If you’re craving new adventures and an adrenaline hit on holiday, a running tour can be just the ticket.
It’s something I experienced for the first time on a recent trip to Oslo. A chance to combine my two loves: travel and running.
In the hour I spent with my running tour guide, John, I managed to take in a week’s worth of sights, discover the stories behind them, and foster a deeper connection with my travel destination. So much so, I’ll be building them into every trip I do in the future.
So, if you’ve ever considered doing the same, here’s what you can expect…
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What Is A Running Tour?
Running tours are a unique way to explore a new city while getting exercise at the same time.
From short city runs to multi-day trail runs, they offer a different perspective on a destination’s landmarks, hidden gems and local culture, all while keeping up a good pace. A more authentic travel experience on fast forward.
Private running tours can typically cater for runners of all ages, abilities and experience. A few miles to a full marathon distance. Many tourist destinations have a mixture of ready-made routes you can choose from or the main running tour companies will offer to meet you outside your accommodation and go from there.
Running tours can often be themed too, including whirlwind tours of historical sites, pre-work warm-ups, non-touristy districts, and even foodie stops. Perfect for anyone on a tight schedule or keen to see a different side to a city.
For me, a holiday running tour is a good way to find my bearings in a new city and get under its skin. It also set me up for my solo runs for the remainder of my trip.
—> Related reading: The Joy of Urban Running
Oslo Running Tour Review: My First Taste of Speedy Sightseeing
I discovered Oslo Running Tours via the official Visit Oslo tourism board.
A few Facebook Messenger exchanges later and I was meeting my tour guide, John Brenne, in front of the tiger statue outside Oslo Central Station at 7:30am.
I’m a big believer in finding the joy in running to get your day off to the best possible start, with holidays being no different (read my recent review of a cruise ship running track). Setting off early also presented an opportunity to experience the energy of Norwegian rush hour and the untouched snow on what turned out to be Olso’s first white day of the year in early November.
For John, the running tours are a great way to earn extra income whilst staying fit and meeting new people. Plus, he’s a very proud Norwegian, who is all too happy to show off his beautiful country.
The Running Tour Itinerary: 10 Landmarks in 1 Hour
Other than our meeting point and time I had no idea where we’d go or what would unfold on our run. There was something quite liberating about letting John, and the weather, decide.
Having paid for the 8km route tour, I was asked what pace I’d like to run at (answer: medium pace when running on snow) and off we went.
Despite having already been in the city for 48 hours, the first half of the tour took me to central areas of Oslo I’d not yet visited.
At Karl Johans gate we took in the parliament of Norway and Oslo’s National Theatre, The Royal Palace, and various statues of former kings. Each coupled with a mini history lesson from John that I later reeled off to my other half.
We then headed to Oslo’s Tjuvholmen (aka Thief Island), so called as a former execution ground for smugglers and thieves. Now a regenerated shopping and business district, it was deserted this early in the morning. A treat when it came to photo opportunities, with its fun urban beaches or ice-cold sea water saunas, set against the beautiful backdrop of the Oslofjord islands and the ruggedness of Oslo’s hills.
Next up was Christiania torv, known for its fountain with a sculpture of a hand pointing to the precise spot King Christian IV decided to rebuild the town after the great fire of 1624. Another new fact picked up on the running tour.
A few spontaneous ice-induced detours later and we also visited Akershus Fortress, the Opera House, and the Munch museum. Each offering spectacular viewpoints we had almost entirely to ourselves.
I’m not doing the tour justice by simply listing stops. I really appreciated seeing Oslo through the lens of my tour guide, John, and getting an insight into his own travels. It turned out we’d even worked and lived in the same part of England, some 10 years apart. Small world!
Running isn’t just about traveling through – it’s about engagement, too. Learning new things. Discovery. Connection. Transcending mere exercise to experience the world around you in a more meaningful way. That’s the slow running, slow travel way. To belong, like a local.
The running tour turned out to be one of my most memorable and satisfying travel experiences. It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time but have always been put off by others in my group not sharing in my enthusiasm for running. No more.
Plus, I can’t think of a better way to work up a appetite for my hotel breakfast!
Why I Love Running Tours: Exploring on Fast Forward
John’s tour reminded me why I got into running in the first place.
I love exploring on two feet. Running tours are a unique way to see and savour several sights in one go, without feeling at all hurried. Sure, I retraced some steps from my first 2 days in Oslo, but I learnt a ton more and was better able to connect the dots and navigate the city unaided. I really appreciated being able to ask questions about running to landmarks in the distance or about everyday life in Oslo.
When so much tourism is often reduced to generic guidebooks and ‘must see’ tick lists, it’s also good to see it through the eyes of a local and experience a different side of life in Oslo. Running tour guides are very generous with their local intel and great to tap up for restaurant recommendations or to run your own mini history tour.
Plus, what’s the alternative… visiting somewhere stuck onboard a red sightseeing bus?
I now try to seek out a local running guide in every new city I visit, such as my recent Prague running tour review (pictured below).
How Much Do Running Tours Cost?
Olso Running Tours cost 600 DK (approx €50), bookable via their Facebook page. Tips are very welcome too.
Have you been on a running tour?
Share what you love about them in the comments box below…