Asia Pacific

Dhaka, Bangladesh

A Comprehensive Guide to the Best Places to Run in Dhaka

The capital of Bagladesh, Dakha is the ninth largest city in the world, with a population of 21 million. We can’t say Dhaka is a joy for running, due to its huge population density, clogged and poor quality roads, and poor air. You can’t just expect to walk out your hotel door and ‘go for a run’. But there are some decent spots for running in Dhaka, including some pleasant smaller parks and  lakeside walkways. Note: many of the parks that are good for running can get crowded. Best to go early!

One of the best places to run in Dhaka is to combine the historic Ramna Park with nearby Shishu Park and the grounds around the Eternal Flame. Nearby, there are nice walking paths around Dhanmondi Lake. A memorable spot is Chandrima Udyan, the park and grounds around the National Parliament. Another good area for running in Dhaka is in the upscale Gulshan district. At the southern end, a loop around the waterside promenades of Hatirjheel lake is a fun run. From there, a lakeside walkway extends north to our route in the Gulshan Lake Park/Baridhara neighborhood. For a green oasis and a pleasant run, the Botanical Garden is a popular spot. In northern Dhaka, there’s some decent running in upscale West Uttara. There are proper running tracks in Bangladesh Army Stadium and Bangabandhu National Stadium.

Runners should be aware of the density, uneven roads, and poor air. Also, the weather in summer can be very hot and humid, with monsoonal rains.

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Dhaka’s weather is warm to hot year-round, with distinct wet and dry seasons. Most months the average high temperature is in the 30-33C range, but it’s distinctly more humid and uncomfortable from May-October, which is also when 87% of Dhaka’s 2,000mm (85 inches) of annual rain falls. The winter months are dry and nights can cool off and be downright comfortable. Runners should note that the heat, humidity, and air pollution are a factor here. ClimaTemps.com

Dhaka is a huge city and there are hotels all over. The best bet for runners is to stay in the Ramna Park area, where there are lots of hotels, or in the Gulshan district.

There’s not a huge running scene in Dhaka. There aren’t any dedicated running stores, but there are numerous sporting goods stores that sell running gear. See the Overview Map on the city home page.

GROUP RUNS

There are two active running groups in Dhaka that we could find. BD Runners has group runs the first Friday of every month at Hatirjheel,  the third Saturday of every month at Ramna Park.

Dhaka Run Lords is another running group. They organize a half-marathon and numerous other running events in Dhaka.

Dhaka Half Marathon. Usually in February. The signature running event in Dhaka.

Dhaka Run Lords organizes numerous other running events in Dhaka.

Note also there’s a popular 10k held in West Uttara, usually in March, and the Mirpur Half Marathon, generally in November.

 

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