Running in Port Elizabeth

Running in Port Elizabeth may not sound like an amazing experience at first sight. Given that the city is quite dangerous and the sights are limited, you may expect foreigners to go running in the hotel’s gym rather than outside. In my opinion, that’s a crazy mistake as you can enjoy amazing running routes right by the sea. Stunning views, sun and a fresh breeze guaranteed!

On our very first morning in South Africa, I had no other choice but go running as the weather was just amazing.

• Distance: 5.5 Kilometers
• Jogged altitude: 80 Meters
• Calories burned: 350-450
• Month: August
• Weather: Sunny

Sunshine, around 15 degrees Celsius and some wind. There are rarely any better conditions to go running in the morning.

Given that we were located at Radisson Blu Port Elizabeth, I had the pleasure to start my run just a few hundred meters away from the beach in the suburb of Summerstrand which is known as an area where the rich live.

Love at first sight

Running in Port Elizabeth started like you’d expect a run in the Caribbean to start: Palms were paving my way to the beach.

Not a bad start, but things got even better a few seconds after. Encountering the beach at this sunny morning was nothing but love at first sight.

The beaches have great sand and look just endless. Lucky enough, only a few other people decided to spend time on the beach this morning.

At least, I encountered two people enjoying themselves with four dogs.

Difficult beach running

While running at the beach is generally more strenuous, it was even tougher than expected when I was running in Port Elizabeth.

After approximately one kilometer, the sandy beach became rocky, meaning that running got very difficult.

At this point, I have to admit that less experienced runners should move on to the promenade right next to the beach.

Instead, I decided to give the rocky beach a try and followed it for another some hundred meters before climbing onto (there was no path anymore) the promenade.

Enjoying the nature and the sea

I have to admit that the wooden promenade in Summerstrand is one of the nicest I’ve seen in some time.

At all times, you enjoy great views of the ocean and the nature while not being disturbed by the road a few hundred meters away.

Each view I enjoyed while running and later forth was very special and utterly amazing.

Nevertheless, I took a detour back to the beach on my way back as I saw some interesting plants/animals on the beach. It must have been corals, but I’m not sure to be honest.

Back to Summerstrand

The closer you get to the populated areas, the better the infrastructure.

For example, you can find explanation tables for the existing wildlife.

But what’s more important are the amazing views I once again enjoyed while getting back to Summerstrand.

Even Port Elizabeth on the horizon looked quite beautiful with the sea and the beach in front of it.

It’s worth mentioning that it was still somewhat strange to see all the strand houses being hidden behind large electronic fences.

Safety seems to be a real issue in this beautiful area of the world. Nevertheless, I can just fully recommend to go running in Port Elizabeth / Summerstrand. It’s just totally worth it!

 

You like this running guide? Take a look at our other “Running in …” posts!