a gorgeous, evergreen-shaded trail. But Arizona trails, such as in my beloved Tucson Mountain Park, are also spectacular in a completely different way. I love this question and all of the diverse answers!
I loved running the Miami to Key West Ragnar race, I had 10 nighttime miles with a full moon and tons of stars, surrounded by palm trees, warm air and the sounds of the water. I think about running that stretch so often on my neighborhood runs. I also loved running Bayou St. John into City Park while I lived in New Orleans -- I saw alligators, pelicans, all sorts or cranes and herons, it was always beautiful.
Portpatrick, Scotland. No official race, just running while vacationing. The history and beauty left me awestruck.
The most amazing place I’ve run (rolled) is very close to me it’s a trail that runs through the hard woods of western pa along the Alleganny river. Eagles, deer, fox, turkeys. In the fall the woods are just stunning
Reykjavík half marathon in Iceland
Running in Lancaster PA alongside the Amish at The Bird in Hand Half was pretty cool.