In a New City? Go Running!

Sure most of your holidays involve getting as far away from cities as possible. But for those times when the bright lights are inevitable, Explorer Taylor reckons running is the best way to explore.

Even if running isn’t part of your usual routine, lacing up is a great way to explore a new destination. Whether you’re on a weekend getaway to Brisbane, or spending two weeks in Vietnam, there’s always a good reason to make space in your suitcase for your runners.

My camera must also have runners high – Brisbane has never looked better!

Generally speaking, my idea of a getaway is heading out of the city where there’s more space to roam. I prefer loading my backpack or bike with essential supplies, rather than stuffing my suitcase full of numerous outfits and shoes. With this said, cities often act as small intermissions between my roaming, and when this happens, there’s one way I love to get out and explore. Running!

Some of the reasons to put on my runners and take to the street are obvious, but over time I’ve discovered numerous more nuanced benefits to this kind of travel.

Read more: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide To Trail Running

1. Shake Out the Legs Get Some Fresh Air

Regardless of if you’re road-tripping down Australia’s East Coast, or have taken a long-haul flight with a time difference, moving the body and getting some fresh air will rejuvenate you.

Going for a run will get your blood pumping and oxygen levels rising after hours of being seated.

Yup, running STRAIGHT to a greenspace in a new city

When you head out on a run as soon as you arrive, the sunlight or darkness will help your circadian rhythms adjust to a new time zone, preventing jet lag from taking over the first few days of your trip.

2. Remove Expectations

Arriving in a new city, it’s easy to have preconceived ideas on what to expect. Between stories regaled by friends and Instagram algorithms, it can sometimes feel like I’ve visited a place without ever having stepped foot there. An early morning jog lets me discover a place for myself.

Without any distractions, I can take in my surroundings with all my senses. There are endless tours and blogs claiming how to discover the ‘authenticity’ in a city, but nothing comes close to taking to the streets when the city is quiet, tourists are still waking up and it’s just you, the early commuters, and dog walkers.

Nothing but the sound of my shoes tappin’ the pavement

3. Use the Time to Reflect

It’s no secret that movement gets the mind working. Settling into a comfortable cadence in a new place gives your mind the chance to wander.

Leave the headphones in your bag and tune into what’s around, you never know what you might notice. You can even treat your run as a moving meditation (hold the eye roll!), by thinking about the following questions.

• What do I notice around me?
• How does my body and mind feel?
• What excites me about this city?

Read more: The Science Behind the Therapeutic Rhythm of Walking

Checking in with yourself in new environments helps you feel more confident in them

4. Get Your Bearings

Take the opportunity to run freely, the brave ones might even leave their Garmin watch at home. If a street looks interesting or a patch of green park catches your eye, take your run in a new direction.

There are hidden gems all over cities and they’re best discovered by chance. Some of my favourite discoveries while on a run have been street art, community gardens, independent cinemas, and artisan workshops.

Other times it’s simply watching the light change against the buildings as a city wakes up. Make note of cute cafes or interesting art galleries you can return to later, or stop in for a post-run coffee or croissant (yes please!)

5. See More in Less Time

Now I’m not recommending that you avoid being a complete tourist! If you find yourself somewhere like Rome, there are probably a few monuments you don’t want to miss.

Not hard to run when its around the Colosseum at sunset

But why not skip the traffic and beat the crowd-flooded streets by adding them to your route? Going on a sightseeing run is not about breaking records. Regardless of your pace, you’ll have plenty of time to stop, take in the views, and snap a few photos.

6. Combat Loneliness

Travel can be lonely at times, and can feel even lonelier on arrival in a new city. Heading to an esplanade along the water or a local park will help you find comfort in the company of other runners.

I like to do a quick Google search to see if there are any local running events while I’m in town. Anything from 5km Park Runs to marathon events is perfect for feeling part of something bigger than yourself.

Read more: How to Prepare to Run 100km (And NOT Die)

New city, new friends!

FAQs for Running in a New City

How do I know the best routes to run?

There is no ‘best route’, they’re all great! If you need some extra inspiration take a look at AllTrails and Komoot.

I’m not a ‘runner’, can I still experience these benefits?

Of course! Regardless of how we want to define ourselves, exploring a city on foot will help us experience a new place in a unique way. Walk, hike, shuffle, waddle… just get out and explore!

I’d rather escape the hustle of a city, where should I run?

It can be surprising how easy it is to find green space in a lot of cities. City parks often have walking paths you can use, or you might even be able to jump on a bus and head out to a nearby reserve or trail to spend some time amongst the trees.