As I have said before, I didn’t join the gym last year so my fitness routine was limited to going for runs or doing NTC in the park near my house or in my room.  Running (or walking) around a city is my absolute favorite way to see a new city, figure out the lay of the land, and really try to get to know the city.  Go run.  Get lost in the winding streets.  Run along that river you find or through the park or down the narrow streets with restaurants (although it’s not very fun to weave in and out, so maybe you should walk these).  Unless you can’t run or walk, I am anti City Tour Bus.  

With all of that being said, here are my favorite places to run in Madrid, both for long distance running, as well as short sprint workouts.

Long Runs

1 // Retiro

You knew I would say Retiro because everyone says Retiro.  And for good reason!  It’s big, has a number of paths, plenty of other people out exercising or hanging out, and lots and lots of trees.  Also, you can run on the trails or on the cement, depending on preference.

2 // Paseo del Prado and Paseo de la Castellana to Plaza de Colon (or beyond)

After Atocha and past the book fair entrance of Retiro, you can run all the way to Plaza de Colon (or beyond!) in the median strip of this busy street.  The middle of the street has a pedestrian walkway that is never too busy and is great for long walks or runs.  The only downside is that you will need to go through 2-3 traffic circles depending on how far you go, but I use them as a time to take a walking break since they are usually packed with tourists.  On Sundays, Paseo del Prado and part of Castellana is blocked off to traffic, so you can run in the middle of the road and feel like a king!

3 // Casa del Campo

Another huge and great park for long distance running.  Plenty of nature, people out and about, and sidewalks or trails to run.  It’s big though, so be careful not to get lost!

Sprint Runs or Interval Training

1 // The book fair hill outside or Parque del Retiro

It’s usually not all that packed a sprint at a good pace takes between 40 seconds and one minute.  

2 // The hills in Lavapies

Lavapies has some pretty steep hills, but they’re not too long.  I do 10 x 35 second- 1 minute intervals, depending on which hill I use.  Usually the streets are quiet, so no one will give you a problem.

3 // Retiro Paths

There are some really great, wide paths in Retiro that are not usually full of people.  They are super long, so you can decide how far to sprint, and unlike my other recommendations- these are flat.

Scenic Runs

Start: Metro Embajadores – up Embajadores to Plaza Mayor – through Plaza Mayor to Sol and then up C/ Montera – At Gran Via, take a right – head down Gran Via until Paseo del Prado – take a Right on Paseo del Prado – Follow it all the way to Atocha and back to Embajadores.

*If you do this run on the weekend, it won’t be enjoyable because of the high volume of tourists!

Happy Running!!!