Boston
Boston is a city steeped in sports history, home to the world-famous Boston Marathon—the oldest annual marathon, first run in 1897. The city's deep-running culture makes it a fantastic place to train. However, be prepared for seasonal challenges—especially in the winter and summer months. It can get brutally cold in winter, with frequent snowfall making some routes icy and slippery. On the flip side, summer can be intensely hot and humid, making early morning or evening runs preferable.
Option 1: The Boston Marathon Course
If you want a challenging but iconic route, you can’t beat the Boston Marathon course.
- Route Details: The course stretches from Hopkinton to Boston, covering 26.2 miles. For a long run, you can start at various points:
- Hopkinton to Newton (16 miles)
- Wellesley to Boston (14 miles)
- Newton to Boston (10-12 miles)
- Full course option (26.2 miles)
- What to Expect: You’ll likely see plenty of other runners training for Boston, especially as race day approaches. Depending on where you start, you might tackle the legendary Heartbreak Hill, a notorious challenge for many marathoners.
- Landmarks & Views: The run passes through historic towns like Hopkinton, Wellesley (where Wellesley College students famously cheer runners on race day), and Newton before reaching Boston. Along the way, you’ll see the infamous Heartbreak Hill, the Citgo sign near Fenway Park, and finally, Boylston Street’s famous finish line.
- Amenities: Some local spots, like the Newton Fire Station and the Heartbreak Hill Running Company, leave out water for runners. There are also a few spots along the way for toilets and refreshments.
Option 2: The Charles River Path
If you prefer a flatter, more scenic run, the Charles River path is a great alternative.
- Route Details: The path loops along both sides of the river, offering flexible distances:
- Short loop (10 miles): Start from Boston’s Esplanade, cross the Anderson Bridge at Harvard, and return.
- Medium loop (16 miles): Start at the Museum of Science and follow the river past Harvard and MIT, looping back over the BU Bridge.
- Full loop (20+ miles): Extend the route all the way to Watertown before heading back.
- What to Expect: You’ll see plenty of runners and cyclists enjoying the path, and it’s a great spot for steady-paced long runs.
- Landmarks & Views: The skyline views of Boston, MIT’s iconic dome, and Harvard’s boathouses make for a scenic run.
- Amenities: There are fewer designated toilet stops, but you’ll find some along the way. Gas stations on the Harvard side of the river are good spots to grab water or a quick snack if needed.
London
London is another incredible city for running, with plenty of scenic and historic routes to explore. The weather is generally mild, but expect rain at any time of the year. Summers are warm but rarely as extreme as Boston, making for comfortable training conditions most of the year.
The Thames Path
For a long, uninterrupted run with iconic city views, the Thames Path is ideal.
- Route Details: Start anywhere along the river and follow the path in either direction. A great long run option includes:
- Battersea Park to Tower Hill and back (10 miles): A scenic route that keeps you along the north side of the Thames while avoiding the busiest tourist areas.
- Battersea Park to the Olympic Stadium via Tower Hill and back (22 miles): This extended run follows the Thames Path past Tower Hill and Limehouse, then connects to the canal path leading to the Olympic Stadium before returning.
- Tower Hill to Olympic Park (14 miles): Follow the Thames east past Tower Hill and Limehouse, then connect to the canal path leading to the Olympic Stadium and back.
- Westminster to Richmond (20 miles): A scenic, continuous route following the Thames Path westward past Battersea, Putney, Barnes, and Kew Gardens, eventually reaching the scenic Richmond Park.
- Through the Parks (12-18 miles): Combine the Thames Path with a loop through Hyde Park, Green Park, and St. James’s Park for a mix of river and greenery running.
- What to Expect: The Thames Path is a mix of paved and gravel sections, with scenic water views. The best times to run are early in the morning or later in the evening, as tourist-heavy areas like Westminster and Tower Hill can become crowded during the day. Staying on the north side of the river can help avoid congestion.
- Landmarks & Views: Big Ben, the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, and eventually the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
- Amenities: Public toilets are available at various points along the river, and you’ll find plenty of cafes and shops for mid-run refreshments.
Final Thoughts
Both Boston and London offer incredible options for long runs, whether you’re training for a marathon or just looking to enjoy the city on foot. The Boston Marathon route and the Charles River path provide great variety in Boston, while London’s Thames Path offers an excellent mix of urban and scenic riverfront running.
Boston, with its rich sports culture and the world's oldest marathon, provides a truly historic running experience. London, with its blend of iconic landmarks and riverfront paths, is equally compelling for runners looking for variety in their training.
Wherever you are, lace up your running shoes and explore these legendary routes. Happy running!
