New research by Iceland’s flagship airline, Icelandair, has revealed the best cities worldwide for running holidays, with Vienna coming out on top. The comprehensive study analysed the number of running routes, their average ratings and elevation, alongside nightly accommodation costs and safety of 20 popular running destinations, to reveal the best for your next adventure abroad.
Vienna, the elegant capital of Austria, ranks as the best destination for a running holiday this year with an index score of 74/100. The city offers an abundance of running routes, with over 1,008 tracks available within a 10-mile radius of the city centre. The average route review stands at an impressive 4.6, reflecting the well-maintained and scenic paths that meander through its historic streets and parks.
Vienna is also host to the Vienna City Marathon in April each year, which is a major event attracting runners from all over the world, offering a unique opportunity to explore the city’s grandeur on foot. With an average accommodation cost of £72.06 per night, Vienna provides both affordable lodging and an exceptional running experience.
Nestled in the French Alps, Chamonix/Mont Blanc is famous for its breathtaking alpine scenery and challenging terrains, with its overall score of 71/100, placing it second in Icelandair’s index. Chamonix boasts 512 running routes, a haven for those seeking high-altitude training and stunning mountain views. Routes here receive an excellent average review of 4.7, and the average elevation of 2,257m highlights the quality and beauty of the trails. The Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) is one of the most prestigious ultra-marathons in the world, drawing elite runners to its rigorous courses. Although accommodation costs an average of £132.12 per night, the unparalleled running experience and majestic landscapes make it worth every penny.
In third place, Iceland’s beautiful capital, Reykjavik’s overall score of 66/100 underscores its status as a premier running destination, ideal for those seeking adventure in a serene and picturesque environment. This northernmost capital boasts the highest rated routes in the index, averaging 5 stars across its 379 routes through its unique landscapes, clean air, and extensive geothermal sites. With a safety score of 89/100, Reykjavik is the safest place for runners on our index. The Reykjavik Marathon is hosted every year in August, attracting international participants and offering a scenic tour of the city’s highlights.
As the host of one of the six World Marathon Majors, Berlin comes in fourth on Icelandair’s ranking with an index score of 64/100, followed by Lisbon in fifth place (59/100).
Icelandair spoke to Lotti Sorrell, Founder and Head Trainer at Longevity, who shared her top three tips for running abroad.
- Sleep is the number one factor which could make or break success and enjoyment of your run, so if you’re planning on completing a race abroad or exploreing extensive trails, make sure you take your sleep seriously, maybe by factoring in a few days to ‘settle in’ and adjust to your new setting and time zone.
- Be mindful about your fuel and stick to some more familiar [food] options whilst embarking on a running holiday. If you are getting involved in international running events, especially longer or more demanding ones, the introduction of new food types could potentially upset your stomach and negatively impact your performance. Sticking to familiar food options ensures that your body receives the necessary nutrients without the risk of digestive issues that can arise from unfamiliar ingredients or preparation methods.
- Have fun with it! Embrace getting lost, finding new paths, chatting to locals; whatever you encounter is all part of the experience! The memories of international running events and training camps are some of the most treasured. Go and make your own, you won’t regret it.
