Want to really get to know a city? Run a race through it

Running a race abroad can offer a close-up way to experience a city’s landmarks, neighbourhoods and local culture. The writer describes seeing Angkor Wat at dawn during a half marathon, while also recalling how poor planning left them exhausted in the heat.

The advice is to choose a destination and route that show varied parts of the place, then arrange travel, accommodation and race-day essentials early. Staying near the start, arriving two days before an international event, planning where supporters can watch and leaving room to rest afterwards can make the trip more enjoyable.