Many have turned to exercise and running to maintain both physical and mental wellbeing during lockdown.  Ahead of Global Running Day, which takes place on 3rd June this year, LOTUS looks at some of the best destinations to run and stay active when travel restrictions are lifted. From demanding high-altitude trails in Andorra to scenic routes followed by yoga sessions in Mexico, running is a great way to explore a different side to a destination.

TRAIL RUNNING IN ANDORRA

Known as 'the country of the Pyrenees', the small principality of Andorra is home to the most demanding, yet rewarding, trail running with mountain routes covering the entire country. Each year, the Andorra Ultra Trail welcomes runners from all over the world, who come to run the Andorran mountains. With seven routes that vary in length (from 2.5km to 233km) and gradient, runners of all abilities can participate and challenge themselves. The most demanding of the seven routes is called Euphoria - a 233km route across four days. The route features an average altitude of 2,200m with the most technical aspects, such as the rocky terrain and peaks, leading to spectacular 360º views of Andorra as well as neighbouring France and Spain. For beginner trail runners, the Solidaritrail is a 10km route around Andorra's picturesque Ordino Valley and takes runners on a circular route from the centre of the village of Ordino and through forest to admire views over the valley before descending back into village.  

Due to the outbreak of Coronavirus, the 2020 ultra-trail has been cancelled. Visit the Andorra Ultra Trail website for further information on the 2021 event.

For more information on Andorra: www.visitandorra.com

Images can be downloaded here.

CLIFFTOP RUNNING IN THE ISLANDS OF GUERNSEY

Guernsey's newly designed marathon course features some of the island's most iconic landmarks in a clockwise route around the beautiful coastline, such as the famous Castle Cornet. The race, now scheduled to take place on 25th October 2020, starts from the Castle Pier in the capital St Peter Port and is split into three different categories: Marathon, Mourant Relay Race (teams of two and five) and a Fun Run. The event welcomes a range of runners, from elite and semi-professional athletes to friends and colleagues taking part as a team in the relay race and families participating to raise money for charity.

Visit the Guernsey Marathon website for further information and to register for the event. Entry fees start from £60 for those registering between now and 11th October. Discounts are available for groups of ten runners. The Guernsey Marathon course map can be found here.

For more information on Guernsey: www.visitguernsey.com

Images available here.

RUN ALONGSIDE PALMA'S SEAFRONT

Located on the southern bay of the island, Mallorca's capital Palma perfectly blends a tranquil and relaxed Mediterranean ambience with the vibrant character of the city. Multiple pedestrianised walkways and cycle lanes in Palma allow visitors to make the most of their stay while inspiring them to stay active, especially off-season due to the mild climate and less-crowded paths.

The focal-point of running in Palma de Mallorca is the Paseo Maritimo, formally known as Avenida Gabriel Roca. The route runs alongside a promenade parallel to the city's seafront and offers over 5.5 miles of glorious seaside track. Paseo Maritimo is easily accessible from the centre of Palma and runs in both directions – for less than two miles east leading to the former fishing village of Portixol, and for a similar distance to Portopí on the west, a renovated port district with multiple bars and seafood restaurants that can be enjoyed after the run.

Runners who wish to challenge themselves with a longer distance can also add additional paths to their route and run through the steep streets lined with colourful cottages in the El Terreno area where they will be able to catch a glimpse of Bellver Castle in the distance.

For further information visit www.visitpalma.com/en

Images can be downloaded here.

RECONNECT TO WELLNESS IN RIVIERA NAYARIT

Travellers seeking a health reset should look no further than Riviera Nayarit in Mexico's Pacific coast. This tropical paradise is packed with natural charm and eclectic appeal that makes it the ideal location for travellers to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with themselves, balancing the mind, body and soul.

Travellers can fill the early morning hours with a run in one of Mexico's most enticing coastal destinations, Puerto Vallarta. Stretching around the sparkling blue Bahía de Banderas and backed by lush palm-covered mountains, Puerto Vallarta boasts picturesque views of golden beaches and the turquoise-blue ocean. This scenic 10K route, accompanied by the sun and fresh ocean breeze, will be sure to distract the minds of busy professionals and offer an invigorating run.

For those after a shorter route, runners should head just north of Puerto Vallarta to the Nuevo Vallarta shoreline. This stretch of beach is perfect for runners as the sand is firm. If runners are lucky enough, they may just witness a baby sea turtle or two making their way into the ocean.

As Riviera Nayarit has earned global recognition from yogis and relaxation enthusiasts alike, travellers should not miss the opportunity to stretch it out, post run, in a yoga session that offers panoramic views of the lush mountains and soothing ocean breezes.

For more information, visit https://www.rivieranayarit.com/

Images can be downloaded here

ALTERNATIVELY…

EXPERIENCE ONE OF THE WORLD'S LARGEST RUNS – THE SALMON RUN, ALASKA

The rugged and remote landscape in Alaska is picture perfect for runners wanting to get back to nature as well as blow off some steam. But it is also home to one of the world's largest runs – the salmon run. From early summer to September (season dependent), millions of salmon migrate from the North Pacific back to their spawning rivers, escaping the mouths of hungry bears as they run upstream. The five different types of salmon begin the run at staggered times, usually witnessing king salmon returning first followed by sockeye, coho and keta, with pink bringing up the rear. The salmon run is live streamed every year, enabling spectators to catch all of the action.

Visit www.alaskaforeverwild.com for more information about Alaska Seafood.

Images can be downloaded here.

-Ends -

For more information on LOTUS or any of the destinations mentioned please contact Ellena Jackson on ellena@wearelotus.co.uk or call 020 7953 7470.