Exercise is a great way to relax and a novel new way to see Barcelona has just been launched in the form of running tours. These guided running tours are in many ways like the traditional walking tours, stops are made along the way as you pass by important cultural sites, which a guide then explains, and, including stops, tells the story of the city while he was running from one place to another. Though in the case of the running tours, the guides explain the culture, architecture and the social atmosphere of the places while on the go as well.
Joan Brull of 360 Running Barcelona says “we are passionate about running and also our city. What we do is mix both to show the city while running”. Brull says the idea came about jointly with Jaume Pedregosa, another of the founders of the organization, together they had always enjoyed “running throughout the city, relaxing and losing ourselves”.
The tours are aimed at tourists who want to see the city in a different way and to take part in some sporting activity while on vacation. It is not important to be a professional runner, 360 Running emphasise that the routes are always adapted to the level of the participants so that everyone can keep up with the tour.
The team of 360 Running Barcelona offers tour routes ranging from coast to mountains – along the beach or in Collserola National Park at the back of the city, as well as routes crossing the Old Town, the Eixample and Passeig de Gracia and the Gothic Quarter.
Besides passing main attractions such as the Sagrada Familia, Las Ramblas or the Palau de la Musica Music, other less known but interesting areas, such as Sant Pere are included. The tours usually take place early or late in the day and can be from 5km to 25 km long depending on the participant’s wishes.
