If you’re going to run around in circles, then why not do it in some of the most breath taking spots on Earth. Just to get your wanderlust going a little, we wanted to share some of the most beautiful tracks in the world.
Traveling for a race is common…but what about just traveling to get in an epic workout!
Which one would make your speed workout even more fun?
#1. Ladakh, India
Ladakh is part of the Tibetan plateau, which is also known as the roof of the world – and at over 11,000 feet, their first soccer and track stadium will be a test of altitude and stamina for those who go tackle it.
Experienced runners will tell you that running at that altitude feels like doing double the distance somewhere lower, but what’s life without a challenge now and then, right?
The stadium cost a pretty penny, but for coach Tsering Stobygas, the impact will be even bigger.
“I’m a coach for marathon runners here. Before this, we had to run on roads. Now we’re witnessing improvement because we can now measure distance & speed easily.”
Sports Minister Kiren Rijiiju said the foundation was first laid in September of 2020.
“Very satisfying to see the completion of sports projects in Ladakh in less than just two years despite the pandemic! PM Modi gave a clear direction to execute all the projects on time. These are funded under the Khelo India Scheme.”
They hope the track will help revive a sports culture in India and around the world.
#2. St. Moritz
The altitude at St. Moritz, an Alpine resort town in the eastern part of Switzerland, clocks in at only a bit over 6,000 feet above sea level – impressive, but not like India!
European runners, especially those specializing in middle- and long-distance courses, use the tracks there for training on a regular basis. They have a 4-lane 400m athletics track with equipment for jumping events such as high jump, long jump, and triple jump.
St. Moritz is the official Swiss Olympic High Altitude Training Base, and top endurance athletes all over the world swear by the value of training at altitude. The dry and cold alpine climate is ideal, and with 322 days of sunshine a year, you can’t ask for a better locale than St. Moritz.
The best part?
You don’t have to be an Olympian to use the facilities – they’re open to amateur and pro, Swiss and otherwise.
Check out this video for more details!
#3. Fuji Hokuroku Park
This gorgeous park and track are located at the “base of the world,” a World Heritage Site at the foot of Mt. Fuji.
The environment is perfect, the views are stunning, and by all accounts, the track is a runner’s drea,.
Fun fact: The stadium was also one of Ventforet Kofu’s home turfs in 2000.
#4. Chula Vista Athlete Training Center
This track, which opened in June, 1995, is an Olympic and Paralympic training center.
The site contains 155 acres of sport venues and support facilities for a number of summer sports, including track and field events.
It is open to the public for guided tours and interactive experiences, plus you can check out the Elite Team Shop if you want to drop some dough.
#5. BYU Track
The Clarence F. Robinson Track is home to the BYU men’s and women’s track teams, and coaches and athletes alike call it one of the finest in the nation, if not the world.
It’s set against the Wasatch Mountains, and the view definitely doesn’t hurt!
The track was completed in 2002, with a state-of-the-art Mondo Super X surface. That, combined with its drainage system, makes it one of the best workout facilities in the American West.
Bonus: Michael Johnson Track at Nike HQ
Located in Beaverton, OR, this 5-lane track is as picturesque as they come.
Star athletes like Galen Rupp and Mary Cain have used it for workouts, and were likely as inspired by the bronze statue of 400-meter record holder Michael Johnson as you will be, too.
The track winds through a forest of western conifers, and runners of all calibers call it “one of the coolest track settings ever.”
It is open to the public, though you’ll have to check days and times for yourself.
Looking for more inspiration?
- Track guide for beginners (which way do you run?!)
- How to Run a Mile Without Stopping
- How Many Laps is A Mile at the Track
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