This is another ‘runseeing’ tour of Rio’s Centro area, mainly focused on its central parks and major sites. It’s a nice complement to the Architecture tour. It’s up to 14 km, but there are easy options to shorten. 2/3 of the route is on park or waterfront paths, and the rest is on ‘runnable’ streets.
Praça da República. Flickr: Rodrigo Soldon
Start at the waterfront Modern Art Museum. The first 4 km is a loop including the marina and paths in lovely Parque Brig. Eduardo Gomes along Flamengo Beach and Parque das Crianças. There are sports fields and nice walking paths. Then head north for 1 km, passing through Praça Paris, a nice landscaped park, and Passeio Público — the first public park in the Americas! Continue north along Av. Rio Branco, which has a nice pedestrian walkway, passing the National Library, Museu Nacional de Belas Artes, & the ornate Theatro Municipal. Turn LEFT on Rte. Sete de Setembro, toward Praça da República – Campo de Santana, and enjoy a 1.3 km loop around this 1800s park with mature trees and a small lake. Exit the park and head south toward the water — here, the option is to take one of the more ‘shopping’ type pedestrian streets like R. Sr. dos Passos, or the wider but less pleasant Av. Pres. Vargas.
Museu do Amanhã. Domínio Público
The final section is an optional 3.5 km loop. When you reach the water at the Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil, run north along the waterfront path, passing the 1600s Mosteiro de São Bento church, and then to the Boulevard Olímpico promenade, location of two spectacular waterfront museums: the Museu de Arte do Rio and the modern Museu do Amanhã. Our route ends at the Praça XV de Novembro.
This is another ‘runseeing’ tour of Rio’s Centro area, mainly focused on its central parks and major sites. It’s a nice complement to the Architecture tour. It’s up to 14 km, but there are easy options to shorten. 2/3 of the route is on park or waterfront paths, and the rest is on ‘runnable’ streets.
Praça da República. Flickr: Rodrigo Soldon
Start at the waterfront Modern Art Museum. The first 4 km is a loop including the marina and paths in lovely Parque Brig. Eduardo Gomes along Flamengo Beach and Parque das Crianças. There are sports fields and nice walking paths. Then head north for 1 km, passing through Praça Paris, a nice landscaped park, and Passeio Público — the first public park in the Americas! Continue north along Av. Rio Branco, which has a nice pedestrian walkway, passing the National Library, Museu Nacional de Belas Artes, & the ornate Theatro Municipal. Turn LEFT on Rte. Sete de Setembro, toward Praça da República – Campo de Santana, and enjoy a 1.3 km loop around this 1800s park with mature trees and a small lake. Exit the park and head south toward the water — here, the option is to take one of the more ‘shopping’ type pedestrian streets like R. Sr. dos Passos, or the wider but less pleasant Av. Pres. Vargas.
Museu do Amanhã. Domínio Público
The final section is an optional 3.5 km loop. When you reach the water at the Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil, run north along the waterfront path, passing the 1600s Mosteiro de São Bento church, and then to the Boulevard Olímpico promenade, location of two spectacular waterfront museums: the Museu de Arte do Rio and the modern Museu do Amanhã. Our route ends at the Praça XV de Novembro.
Rio has some of the most spectacular beach running of any city, with some 30 km of beachfront paths. There are four distinct sections: Flamengo, Copacabana to Leme, Ipanema to Leblon, and Barra.
One of the world's iconic urban beach runs. It's up to 8.5 km one-way along the paved promenade, calçadão, combining both beaches. Great views and a festive scene. Beaches also runnable. Good add-on options.
This varied and hilly art and architecture tour includes some of Rio’s most interesting sites and neighborhoods. Historic buildings, the Santa Teresa neighborhood, and the harbor.
This 7.4 km path around the lagoon features views of the statue of Christ the Redeemer, several closer hills, and the nearby National Park of Tijuca. Can combine with Ipanema Beach.
A Rio running highlight is the walking trail skirting the base of Sugarloaf Mountain, with incredible water & mountain views. 2 km flat, & optional 300m climb over 0.6 km. Can combine w/Urca neighborhood run.
A scenic running spot in the Barra area and a great shade option. This nature preserve offers 5 km of easy, flat paths for running, underneath a lush canopy.
Built in 2016 to better connect the Olympics venues, this elevated, paved cycle path runs alongside the coastal expressway for 5 km between Praia de São Conrado and the Barra Pier. Nice coastal views, though along a busy road.
Maracana Stadium is an iconic Rio soccer stadium, which was also used for the 2016 Olympics ceremonies. There's a 1.8 km paved path around the perimeter. Combine with nice running in historic, scenic Quinta da Boa Vista Park.
A 4 km loop around the Parque Olímpico, which features several facilities built for the 2016 Olympics. Combine with Parque Linear Cidade Jardim across the way for a longer run.
Head across the water to Niterói for some terrific beachfront running and great views. There's a 4.2 km waterfront path between Praia de Gragoata & Praia de Icaraí, and a 3 km path between Praia de São Francisco to Praia de Charitas.
Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!
Subscribe
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Essentials
Full route is 14.1 km (8.8 miles); Can be shortened by 3.5 km by eliminating the Museu do Amanhã loop
Review or Comment on This Route/Share a Photo!
Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!