Running is one of the most popular sports worldwide, and some cities offer better conditions than others. Find the top 10 rankings here.
London and New York lead the ranking due to the many events, clubs and dedicated routes, with two of the most prestigious marathons in the world.
Sydney and Melbourne stand out for breathtaking views, and with Sydney now part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors circuit it increases its attractiveness to runners.
Italy remains outside the top 10, despite its running tradition and iconic marathons, perhaps due to less availability of dedicated routes and less favorable environmental factors.
What makes a city running friendly? Recent studies have revealed which cities are the best for running enthusiasts, based on factors such as the number of annual events dedicated to the sport, available trails, the number of parks, and the presence of running clubs and running crews. Interest in the sport is growing steadily, even among younger people, with more and more people signing up for races and looking for training groups to improve their performance.
The best cities to run in 2025
Here are the rankings of the 10 best cities in the world for runners:
1. London, United Kingdom
2. New York City, United States
3. Sydney, Australia
4. Melbourne, Australia
5. Los Angeles, United States
6. Perth, Australia
7. Madrid, Spain
8. Valencia, Spain
9. Canberra, Australia
10. Stockholm, Sweden
London takes first place
The British capital is the best city for runners with its 58 running events spread throughout the year, including the renowned London Marathon, one of the most prestigious in the world. Runners can choose from the beauty of 630 dedicated routes, many of which run through iconic places such as Hyde Park, Regent’s Park and the paths along the Thames. In addition, London has a strong running community, with historic clubs such as the Serpentine Running Club, which organizes weekly training and social races.
New York: every marathoner’s dream
In second place is New York City, which stands out for the number of running events: as many as 246 races a year, more than any other city on the list. The most famous is undoubtedly the New York City Marathon, which draws thousands of fans from around the world every year. The city offers 91 routes for runners, with Central Park as a landmark. The club scene is also very active, with groups such as the historic New York Road Runners organizing events and training throughout the year in addition to the marathon.
Sydney and Melbourne to run with spectacular views
Ranked third and fourth respectively, Sydney and Melbourne offer some of the most fascinating running trails in the world. In Sydney, the famous Bondi to Coogee Walk is a must for runners, with breathtaking ocean views and a course that alternates between scenic climbs and descents. The city hosts 15 running events each year and boasts excellent air quality, making the experience even more enjoyable. In addition, the Sydney Marathon has officially entered the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors circuit, joining such legendary competitions as the London and New York Marathons. This recognition has made Sydney an even more desirable destination for runners from around the world.
Melbourne also offers a wide choice of trails, with more than 540 dedicated tracks, including the scenic circuit along the Yarra River and the popular Tan Track near the Royal Botanic Gardens. The city is home to very active running clubs, such as the Melbourne Midday Milers, known for its strong community spirit.
Madrid and Valencia: the Spanish passion for running
Spain also has two cities in the top 10. Madrid is known for its Maratón de Madrid, one of the country’s most important sporting events, and for its routes surrounded by greenery, such as the Parque del Retiro. Valencia, on the other hand, is considered one of the most runner-friendly cities, thanks to a mild climate and excellent infrastructure. The Valencia Marathon is one of the fastest in the world, and the Jardín del Turia, carved out of the bed of the river of the same name, provides an uninterrupted 9-kilometer path through the city’s heart.
Stockholm and Canberra: nature and clean air for runners
Those who enjoy running surrounded by nature will find Stockholm and Canberra two perfect destinations. Stockholm, with its 513 running trails, offers spectacular routes along canals and in its many urban parks. Canberra, the capital of Australia, is perhaps the most surprising on the list: it has 200 running trails and some of the cleanest air in the world, perfect for training without the stress of pollution.
A growing trend
More and more people see running not only as a sport, but also as an opportunity to socialize, improve their health, and explore new and unfamiliar places. If you’re looking for the perfect city to explore at a running pace, these destinations offer the best for the experience you’re looking for.
What about Italy?
Despite the fact that Italy has a strong tradition related to running and hosts iconic events such as the Rome Marathon, Florence Marathon, Venicemarathon and Milan Marathon, no Italian city made it into the top 10. This could be due to factors such as less availability of dedicated trails, a less incisive presence of structured running clubs or, unfortunately, a lower safety libel and worse air quality.
However, cities such as Rome, Milan, Florence and Venice offer unique scenery for runners, with trails among historic monuments and urban parks. It may only be a matter of time before one (or more) of our cities makes the rankings.
