GUATEMALA JUST RUN – 21K

Our ‘just run’ tours are light on the sightseeing and focus will instead be on a smooth running route with minimal interruptions from traffic lights etc yet still a good and interesting route.

The starting point of this tour depends partly on your location however, it is best to begin somewhere along Avenida de las Américas or Avenida de la Reforma specifically in Zone 9 or 10 of the city. Regardless of where we start, we will run along the bike path; it is quite wide and long, essentially a space designed for cycling and running, so we can feel safe and secure. That said, we must pay attention at intersections to ensure the traffic lights allow us to cross. Some sections of the route are completely free of car traffic.

Guatemala is notable for having a mild climate for most of the year; while it may be cooler in January and February, the weather is generally mild otherwise. It can get hot especially around midday during May and June so the ideal time to run is in the morning; starting a long run like this between 5:00 and 6:00 a.m. is a good choice.

There is abundant vegetation everywhere; something that really stands out is that, wherever you look, there is always a shrub, a large tree, or flowers of various species feature I consider one of the city’s main attractions. More specifically, Reforma Avenue and Las Américas Avenue feature a mix of corporate and residential buildings. Additionally, the area is home to government buildings, shopping malls, beauty salons, spas, hotels, restaurants, galleries, and museums, making it clear that this is a highly popular and important part of the city.

As for the streets of the historic center, I would describe them as a hub of history and commerce for Guatemalans. The scene shifts a bit here: we move from running in an area filled with office workers to the downtown neighborhoods, where we see people out for a stroll, visiting churches, running errands, and engaging with the many local businesses.

This tour returns to a place known as the Hipódromo del Norte; here, a vast boulevard awaits, offering a chance to learn more about the history of Guatemala City, as this is where the first neighborhood was established following the city’s relocation from its previous site. Running in Guatemala gives you a real sense of what the people are like – friendly and hospitable wherever you go.