How To Find A Running Route

This guide explains how to approach how to find a running route, including the preparation, practical steps, common mistakes, and final checks that help you finish with confidence.

45-90 minutes: Time needed for initial planning

Easy to Medium: Difficulty to plan

Traffic and poor lighting Watch out for

Before You Start

What You Need

Safety, Timing, or Context Checks

Check first: Always prioritise your personal safety. If a route feels unsafe or too isolated, especially at certain times of day, choose an alternative. Never compromise your well-being for the sake of a route.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Quick Reference

Common Problems When You Find A Running Route

Even with careful planning, you might encounter a few issues when trying to find and run new routes. Knowing how to troubleshoot these can save you a lot of frustration.

The Route Feels Unsafe or Isolated

This is perhaps the most critical problem. If at any point a route feels unsafe due to poor lighting, lack of people, suspicious activity, or heavy traffic, do not hesitate to change it. Your safety is paramount. Options include:

The Route Is Boring or Monotonous

Running the same loop repeatedly can quickly lead to boredom and a lack of motivation. If your chosen route isn't holding your interest:

The Route Is Too Short or Too Long

It's easy to misjudge distances, especially when planning on a map. If your route doesn't match your desired distance:

No Amenities on the Route

Discovering you're miles from a water fountain or a toilet on a hot day can be a real issue. To combat this:

Advanced Tips for Finding Running Routes

Once you've mastered the basics of finding a running route, you can start to think about ways to enhance your running experience and explore even more options.

Vary Your Routes Regularly

Don't fall into the trap of only running one or two routes. Consistently varying your routes keeps your mind engaged, prevents boredom, and can even help to strengthen different muscle groups. Aim to have a repertoire of at least 3-5 different routes of varying lengths and difficulties that you can rotate throughout the week or month. This also helps you discover new parts of your local area you might otherwise miss.

Explore New Areas with Public Transport

Feeling limited by your immediate surroundings? Use public transport to your advantage. Take a bus or train to a nearby town or a different part of your city, and then run a route there. You can plan a one-way run and use transport to get back, or do a loop from your drop-off point. This is an excellent way to see new sights, experience different terrains, and make a longer run feel like an adventure.

Incorporate Elevation Training

If you're looking to build strength, improve your speed, or train for a hilly race, actively seek out routes with significant elevation changes. Use online mapping tools to identify hills and inclines. Many apps allow you to view a route's elevation profile. Incorporating hill repeats or longer uphill sections into your training can provide a powerful boost to your fitness.

Join a Running Group or Club

This is one of the best ways to discover new routes and expand your running horizons. Running groups often have designated routes for their weekly runs, covering various distances and paces. Not only will you discover new paths, but you'll also benefit from the safety of running in a group and the shared motivation of other runners. Plus, locals in the group will have invaluable knowledge of hidden routes and safer options.

"Fartlek" Exploring

Embrace a bit of spontaneity. Sometimes, the best way to find a new route is to simply head out without a strict plan. Run for a set amount of time or distance in one direction, then turn and explore a new path or street. This informal, "playful" approach (known as Fartlek, Swedish for "speed play") isn't just for speed work; it can be a fantastic way to stumble upon unexpected routes and make your run feel like an adventure. Just remember to carry your phone for navigation back home!