Best running destinations in Asia
Best running destinations in Asia
Paved coastal pathway networks and high-altitude trail loops across Asia
One East Asian capital's marathon ranks among the world's most significant annual races, drawing elite and recreational runners alike through closed city streets. A Southeast Asian temple half marathon offers an entirely different experience, running directly past ancient ruins.
The destinations on this list range from major city marathons with international entry systems and significant infrastructure to smaller, scenic races through landscapes and historic sites that larger events couldn't easily accommodate.
Entering through official lottery or charity systems matters for the region's biggest races, several of which receive far more applications than available places each year. Entry systems vary considerably between lottery allocation and straightforward registration. Packing for sudden weather changes also matters considerably depending on the specific course and season.
Lists by region
State/Prefecture in China
Hong Kong
Where East Meets West
Though dense and crowded, this city has country parks covering about 40 percent of its land. The Dragon's Back trail has sea views and is popular with trail runners. The Peak has a flat loop on Lugard Road. The Hong Kong Marathon is held in winter.
Region in India
Ladakh
Himalayan Cold Desert of Contrasts
Located in the Himalaya of northern India, this region has Leh at about 3,500 metres above sea level. Visitors should rest two or three days before running. The Ladakh Marathon takes place in Leh each September. Quiet roads lead through dry valleys and past monasteries.
City in China
Beijing
Ancient history meets modern dynamism
Beijing hosted the 2008 Summer Olympics. Olympic Forest Park now has wide running paths and soft trails. The Beijing Marathon starts at Tiananmen Square in autumn. Spring and autumn have the clearest skies. Air quality can be poor, so check the index before a long run.
Region in Indonesia
Bali
Tropical beaches, vibrant culture and adventure
Located between Java and Lombok, this island has rice field paths near Ubud and a flat beachfront walkway in Sanur. The Bali Marathon is held in Gianyar each September. Heat and humidity are high, so run at sunrise and drink plenty of water. Mount Batur has a popular dawn trail.
City in Taiwan
Taipei
A vibrant blend of old and new
Autumn and spring are the most comfortable seasons for running in this city. Riverside parks along the Keelung and Dahan rivers have long paved paths. The steps up Elephant Mountain give a hard workout and a skyline view. The Taipei Marathon is held in December.
City in Japan
Tokyo
Japan's capital of temples, towers and food
Runners circle the Imperial Palace anticlockwise, a loop of about five kilometres with lockers and showers nearby. Yoyogi Park and the Sumida River have quiet paths for easy daily runs. The Tokyo Marathon is held in March and is one of the six World Marathon Majors.
City in Japan
Kyoto
Temples, geisha districts and kaiseki dining
Flatter and calmer than Tokyo, this city has riverside paths along the Kamo River and temple hill trails. The stone gate paths at Fushimi Inari lead up a wooded mountain. They are narrow and busy with visitors by midday. The Kyoto Marathon is held each February.
City in Nepal
Kathmandu
Temples, chaos and Himalayan magic
Locals walk clockwise around the Boudhanath stupa in the morning. Runners join the flow of the kora. Forest trails in Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park climb above the valley. The Tenzing-Hillary Everest Marathon usually takes place in May, starting at Everest Base Camp and ending in Namche Bazaar.
Country
Singapore
Tropical city-state of hawker food and gardens
As a small city state, this place has a network of park connectors of more than 300 kilometres. Routes link green spaces, reservoirs and the waterfront. Humidity is high all year, so run early or late in the day. The Singapore Marathon is held each December.
Island in South Korea
Jeju Island
Nature's Island Paradise
Spring and autumn are mild on this island, with highs between 15 and 22 degrees Celsius. The Jeju Olle trails follow the coast past fishing villages, black rock beaches and fields. Mount Halla, at 1,947 metres, has steep forest trails. Wind can be strong near the shore.
City in South Korea
Seoul
Where Tradition Meets High-Tech Marvels
Active and well organised, this city has paved running paths along the Han River with fountains, toilets and shops. Namsan Mountain has a wooded trail loop with city views. The Seoul Marathon passes Gwanghwamun and the old palaces each March. Many locals run it with friends.
City in India
Mumbai
India's bustling coastal metropolis
Marine Drive was built on reclaimed land in the 1920s and is now a curved seaside promenade. It is a popular route for runners at dawn. Sanjay Gandhi National Park has forest trails inside the city. The Tata Mumbai Marathon is held each January and raises money for charity.
Country
Bhutan
Himalayan monasteries, dzongs and trekking trails
Peaceful and mountainous, this kingdom has trails past monasteries, prayer flags and rice terraces. Thimphu sits at about 2,300 metres, so easy, slow runs are wise in the early days. The hike to Tiger's Nest near Paro climbs to about 3,100 metres through pine forest.
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