Are you looking for one of the best European cities for running? A city with 13 kilometres of promenade and an exclusive lane for runners? If you like running outdoors just a few metres from the sea, A Coruña is the best option in the northwest of the peninsula. The crystal city is known for hosting high-level athletic events such as the world championships in triathlon, walking, marathon and paratriathlon. It also has dozens of protected natural areas for practising this sport.
On the shores of the Atlantic
Walking through the city without running into a group of runners is a real utopia. A Coruña has become a lively city with a growing sporting activity. Every day, thousands of runners get up early to run alongthe Paseo Marítimo.
The moment the sun makes its appearance is a good time to get your body moving. Whether you are a novice, a newcomer or a professional. Putting on your trainers and listening to the sound of the waves breaking on the shore is a real pleasure for the senses. An exclusive running lane runs along the beaches of Orzán and Riazor, equipped with a special pavement to avoid injuries. From the promenade itself, passing through the urban sandbanks, you will reach the House of Man (Domus) and a few metres away the Aquarium Finisterrae.
Running by the Tower of Hercules
You can take the time to take a break and visit these science museums before resuming the race to the Tower of Hercules, the oldest working Roman lighthouse in the world. Admire the thousand-year-old colossus from different viewpoints while slowing down.
Many runners use the ramp up to the monument as the end of the stage, but if you still feel like wearing out the soles of your shoes, head towards the Castle of San Antón, home to the archaeological museum, to enjoy the other side of the Herculine peninsula. There you will find the breakwater, which is almost 1,400 metres long and has for decades been one of the most popular training tracks for visitors. This is the time for you to accompany the ships as they leave their berth in the Port to go out into the open sea. Without leaving your lane you will be able to admire this moment. We recommend that you do it at sunset, when the sun is setting over the bay of Herculina.
If you are a real pro and are used to breaking records, you will definitely try the route that goes all the way around the peninsula, from Oza to Bens beach. A route of about 20 kilometres, a half marathon like the ones that professionals usually run in our city.
Short, green and sustainable routes
Another of the city's charms is its extensive green areas, full of routes and trails, suitable for running. These are routes without pavements, where everything is green. It is a softer terrain and much healthier for the locomotor system. The parks of San Pedro, San Diego, Bens, Santa Margarita and the area around the Tower of Hercules itself have dozens of kilometres of trails surrounded by unique tree species and sculptures that are particularly motivating. In fact, you will enjoy protected environmental surroundings in which you will be accompanied only by the sound of migratory birds or the roar of the Atlantic that can be heard all over the peninsula.
The Oza promenade is not far behind. From its pier there is a route of a few kilometres that can be combined with the callisthenics facilities on the edge of its sandy beach.
Urban roads
The city's new mobility strategy allows runners to enjoy fully urban routes between emblematic streets and avenues and modernist buildings. Many of them are closed to road traffic throughout the day, allowing pedestrians and bicycles to circulate, a fact that runners take advantage of to design their routes through the interior of the city. The pedestrian ring road or San Andrés, which are closed to vehicles every weekend, are good opportunities to explore the city centre.
Don't forget your trainers in your suitcase and get to know every corner of A Coruña in a healthy way. Put on your shoes, get comfortable, sporty and go for a run. You will discover the city of glass in a different way.