What’s the best way to explore a new city? In running shoes of course! Taking a running tour while traveling is one of my favorite things to do. In fact, I have had the opportunity to do them in New York City (twice), Vancouver, San Francisco, Chicago, and now Tel Aviv. Let me tell you all about it.
Tel Aviv Running Tour
While traveling with my family last week, I signed up to do an early morning running tour with Moy of Fun Runs Israel. I had not been to Tel Aviv in decades and was not familiar with where to run. I found Moy after doing a simple google search and asked him if he could do an 8-10K run for me.
Seeing the sights
I met my guide Moy just after sunrise on the beach in Tel Aviv right in front of my hotel. We saw a few other runners out there as we headed off. It was mild weather-wise in the low 70s and not too sunny.
As we ran down the beach away from Tel Aviv and towards Jaffa, Moy provided interesting tidbits about local landmarks and sights. We stopped to take a photo with the iconic Ben Gurion yoga statue. He was the first prime minister of Israel in 1948 who had a passion for yoga. One of the spots all the tourists love to photo.
As we continued to run towards the old city of Jaffa, I was so intrigued by much of the history and legends of the town. Moy was full of all kinds of info from Greek mythology to Roman lore and so many stories from the bible of Jonah, Solomon, and St Peter. Historical references to the city go back to Egyptian times. You can read more here.
Today, the town has a mix of both Jewish and Arab residents who peacefully cohabitate there. Seeing the mosques alongside the churches and synagogues in close proximity is really spectacular.
We ventured up old cobblestone steps for a better view of the cityscape and to take a look at the monument to Jacob’s ladder. I find it so fascinating to see the references to the bible stories displayed right in front of me.
Those were some of the highlights of my running tour of Tel Aviv, Israel. Thanks for coming along with me. If you find yourself in Israel looking for a run guide, give Moy a try.
How to find a running tour
Running tours have become increasingly popular in the last few years. A few bigger companies such as City Running Tours and Go Running Tours both offer group and private runs. In addition, tours can also be found on sites like Viator and Trip Advisor.
Group or private tour?
That is up to you! Group tours have the advantage of getting to meet other travelers and share stories and miles. They do have set starting times and distances. Group runs are often less expensive. Private run tours obviously have more flexibility in terms of time, distance and pace. They do tend to be more expensive. I opted for a private tour to meet my schedule constraints. Both private and group tours usually build in plenty of time for photos and water stops.
Why take a running tour
Sure, you can run on your own. However, running with a local in a new city or country really gives you a chance to see some sites off the beaten bath and get insider tips on all kinds of things. Running tours are always a highlight of my travels. Where will your running shoes take you next?
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Thanks for helping to make the Runners’ Roundup a huge success by visiting all of the hosts: Me, Debbie, Jen, Lisa
This is fabulous, Deborah! Tel Aviv looks like a fascinating place.
I’ve never done a running tour in a new city, now I really want to do that!
For fun, I just googled my own city Zurich. They do offer running tours, but they’re pricey at USD 170.- for 90 minutes. I’m sure other cities outside Switzerland will be more reasonable.
I love to do them when I travel! I have never paid anywhere near that amount for a tour.Maybe a great new business idea for you 🙂
As I’ve said if I travelled again now that I run I would sign up for a running tour.
Unfortunately I travelled more before I was a runner.
Israel is an amazing place. Thanks for the memories.
yes, it is a great place to visit. Hope you get back there one day
This looks so fabulous! Like you, I’d be fascinated to see all the sights from the Bible references. It looks like such a clean and well-kept city, how fun to explore it on foot with a running guide. Thanks for sharing and taking us along with you 😉
It was a fun city to run through and explore
A running tour sounds like so much fun. I’m assuming they have different pace guides? I would worry about being too slow, especially in a group tour.
Yes, they do ask you your pace in advance to make sure that everyone is covered.
This is absolutely amazing! I love that you were able to find a tour guide and take a run through so many beautiful areas of the city.
I love to take running tours while traveling
Looks like you had a fabulous time! I have never been to Israel at all. 🙁 My nieces & nephews all went with Birthright, but of course they didn’t have that when I was a kid!
I hope you get there sometime! My son is currently doing birthright and having a blast
Wow, this sounds amazing. When you mentioned a running tour, I was wondering if you meant an official tour with a guide, or on your own. How cool to have your own personal tour guide! Your pictures are all beautiful, and I’m obviously completely ignorant because I had no idea Jews and Arabs were peacefully cohabitating in Tel Aviv- that must have been incredible to see.
Yes, having a run guide when you travel is such a fun way to see a city
I loved Jaffa for some of the same reasons. Literal living history and regardless of what you may or may not believe, standing where people have for thousands of years is just… WOW.
In Central-ish Israel, Jaffa and the City of David were my favorite spots
Wish I had been a runner when tehere. Guess it just means I need to go back 😀
the city of David was really amazing! I learned so much and saw so much. Yes, I’d love to go back again too sometime soon
They were doing an excavation when I was at City of David and had just found a mosaic with initials that matched a biblical figure said to have spent time in the area. Regardless of the myths and legends, amazing to find proof that someone with those initials had lived.
yes, it really is pretty amazing!
I love these running tours! I am always intimidated to ask about them, because what if I’m too slow or some other thing I’ve made up in my brain.
I always say walking (or running) is truly the best way to explore. Granted, my fam is not on board with this, but that’s why I always get to see more.
So glad you had the chance to do this.
I also did this in the morning without my family. One of the things I like about a personalized tour is that you can be confident that the pace will be adjusted for you
What an incredible tour! And these photos quite literally took my breath away!
thanks it was an amazing experience