One of my favorite parts of traveling in a foreign country is to go for a run while we are there. It’s a great way to combine getting some exercise with doing a bit of sightseeing. But not every location is conducive to a safe run and even those that are, requires some thought before hand. Culture, location, and distance all need to be considered before heading out on a run. Obviously, I’m assuming you already packed appropriate items for running and just need to figure out how and where. When we went to Ireland, I was not able to run much because the roads near where we were had no shoulders and no sidewalks. In New Zealand, I could have run easily in Rotorua and Auckland had a bike/run path right in city centre. In Australia, I was able to run around Nelson Bay on a lovely walking and biking path that was heavily used and when I ran in Sydney, everyone and their brother was out for a run around the Opera House. So, knowing the areas played a big role in figuring out my routes.
- Always carry identification and money. Ideally, also carry a phone that works in that country so you can call or use a map if you get lost.
- Map out your run ahead of time – if you can’t drive around the area first, at least use Google street view to see if there are sidewalks or at least wide shoulders. Check out resources like Map My Run and Strava to see other running routes that runners use. Also I’ve had good luck in bigger cities googling “safe running routes”. Or ask a concierge at your hotel or another local establishment.
- Run during daylight in populated areas. This is not the time for that early morning run in the dark, unless you are completely familiar with the area or have local connections that have told you where it is safe to run.
- Accept that you might have to run a shorter distance or repeat the same route more than once to stay in a safe area. Sometimes there just isn’t enough safe road to get in more than a couple of miles. I once ran a 1 mile route over and over in a small town in Ireland because it was the only safe place to run.
- Know the local traffic rules – being aware of what all the signs mean and which car has the right of way will definitely play a role in crossing streets. Belgium has some weird laws about right of way that always made me nervous in a car, so I imagine that would affect running as well. Thankfully, other than the whole driving on the left thing, Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia were pretty similar to the US.
When all else fails, sign up for a race – you know that the route will be at least mostly safe and you are unlikely to be by yourself. It’s always interesting to see how race organizations work in different countries.
Have you run in a foreign country? What did you learn from it? We likely won’t be traveling overseas for a few years now, but a lot of these tips apply to running anywhere you aren’t familiar with.
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Great tips! The only other place I’ve run in is England but that was when I was studying abroad there so I was kind of used to the area by the time I started running. Luckily there was a park really close to where I stayed so I was able to run there and not have to worry about getting lost or traffic.
Lisa @ Mile by Mile recently posted…First Trimester Running
It’s been a long time since I’ve been overseas & I was a new runner then so ran on the treadmill (and where I was wasn’t super conducive to running).
I rarely map out a run ahead of time! After tackling the monster hills by my MILs, though, I asked for flatter places to run & now have a plan. 🙂
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy recently posted…Firecracker 4 Race Recap 7/4/18
Good tips! I haven’t run or been to a foreign country in a while, but i have run in Hong Kong, Vietnam, Ireland and a few other places. I love running while traveling because it’s a great way to see some new things.
Melissa recently posted…Tuesdays on the Run – HOT Out There
I think it’s so cool that you found that race in NZ! Plus I bet it was nice to run in cooler conditions. I think your tips could apply to running anywhere that you’re not familiar with.
Wow, no I’ve never run in a foreign country, but I have traveled heavily in the states and its always good to map out routes before hand. I would love to run in Australia though that sounds so cool!
Montana @ Pretty Lil Mudder recently posted…A Race With 59,999 Friends: Peachtree Road Race Recap
Running a race somewhere you are traveling is always fun if it works out. I like to look for groups I can join as well for a run
Deborah @ Confessions of mother runner recently posted…Summer Watermelon and Grain Bowl Meatless Monday
I like your last option…just sign up for a race 😉 All of the traffic rules freak me out a bit…
Thanks for the tips on running in a foreign country. Hubby and I are going to Italy in September. I will be sure to use these tips then. I did run in Germany after the Berlin marathon, but luckily, I was able to find a park near our hotel with miles of paved paths. I did have to ask directions back to the hotel several times, but luckily was always able to find someone who spoke English!
Laurie recently posted…Quote Challenge – Living Life
I’ve run in Mexico but I went with my nephew so at he knew where he was going.
Zenaida Arroyo recently posted…Elmhurst 4 on the 4th Race Recap
I think signing up for races when you travel is the best bet in terms of personal safety. I’ve run in Mexico, but stayed pretty much around the complex where we were staying. It’s a private gated community and felt very safe.
The Accidental Marathoner recently posted…Weekly Wrap