Airports aren't always the best place to run. But a travelling runner often has little other choice. And many airports can be quite passable with a bit of planning.
This page presents my notes from a few airports where I've enjoyed memorable runs.
Airport conditions change -- construction, new security rules, etc. Please watch carefully and don't assume my notes are right.
For each run, you'll need somewhere to leave your bags, and somewhere to take a shower after you're done. I tend to favor airport lounges (which airlines provide to Business/First passengers and, often, to loyal customers), which often offer both these services. If you're traveling with someone else, that person might be able to hold your luggage while you run.
For runs that start and end at airport terminals, you'll need to reclear security upon your return. Be sure to have appropriate documentation (e.g. boarding pass and photo ID). Clearing security in dirty running clothes is unusual but absolutely possible.
Distance: approximately 10 miles - map
Exit your terminal and proceed on the sidewalks, on the Arrivals level. Passenger terminals are arranged in a U, with the open end at Terminal 1 and 8. At the open end of the U, a traffic light lets you cross Sepulveda Boulevard and proceed straight on Century Boulevard (heading east). Continue past hotels on your left and cargo terminals on your right. Turn right on Aviation Boulevard and continue, keeping the airport on your right. Cross where necessary to stay on a sidewalk; there is indeed a sidewalk the whole way.
The most difficult crossing is at the exit of the Sepulveda Tunnel. Despite signs instructing that pedestrians must not cross, I typically do cross there, when traffic conditions allow. Alternatively, cross Imperial twice to enjoy crosswalks all the way.
After crossing Sepulveda, look for the pedestrian underpass under an automobile on-ramp . Continue, still keeping the airport on your right. In due course you'll reach the starting point.
It's also possible to begin this run at any of the airport hotels on Century Boulevard.
Note that this run is quite exposed to sun -- very hot on a summer day, with little possibility of water or shade en route.
An additional warning: It's hard to cut this run short; halfway around the loop from where you started, it's not easy to get back. I strongly recommend against using the Sepulveda Tunnel as a pedestrian -- painfully loud, dark, rather scary. But it's possible if absolutely necessary.
The JFK passengers terminals are in a loop, largely with sidewalks between terminals. For a short run, it's typically possible to take the sidewalks between terminals. Worst linked by sidewalks is Terminal 8 (American and selected partners). But a serious runner would find a between-terminal run unsatisfying -- too many interruptions, and insufficient distance.
I suggest taking the JFK Airtrain to the Federal Circle stop. That's free, and service is frequent (every 5-10 minutes in my experience). Get off, and ignore signs for hotel shuttles and car rentals. You'll find ample sidewalk in the area, and very light vehicle traffic. For the most open space and fewest interruptions, I suggest continuing in the direction of the Airtrain, towards the taxi waiting lot.
It's also possible to cross Federal Circle, but traffic there is heavier, making that route less desirable.
Perimeter Road fully surrounds Heathrow. The road changes names -- Northern Perimeter Road, then Eastern, then Southern, then Western. But the road itself is continuous and clearly marked.
In most areas, vehicle traffic is quite light, and there's often a sidewalk. The busiest area is on the north side of the airport, between Terminal 5 and the Central Terminal Area. I advise particular caution there -- and remember the direction of British automobile traffic.
If you're starting at the Central Terminal Area (Terminals 1 and 3), you'll need to get out to Inner Perimeter Road to begin. Most automobile traffic to/from the CTA uses a "Main Tunnel" out to Perimeter Road. But there are also two small tunnels, one on each side of the Main Tunnel. The small tunnels are largely for bicycles, but they're also suitable for runners. Signs tell pedestrians to keep out, but I felt comfortable there.
I once began this run at the BA T5 Arrivals Lounge (available for long-haul arrival passengers in BA premium cabins and certain top-level elite passengers). Officially, their bag check staff only allows bags to be left while a passenger remains in the lounge, but when I explained the purpose of my brief exit from the lounge, the attendant was agreeable.
It's also possible to begin this run on any of the hotels on Bath Road. Begin by following signs to Heathrow Terminals 1 and 3 / Central Terminal Area, or to Terminal 5, and be alert for signs to Perimeter Road.
From T5A departures, take the T5A-T5B-T5C train to T5B departures. Be sure to take the south train (boarding to your right as you approach the train platform). If the first train to arrive is the north train (boarding to your left), don't board; wait for the next train, which will be on the right.
When you arrive at T5B, do not follow the mass of passengers up the escalators to T5B departures. Instead, look for a staircase downwards. During my visit, one side of the staircase was roped off, but the other side was open.
Down the staircase, you'll find a tunnel back towards T5A (to your left) and to T5C (to your right). It's ordinarily used by motorized carts transporting passengers with special needs. When the train breaks down, it's used by all passengers. Otherwise, it's quite empty. In a half-hour run there, I saw just two motorized carts.
