10 GREAT CITY RUNS

BANGKOK (2.5KM PER LAP)

Lumpini Park is 58 hectares of verdant tranquillity in the heart of the Thai capital’s hustle and bustle. A meandering, looping running track circumnavigates lakes, lawns and stands of palm trees, bamboo and a multitude of other flora – one circuit may not be enough, but there are plenty of sights to keep you entertained as you jog, from elderly groups of tai chi enthusiasts to office workers reconnecting with nature… and the occasional water monitor lizard sauntering across your path!

CHICAGO (UP TO 30KM)

The best place from which to enjoy the skyline in your running shoes is from the Lakefront Trail, within easy reach of downtown hotels. The asphalt track stretches along the shore of Lake Michigan, so you’ll probably want to make it an “out and back” run. Helpfully, you’ll find mile markers, drinking fountains and free toilets along the way. Just watch out for the cyclists.

COPENHAGEN (6.3KM)

Escape the Copenhagen traffic and find your way to the Lakes at the western edge of the city centre (look for signs to Soerne). This row of manmade lakes was first created from a single body of water and served as the city’s water supply. The 6.3km path around them, built in 1929, offers stunning city and parkland views. You’ll rub shoulders with many local runners and walkers.

EDINBURGH (3.2KM)

The Palace of Holyroodhouse marks the eastern end of the Royal Mile, and is a great starting point for exploring the rocky gorseclad crags of Holyrood Park, the highest of which is Arthur’s Seat, 251 metres above sea level. No trail shoes? Head west along the Royal Mile itself – passing the Scottish parliament building on the way – to Edinburgh Castle. The return leg is all downhill.

HONG KONG (8KM)

Follow Cotton Tree Drive uphill to where it meets Garden Road, turn left and when you pass an old, white colonial building, turn immediately left again. You are now on Bowen Road, a mostly flat jogging and dog-walking path that hugs the mountainside, shaded by huge leafy trees and flanked by thick jungle. Relatively quiet and peaceful, despite its proximity to the downtown chaos, this easy run presents wonderful views of the city’s soaring skyscrapers, as well as glimpses of the harbour beyond and the Kowloon mountains in the distance.

SYDNEY (6KM)

From Circular Quay, head east towards the Opera House, enter the Royal Botanic Gardens and continue along the water’s edge to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair at the farthest reach of the headland. Retrace your steps or continue around to Woolloomooloo, passing the stunning, 50-metre saltwater Andrew Boy Charlton pool. Follow the boundary road of the gardens to exit the gates on Macquarie Street, and head north to return to Circular Quay.

SINGAPORE (9KM)

The Southern Ridges Trail starts in the southern district of the Lion City, and passes through three parks on its way to its terminus on the coast. Running through Mount Faber, Telok Blangah Hill and Kent Ridge parks one after the other is a challenge, with quite a bit of uphill involved, but the natural views are lovely, and you’ll jog along the attractive Henderson Waves bridge, which is 300 metres long and stands 36 metres above the road. Toilets, shower facilities and drinks kiosks are available at regular intervals.

SEOUL (10KM)

South of the historic city of Seoul, and north of the Han River, Namsan (“South Mountain”) Park is a sprawling, tree-covered hill that is now surrounded by the even greater sprawl of the modern-day city. This makes it the perfect place to run; there are many paved paths, with five different ways to make your way to the 262-metre summit, one – beginning near the Millennium Seoul Hilton on the west side – involving a muscle-burning set of steep stone steps near the top. From the summit and ridges, panoramic vistas open up on all sides.

TOKYO (5KM)

A lap of Tokyo’s Imperial Palace is a great way to see the city’s twin faces – on one side you’ll have modern views of Tokyo Tower, the National Museum of Modern Art and the British Embassy, whilst on the other the curving eaves and historic edifices of the palace, often across its broad moat. Lined by trees, with clear distance markers, toilet facilities, frequent water fountains and even vending machines, it’s not surprising this is a popular running route. Etiquette dictates that you jog anticlockwise.

VANCOUVER (9KM)

From downtown, head south to False Creek. Start from Science World, following the waterside path to foodie haven Granville Island. Head back to Science World for a 6km run, or add on 3km by continuing to Burrard Bridge, crossing over and turning right to follow the picturesque perimeter seawall path back to the start. A longer route would take you around the 7km seawall surrounding Stanley Park.