Run around the world:

Europe is the highest-scoring region in our index, placing among the top 10 more times than any other continent.

If you’re looking to combine the thrill of travel with your passion for running, these are the best cities for immersing yourself in a destination while staying active.

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The city boasts over 1,000 running routes (the highest in our research) and is also one of the cheapest cities to book accommodation, the average price of a hotel room costing just £72 per night. According to Travel Safe Abroad, the city is also one of the safest on our list – perfect for solo travellers and late-night runners.

Vienna's geography is defined by the river Danube, which splits the city in two. For your run, you can follow the river to take in the countless historic buildings and monuments situated along its banks, or find one of the city’s parks to take in some nature.

The city’s low elevation and relatively flat landscape means it’s a great option for newbie runners. However, the landscape does get hillier the farther from the city you travel. For more experienced runners, the Kahlenberg, a mountain to the north of the city, offers stunning views.

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Famous for its snow-peaked mountains and breathtaking landscape, Chamonix is our next recommendation. A charming valley located in the French Alps, this destination ranks highest for scenery on our index, winning out over Yosemite National Park and Lake Tahoe in the United States.

Chamonix is renowned for its running events, attracting athletes from around the globe. The Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc is one of the most prestigious ultra-marathons in the world, while the Mont-Blanc Marathon and Cross du Mont-Blanc are excellent options for those who enjoy shorter challenges.

The region’s mountainous terrain lends itself to winter sports and trail running – but with an average elevation of 2,257 metres (7405ft) and over 100 expert running routes, it certainly isn’t for the faint of heart. If you’re a less-experienced runner, be mindful of the local altitude, and spend a few days acclimatising before setting off on any strenuous runs.

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Reykjavik, Iceland’s stunning capital, has the best safety score in our index (89/100) and the most five-star reviews for its running routes.

Running in Reykjavík is suitable for both beginners and seasoned runners. With a blend of urban trails, waterfront paths and a refreshing coastal breeze, its running routes are easy to enjoy and showcase the city’s many views and cultural landmarks.

Laugardalur valley and park is a popular outdoor area in Reykjavik. Its well-maintained paths are perfect for running and its sport facilities, which include an ice skating rink and Iceland’s largest pool, Laugardalslaug, attract thousands of sporting families every year.

If you’re on your way to North America for an active holiday, Iceland’s well-known trails are the perfect warm-up; simply add an extended stopover to your journey for an extra seven days in the city at no additional airfare.

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With over 10,000 running events in the USA alone, North America is a honeypot for runners, attracting thousands of enthusiasts every year.

Here are the top three destinations from our index for an unforgettable running holiday.

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With over 460 running routes and an average review score of 4.5, Boulder, Colorado, takes North America’s number one spot in our index. The city offers something for every runner, whether you prefer challenging mountain trails or scenic urban paths.

Home to numerous running clubs and races, this choice of location provides ample opportunity for holidaymakers to connect with fellow runners and participate in group activities.

Boulder experiences 300 days of sunshine per year on average, making it an excellent place for running year-round. The climate is generally mild, with warm summers and moderate winters, making it easy to train and enjoy, no matter the season.

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Next on our list, Vancouver, Canada, is an ideal destination for running holidays. It boasts an impressive 610 running routes, catering to runners of all levels, and an average route review score of 4.4.

Vancouver is renowned for its natural scenery. The city is surrounded by mountains, ocean and verdant forests, all charming backdrops for runs. Popular running spots include Stanley Park, known for its scenic seawall; False Creek, a beautiful waterfront route; and the Pacific Spirit Regional Park, a forested park located near the University of British Columbia.

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According to our research, New York City is the highest-rated running destination in North America, with its near 600 running routes pulling in an average review score of 4.7 out of 5.

Perhaps the most iconic running location is Central Park, a massive stretch of parkland in the middle of the city with dozens of running loops. The park’s full loop, which circles the whole park, is just over 10km (6 miles) long, perfect for an early morning jog, or enjoying at the end of day before taking in the city skyline.

The city is also host to the world-renowned New York City Marathon, as well as local races, fun runs and organised group runs. The city's extensive public transport system also makes it easy to visit various running routes and explore different neighbourhoods.

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The Asia-Pacific region is a magnet for running enthusiasts. It lays claim to some of the most running-obsessed countries in the world, such as Japan and Australia, and takes two prized positions in our index’s top 10.

Let’s take a look:

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Tokyo, Japan, is our highest-scoring destination in the Asia-Pacific region, taking eighth place overall. The city is home to over 400 running routes which have an average review score of 4.6 and take you from scenic waterfronts to historic temples.

With an average elevation of 284 metres (932ft), Tokyo’s relatively flat terrain is ideal for casual joggers. The city also has one of the highest safety scores on our Index (80/100), so runners can explore the city with total confidence, secure in the knowledge that it's very safe.

Running in Tokyo offers a unique cultural experience, combining modern with traditional. One of the most popular routes is the Imperial Palace Loop, a 5km (3-mile) run offering stunning views of the grounds and a peaceful escape in the heart of the city.

If you’re a fan of races, don’t forget that Tokyo is also host to one of the most prestigious of them all: the Tokyo Marathon. The Tokyo Marathon is one of the six World Marathon Majors, welcoming over 30,000 runners every year.

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Melbourne, Australia, with its high average review score (4.7 out of 5) and comparatively low cost of accommodation, is the next best destination our index.

Melbourne’s parks and trails are very well maintained, offering something for every kind of runner. Make your way along the Yarra River for excellent city views, or take to the paths in the Royal Botanic Gardens for a flower-filled jaunt.

Albert Park is one of the city’s most popular destinations for runners. There's a 3km (2-mile) route around the lake that's open year-round, and most runners can complete it within an hour or so, perfect for kickstarting the day.

After your run, Melbourne also has plenty of cafes and restaurants where you can relax and refuel. Why not stop to enjoy a delicious brunch or a coffee in one of the city’s many cool spots?

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Third on our Asia-Pacific index is Auckland, located in the north of New Zealand’s North Island.

The city has over 500 running routes, so there’s more than enough trails to choose from. And with one of the cheapest average accommodation costs (£74 per night), it’s a great destination in terms of affordability.

Take a run along the harbour to see its many superyachts, or visit Auckland Domain, the city’s oldest park, for a more nature-filled trek.