Many runners like to run whilst on holiday or away on business, but they are often prevented from doing so, for fear of getting lost, or simply not having enough time to fit running in with their itinerary. This is where running tours, comes into their own. Running tours are similar to walking tours or bus tours – but we run. Not only that but it is safe to say you will see more on a running tour than you would on a walking tour and a running tour will take you where the bus tour can’t.
In this day and age with such a focus on health and wellbeing, running tours are a superb way to get your bearings in a new area, learn a bit about your surroundings and maintain your fitness.
The concept of running tours is still relatively new, although it is fast becoming a global sensation. To the non-runner, the idea of running around a city for the purpose of sightseeing is somewhat ludicrous and a bit baffling. But to the runner, this is a genius way to sightsee and explore a new city. Keep fit, see the sights and learn about your surroundings from an informative, local, running tour guide. What a perfect way to see the sights. It’s time efficient and kills two birds with one stone (not that I condone killing birds!).
A conference group out on an early morning
running tour, enjoying Calton Hill, Edinburgh
There are a few things that I particularly love about running tours. Firstly, getting around by our own steam – running tours are invariably super eco-friendly and do not add to the busy traffic congestion or air pollution. Secondly, they can be wonderfully sociable - if you opt to participate in a group tour, it can be fascinating meeting other likeminded runners, from different countries, all brought together by their sheer love of running and open mindedness to explore their surroundings in a healthy way. Most running tour companies have an array of options to choose from, be it small private tours, group tours, distances from 4 miles up to 12 miles and beyond, running tours at the crack of dawn or dusk, the list is endless. Choose an early morning running tour and see the city come to life right before your very eyes. By breakfast time you will know exactly how you want to spend the rest of your day, based on what you have already seen on your running tour, and what has captivated you enough, to merit a second visit - with the family in tow.
Alternatively, opt for a running tour in the early evening, and use it to relax and unwind from a hectic day of sightseeing or business. Losing yourself in the tranquillity of a running route off the beaten track. Being guided by a local and running as a local.
A group of friends enjoying a private running tour,
taking in some of the greener views of Edinburgh.
We are living in an era where strong is the new skinny and there is a real thirst for adventure and new experiences. I promise, a running tour will complete your city break, holiday or business trip and leave you feeling better acquainted with your surroundings and buzzing with endorphins from exploring on the run.
Enjoy a romantic weekend away and still run,
the view from Braid Hills overlooking Arthur’s Seat
I think it is fair to say your average running guide is oozing with passion and enthusiasm for running and showing off their local area. Our Run the Sights guides are testimony to this ethos and are all figureheads in their running communities.
Two friends creating new experiences together and
seeing sides of their local city that they didn’t know existed.
At Run the Sights, we are really excited to be part of the Running Tours Net group, we are also super proud to have achieved the Trip Advisor 2017 Certificate of Excellence for Run the Sights Edinburgh!
The Run the Sights running tour guides, Elspeth, Elaine and Ali, photo credited to Neill Whiteside of Dream Captures Scotland Running Tours Net provides a directory of running tours throughout the world. There are over 100 running tour companies featured on this website. You can literally run yourself around the world, without too much planning and organising on your part, as you will be safe in the hands of local running guides who specialise in devising interesting and picturesque running routes and can usually cater for all running abilities. Leaving you to relax, enjoy your run and learn about your surroundings on the go.
So there you have it, running tours are, without a shadow of a doubt the best way to keep fit, see the sights and learn about them at the same time, whilst on holiday or away on business. Or - even if you are local to an area, there are plenty of hidden nooks and crannies, which you have probably never noticed. So, next time you are away, or you feel like being a tourist in your own home city - don't hesitate to book onto a Running Tour and let your heart and soul be exercised.
We have it on good authority that a Run the Sights running tour is one of the best things to do in Scotland, according to Jennie from America who says " I can't recommend Run the Sights enough! One of the highlights of our entire Scotland trip" (see Trip Advisor) Use RUNR15 when booking for a 15% discount
We go where the bus tours can't, so lace up your trainers and come and Run the Sights
EXPLORE SCOTLAND ON THE RUN
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You can find out more about Ali and the Run The Sights team at www.runthesights.co.uk and follow them on social media:
Twitter: Runthesights
Facebook: RuntheSights
