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 gorse-
clad 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.businesstraveller.asiaWellbeingI 7510 GREAT CITY RUNS
JUNE 2016