Research by Iceland’s flagship airline, Icelandair, has revealed the world’s best cities 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 more than 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).
Methodology
Icelandair conducted a study to determine the best places to run worldwide by evaluating 20 renowned running locations based on five factors, each scored out of 20 and combined for an overall score out of 100. Locations with the same overall score were ranked higher based on the number of running routes available.
- Number of running routes: Using Komoot data, locations with more routes scored higher.
- Route reviews: Average ratings out of 5 from Komoot, with locations without reviews given a group average of 4.6.
- Accommodation costs: Average one-night hotel costs from Budget Your Trip, converted to GDP, with cheaper locations scoring higher.
- Elevation data: Average elevation of routes from Komoot, with higher elevation indicating better scenic appeal.
- Safety index: Perceived safety scores from Travel Safe Abroad, with higher scores indicating safer locations.
- Read more: icelandair.com
Image: Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna (pxhere.com)