
Credit: ©Stephen Yelverton Photography/Getty Images
Running and travelling are two of my favourite hobbies, and I love combing these to make my life happier. Not long ago I revealed the destination of my next running adventure, and if you missed the update, watch my InstaStories to find out!
At this time last year, I was fully in training for the Malaga Marathon. What a great place to run a winter marathon, lots of sunshine, pleasant temperatures, great food and beautiful seaside.

I love running marathons in different countries. So far I have managed to run the epic London Marathon twice, the Prague Marathon ( in my home country), the unforgettable Venice Marathon, the legendary Paris Marathon and the sunny-lit Malaga Marathon.
I am always on the lookout for new places to run, and have to say that I jumped with joy when Lonely Planet sent me their latest book, Epic Runs of the World (August 2019, RRP £24.99)!
As soon as I opened the book, I knew I would love it as it celebrates the world’s most thrilling running routes and trails. Stunning images take you to the most amazing places all over the world.

Credit: ©Philip Lee Harvey/Lonely Planet
In this comprehensive runner’s companion, you’ll find 50 first-hand accounts of the world’s greatest running routes – from short city runs and must-do marathons to cross country trails and challenging ultras – plus a further 150 courses around the globe to satisfy runners of all abilities, whether you’re an established or aspiring runner.
Featured runs include:
- The Great Ethiopian Run
- A rainforest run in Costa Rica
- A winter warm-up in Québec City (Canada)
- The Jinshanling Great Wall Marathon (China)
- Kyoto’s Kamo Riverfront
- The Angkor Wat Half Marathon
- The Grand Canyon’s Rim-to-Rim Challenge (USA)
- A tightrope run along the Amalfi Coast (Italy)
- A sightseeing lap around Edinburgh (Scotland)
- Dublin’s wild and windswept Peninsula (Ireland)
- And many more.

Credit: ©Bobby Chen
Featured routes include practical information on the best time of year to run and how to get there, as well as recommendations of where to stay and what to eat. All runs are coded according to difficulty, taking into account their duration, local conditions and possible inaccessibility.
Organised by continent, Lonely Planet’s Epic Runs of the World takes runners past giraffes, zebras and rhinos in Africa, along courses the length of Vancouver’s Stanley Park Seawall in the Americas, offers spectacular views of Hong Kong from Victoria Peak in Asia and jogs along Rome’s Tiber River in Europe, while inviting athlete’s to push themselves to the limit in Oceania’s Blue Mountains Ultra.
Sydney’s Spectacular Seafront

Credit: ©stevecoleimages/Getty Images
In 2000 I moved to Sydney just after the Olympics. I spent 5 wonderful years living in one of the most amazing cities and quickly got used to the outdoor lifestyle.
Back then I wasn’t a serious runner, but I used to power-walk every day in the Botanical Gardens, around the Sydney Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and at the weekend I loved spending time by the beach.
No wonder my favourite ocean-hugging track between Bondi and Coogee beaches is also in this book. I wish I could go back, as really miss living Down Under.
An Ode to a Czech Running Hero
As a born Czech, seeing the Prague Marathon being featured in this book made me very proud. When I spotted “An Ode to a Czech Running Hero”, I was even prouder.
Would you know the name of the greatest of all endurance runners? Yes, Emil Zatopek. He won 5 Olympic medals, set 18 world records, broke once-unbreakable barriers at 5000m and 10000m. In 2013, Runner’s World magazine declared him the best of all time – over any distance.

This makes me realise that the next time I am back in the Czech Republic I need to visit Koprivnice, where a special 14-mile “Run Through the Homeland of Emil Zatopek” takes place at the end of September.
I have to say I had tears in my eyes while browsing through the book, realising there were so many wonderful places, and that I will probably not be able to run in all of them.
On the other hand, I never give up, and have started adding new places to my bucket list. Cannot wait to share more running adventures with you soon.
By the way, I would love to hear what places you would include in the World’s Most Thrilling Running Routes. Let me know in the comments as always.
WIN 1 of 5 Copies of “Epic Runs of the World”
(Lonely Planet, RRP £24.99)!
I am super excited to be teaming up with Lonely Planet who have kindly donated 5 copies of this amazing book for runners adventures. Please follow the instructions in the Rafflecopter widget below and GOOD LUCK!
UK 18+ Entries Only!
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The Wales Coast Path is great for running with lots to discover – and not too far to travel 🙂
The Sea Point Promenade in Cape Town Africa is meant to be beautiful. I haven’t ran it but my best friend has. I can’t run but I am entering as I know my friend would be so happy with this as a surprise. Thank you!
Hello, there look like there are some lovely places to run in Icefields Parkway in Canada where there are snowy mountains and rivers. It looks idyllic so I think that should be added to the book. I’d love to go there on day!
The coastal path in cornwall – scenic and breathtaking
I did start years ago but injury left me unable to complete – one day i will
Howth Head. The 12 km route is one of Dublin’s most popular scenic trails.
The Path of the Gods at the Amalfi Coast in Italy would be stunning for running along. Unfortunately we missed out due to a stomach bug…
Definitely Chicago. The lakefront is beautiful and hits it perfectly when the sun rises or sets. Perfect for those Insta photos!
Fabulous tip! Have just seen all the updates on my Instagram about the run last Sunday, very tempted 😉