Jogging or running. Alone, with friends or your partner. It doesn't matter what you call it, or who you do it with. The crux of the matter is that city living is no longer an excuse for refraining from taking part in outdoor sport. It is increasingly easy to find parks where you will see people running back and forth at any time of the day. It represents a different way of visiting a city. There are even companies that offer guided running tours of cities to small groups that take in their most famous monuments. However, on this occasion, we're going to see the best urban parks chosen by the runners all around Spain… don't forget to stretch!
Madrid: The Retiro park
In addition to its excellent location in the city centre and good public transport communications, the park offers a number of different routes, whether on dirt tracks or tarmac and allows you to choose the distance you would like to run. Furthermore, on hot days there is no reason to stop exercising, as it has lots of shaded areas. It is also a great place to get to know some interesting monuments, such as the monument of the Fallen Angel, one of just three examples of this type of monument in the world. A number of the most important races on the national calendar are held here, such as the Madrid half marathon and the Rock and Roll marathon.
Seville: Parque de Maria Luisa
To say that Seville is enchanting is an understatement. And the Parque de María Luisa offers indisputable proof of this. Opened in 1914, and Romanesque in style, it is one of the most crowded every day because of its many shady areas, which is essential in a city where temperatures regularly soar. It is yet another place where popular races are held, in which participation numbers are always high.
Barcelona: Carretera de les Aigües
Despite not being located in the heart of Barcelona, it is the place where runners in the Catalan capital prefer to run. And with good reason, given the spectacular views of Barcelona that can be enjoyed over the route's 9 kilometres (5.6 miles). Enthusiasts can get there either by car or public transport. Alternatively, walking there is the perfect warm-up.
Valencia: Parque de Cabecera
Many local and visiting runners choose this spot as an add-on to the Parque Natural del Turia, which runs parallel to the river and offers a route of between 2 and 30 km (1.2 and 18.6 miles) when combining both. It includes steep hills, which are perfect for alternating between different rhythms whilst training. Water plays an important (and refreshing) role in this park, as it also features a large lake, where you can hire a duck-shaped pedalo. You can find more information on the park here.
Bilbao: Parque Europa
It is neither the most central nor the most spectacular park in Bilbao but is chosen by the locals for training. You have two paths to choose from, asphalt or grass, both a mile. It has also served as a venue for concerts and even local races are organised by the association of traders Txurdinaga neighbourhood in which it is located.
Santander: Parque de la Magdalena
Let the sea breeze caress your every step on this route that runs parallel to the sea, bordering the Magdalena peninsula and the palace of the same name. It can be combined with different routes to make it longer, for example, by going as far as the Cabo Mayor lighthouse, which makes for a run of over 7 km (4.3 miles) in total. And, if its proximity to the sea is not enough, why not stop at its small, golden sanded beach and take a refreshing dip? An absolute luxury to reward your efforts and relax your muscles.
Zaragoza: Parque del Agua. Parque del Agua “Luis Buñuel” de Zaragoza
Rather than a park, a sporting and leisure universe. For runners, there are two different routes, one of 5 and one of 10 km (3.1 and 6.2 miles) in length. Additionally, the latter ventures into the 2008 Expo fairground at which, like at the park, water was particularly important. In fact, the Parque del Agua Luis Buñuel was designed on the banks of the River Ebro and here you will find abundant vegetation that owes much to the river's flow. You'll be surprised by the amount of activity on offer at its facilities: golf course, multi-activity space and even rafting!
Pamplona: A lap around the Castle..or two
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To participate in the San Fermin bull runs, it would be a good idea to do some training first. One of the most popular routes amongst locals borders the Citadel citadel and offers us the opportunity to discover a number of hidden gems. Furthermore, as a totally flat area, it is ideal for all types of runners. The route around the castle is approximately 2 km (1.2 miles) long and features both paved or dirt track routes, in addition to a number of fountains where you can quench your thirst.
Parque del Campo Grande - Valladolid
The 'Campo Grande' is a large public park located in the heart of the city of Valladolid. Is triangular, has 115.000 m (11.5 ha) surface and is limited by the street Acera de Recoletos, the Paseo de los Filipinos and Paseo de Zorrilla. Its main entrance is in the Plaza de Zorrilla, where together with a modern bill gate lies a floral shield of the city.
Its origin as a park or, more specifically, as a garden area, dates back to 1787, although from the fifteenth century must be regarded as an important urban space. A notable feature of the park is the abundant bird population. Spread over the surface lies a Faisanera, an aviary and a loft belonging to Castilla Pigeon Club, which has made the peacocks, pheasants and pigeons very numerous and they have become the real inhabitants of the park. It has a variety of trees that are a true botanical garden. Many races are held in the park throughout the year.