Parks, river walks, roads that have been properly conditioned are the most popular places to run in Extremadura. This is a region in Spain, which is west of Madrid and borders with neighboring country Portugal.  Places to help people get into shape, in the outdoors are available all year around and, generally are blessed with a very favorable climate. Outdoor settings for local residents and also, travelers who pack their running shoes are increasingly forming part of the urban landscape of the region.

Running enthusiast of all ages sketch their circuits on these scenarios and cities, converting them into a daily routine, into a training ground in which to prepare for the multiple sporting events that are organized by the different clubs and associations.  Or just to keep in shape and live a healthier life.

Running un Badajoz

At the city of Badajoz, the runners move through the “Tres Arroyos” (Three Streams) and the “Rivillas” parks, which are located at the right bank of the Guadiana River. Also, runners take advantage of the “Quito Puente” (Fifth Bridge) Circuit of the “Confederación Hidrográfica del Guadiana” (the Guadiana Hydrographic Confederation) and through the roads that have been conditioned by the “Junta de Extremadura” toward Olivenza and Gévora and, the Athletic Tracks of the Sport Complex at Granadilla.

Running in Mérida

In Mérida   people can run at historical sites such as the Roman Bridge, to complete a dozen kilometer on dirt road until Alange or maybe a couple more kilometers if the decision is to reach the dam of Cornalvo.

The area of the Guadiana channel is another meeting point for running enthusiasts, who in a purely urban circuit in Merida can chooses short routes like passing the Roman and the Lusitania bridges or design longer routes through the “Isla de Mérida” and the “Albarregas” park .

To run in Cáceres

The runners move through the parks of “El Principe” and “El Cuartillo” in Cáceres, also, the “Olivar de los Frailes” and “La Sierrilla”.  If you are looking for slopes, it is best to climb to the sanctuary of the “Virgen de la Montaña”. From there you can regain your strength by observing the magnificent scenery of the city. For those who prefer a flat terrain, the grounds of the Cáceres exhibition fair are ideal. This is located next to the highway to Mérida.

The “Cacereños” also run along the parallel roads to the N-630 and the industrial park called “Poligono de las Capellanías” and along the “Ronda Norte” highway.

Running in Plasencia

In Plasencia the park of “La Isla” is the most popular starting point, from where you can continue along the Jerte River walk to the Plasencia reservoir.  This is more than four kilometers of nature that can be extended up to 18 kilometers if you follow the dam toward the Valley of Jerte.  In the opposite direction, also starting from “La Isla”, runners, from the “Parque Cachón” which is parallel to the “Avenida España”, use the road of “Arroyo Niebla”.  The runners who love slopes, choose to climb to the sanctuary of the “Puerto” (Port), in the protected natural park of “Valcorchero” or run to the antennas at the “Sierra de Santa Barbara”.

planVE, la guía de ocio de Extremadura

Original article by Pilar Armero

Translated by Susana Windt

Los circuitos urbanos más populares para correr en Extremadura

Published in December 2016