How these two passion combine so well
I recently came across a book at the library called ‘Epic Runs of the World,’ published by Lonely Planet. It’s a wonderful compilation of running routes and races from across the globe. I have really enjoyed reading about the big running events taking place around the world, as well as some shorter trails and routes that are favoured by local runners. The only problem – it’s giving me itchy feet, metaphorically speaking.
The Kepler Track in New Zealand is included in this collection – a beautiful 60km-long South Island trail through beech forests, lake shorelines and mountain ridges. I was lucky enough to hike the Kepler Track in 2020 over four days, enjoying the scenery and sleeping in the overnight huts. For more ambitious individuals, it can be run in a single day – an extremely impressive feat!
My home country of South Africa features as well with the great Comrades Marathon making the cut. This epic 87 km-long race runs between Durban (my hometown) and Pietermaritzburg. My relatives have stories of supporting friends and family who ran, and of watching the TV coverage. I never followed the race myself, and looking back I really wish I had.
Reading this collection has inspired me to get back to running and travel, whether separate or together. Over the past two years, I have fallen out of a regular running habit Inspired to get back into it, I have started back with short runs, which I am really enjoying. It’s a strange feeling to return to previous passions, it’s familiar and new at the same time. I try not to focus on being back at square one fitness-wise. My current goal is to get out there and do it.
While travelling, I do a lot of walking. Luckily my usual travel companions (my mom, friends) also love walking. I will happily walk for hours and hours, exploring new towns, cities, landmarks, shops, and then collapse into bed at night, knowing I saw as much as I could. But running also has a special place in my travel memories, some of which I’ll share below.
Running while travelling
Going for a jog around a new place is a special experience. It helps to shake off jet lag, and the sluggishness I feel after being seated for hours in transport. You cover decent ground on a jog while still at a sightseeing pace. It makes it easier for me to get my bearings in a new place and I often spot places that I return to later. The endorphins don’t hurt either.
As the introduction of the Epic Runs of the World says,
“Most runners will also agree that moving through a landscape while also breaking a sweat has an oddly profound effect on one’s sense of place. Whether you’re repeating a well-worn loop close to home or exploring an exotic new land while travelling, running affords a deeper understanding of a town or city and its citizens.”
An early morning jog around Nice, France
In 2019, I taught English at Summer Camps in Italy. To get there, I flew into Nice, France and stayed there for two nights, so I had a short time to explore.
On my first morning, I awoke around 5am in my hostel bed because of jet lag. I was restless after 40 hours of travel from NZ to France. On a spur of the moment, I decided to go for a run. I rummaged for my running gear as quietly as to not disturb my roommate and slipped out the door.
It was around 6am by the time I left the hostel, so the sun was up and I got to catch the tail end of sunrise. Nice is a coastal town, so I ran to the Promenade des Anglais, a seaside road stretching along the coast.
Seaside roads and boardwalks are great for runners. We love the continuous paths with no traffic lights and cars, and the views are usually amazing. The promenade was lovely, though once I got to a stretch of construction I turned back and ran through the town centre, enjoying the historic buildings, Fontaine du Soleil, and the black-and-white tiles of Place Massena.
A morning run in Masone, Italy
While teaching English in Italy, I was placed in small towns all over the country, usually for one week at a time. I ended up in many places that I would never have ended up visiting as a tourist. One of these towns was Masone, a small town near Genoa. I was warned that it rains a lot in Masone, perhaps this is why it is so very lush and green.
On my one free morning, I ran along the mostly country roads, careful to keep a lookout for snakes and passing vehicles. It was hilly, green and gorgeous. I ran along the main street, past the gelato shop we frequented every day after school, the bakery where my host mom bought a kind of crunchy focaccia I only ever saw in Masone, and past the town’s few shops and restaurants.
I particularly remember the sky that morning – bright blue, with unique cloud formations.
Travelling to Run
A few times, I have travelled to take part in a running event. There is something special about being part of a big event like a marathon race, even if you are running a shorter distance. You have a sense of camaraderie with other participants, feeling the excitement and atmosphere. You can also add on extra travel around the event. Any excuse to travel somewhere new!
Queenstown Half-Marathon
Being in Queenstown, New Zealand on Marathon weekend is a festive experience. Thousands arrive for the event, meaning it’s a busy time to visit. Still, even though Queenstown is small, I never felt it was overcrowded. At dinner after the race, those that had run the full 42km were easy to spot as they hobbled around town.
I ran the half-marathon distance in 2020 with two friends. It’s the greenest, lushest half-marathon route I have run, mostly on flat trails. The finish line is definitely the most scenic – with mountains and green hills surrounding you. Later that day, my friends and I enjoyed a well-deserved feast at famous Ferg Burger.
Hawke’s Bay Half-Marathon
Hawke’s Bay is a 5.5 hr drive from Auckland, so this is a race I can get to without having to fly. I have run the half-marathon distance, and walked the 10km distance last year. This race is run through lovely vineyards, and is the flattest half-marathon I have done so far.
The Hawke’s Bay Marathon is held in May each year, so you get to enjoy the autumn colours. We also enjoyed visiting a few of the region’s wineries for wine tastings, and climbing Te Mata Peak.
I lost most of my photos from these trips, but I do have one of the glorious sunrise at the start line.
I’m already thinking about the next running event I can attend, though I am not sure where that will be. In the meantime I will keep training, because the fitter I am, the more enjoyable they are.
So tell me, do you like to combine running and travel? Share your experiences and memories below, I’d love to hear them.
And if you have any events or routes you recommend, anywhere in the world, let me know!
Until next time,
Sarah
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