Bombardier reports that the pedestrian tunnel is 670 meters one-way (from T5A to T5C). Repeat as many times as desired.
The tunnel is partially climate-controlled. In shorts, I was comfortable on a January day when it was just above freezing outside.
At the conclusion of your run, end at the T5A side. Take the elevator to floor 2 (T5A departures) and back to the BA lounge complex.
Notes for the start of the run: 1) The elevators to the train include buttons labeled "-4 -- tunnel". But in my visit, that button didn't work. I don't know any way to reach the tunnel on the T5A side -- hence the instruction to take the train to T5B and reach the tunnel there. 2) If for some reason you cannot follow the instructions above, as to the right (south) train, it should be possible to take the left (north) train. On arrival to T5B, proceed upwards to T5B departures. Then follow signs for T5A departures. There's an escalator which lets passengers proceed from the T5B departures area down to the T5B train platform. Then look for the staircase down to the tunnel, as detailed above.
Note that this run does not require leaving the secure area or reclearing security.
Where to leave your bags: The BA T5 First and Concorde lounges offer bag check to all passengers. (Do the ordinary BA Business "Galleries" lounges? I'm not sure.)
Leave your bags at the MAD Sala VIP. (Luggage check is at the front of the lounge, next to the front desk.) If you're departing from MAD T4 on IB in Business or BusinessPlus, or if you have IB lounge access thanks to OneWorld status, this is an easy access. If your flight is departing from T4S (satellite terminal), lounge staff will direct you to the T4S lounge, but I've found they're willing to let you use the T4 lounge if you offer a good reason. "I want to go running outside" passes the test.
If you don't have MAD Sala VIP access, you could consider the Business Center at MAD T4 groundside. Access to the lounge is free with Priority Pass Select (free with American Express Platinum card if you preregister for Priority Pass Select in advance). A shower costs about 18 euros additional, unfortunately.
As to where to run at MAD outside: On a sunny afternoon, I found the best option was a shady covered area at the base of the parking structure. On a sunny morning, the base of the parking structure was in excessively intense sunlight so I ran in the foyer of the parking structure. There are no cars at the front-most part of the parking structure. Pick your preferred level, or use the stairs (every few hundred feet) to change levels. The parking structure is at least 0.3 miles, so running back and forth can rack up reasonable distance in short order.
I'd prefer a more interesting and more scenic route. But the roadways out of the airport looked unfriendly to runners, and several were explicitly marked with signs indicating that pedestrians must not proceed.
To my surprise, I've found it possible to run inside the Singapore airport: Passenger areas feature broad walkways where running need not bother others. And the distances between Terminals 1, 2, and 3 are enough to let a runner achieve a reasonable speed. Clearly this works better at an off-peak time (late at night or early morning), but I found it workable at 7am.
If you don't have access to an airline lounge, consider low-cost lounges in the terminal. I saw some quoting prices of about US$10 for a shower. I suspect they'd check a bag for an hour for little or no additional charge.
At Terminal 2 Arrivals, you’ll find a *shower service in the basement (B1F level). It’s JPY1000 for 30 minutes. During fall 2011 (and continuing through March 31, 2012), there was/is a promotion for free access for passengers arriving NRT in JAL long-haul business class or first class. Perhaps there are similar promotions from time to time on other carriers; I don’t know.
I don’t think you can leave your bags in the shower area while running, though perhaps if you’re particularly charming or speak good Japanese, it might be possible. If you have a non-runner in your party, that person can wait with luggage in the foyer of the shower area (two adequate couches, good lighting, AC power). Otherwise, there’s a *left luggage service upstairs (JPY 500+ per piece; not sure if they’d give a discount for particularly short periods).
To begin your run, return to the arrivals level, go out any door, and turn right. Continue straight ahead, keeping all cars on your left and staying as close as possible to the terminal building, which will give way to a fence and cargo buildings. Continue straight, bending around to the left as you approach a security checkpoint (for cars, buses, and trucks approaching the airport). Continue straight as far as you like – there’s several miles of open sidewalk ahead, with rolling hills and the occasional traffic light and half a dozen airport hotels, parking lots, and the like. I found this sidewalk passable even after dark (quite even terrain, no leaves, rocks, or other annoyances when I was there), though it’s much easier during the day (as lighting varies from section to section, and some parts are quite dark).
Coming back to the terminal area, via the pedestrian walkway next to the car/bus/truck security checkpoint, I was asked (mostly in Japanese!) for my photo ID. Of course I didn’t have it. (I’ve never been asked for ID to approach any other airport.) After a few minutes of polite non-discussion – I didn’t have a language in common with the security staff – they accepted a piece of paper with my name, city & country, and inbound flight number.
I look forward to improving this page with your preferred routes, pictures, maps, and more. Send suggestions.