Renegade

Oakland

Lake Merrit is a go-to route for many community members who live in the neighbourhoods surrounding the lake. It’s perfect for easy running––it’s flat, each loop is about three miles so you can do as many as you want—and it’s beautiful. Many birds call Lake Merritt home, which is special in such a downtown area. It’s also the centre of the city for the diverse people of Oakland––our place to gather, to sit on the grass and watch the sunset, to listen to music, to ride our bikes, to run around. 

The lake is gorgeous first thing in the morning and with the last bits of light in the evening. I never admire the energy of Oakland as much as I do when I’m on the lake. 


Laney College is the site of Renegade’s track nights. Between 50-100 runners from all over the Bay gather here Wednesday nights for a track workout. Runners of all ages, experiences and abilities are in pace groups together, getting each other through a tough session. 

This is a cafe owned and operated by the Diaz family, who are generational coffee farmers in Mexico. The owner of Proyecto Diaz is Fern Diaz, and his father, Genaro Diaz, is a roaster and distributor. Both run with Renegade every week. Their cafe is spacious and great for both co-working and socialising. It also sells a host of curated items including snacks, drinks, candles, and ceramics. 

A community day-to-night gathering space with a focus on coffee and wine. This is a place where politics, culture, and revolution is at the centre of discussion. They also offer weekly events ranging from guest speakers and community organising, to DJs and dancing.

This is a small man-made lake at the base of the hills of Oakland. Tucked away, it’s about a mile around its perimeter, perfect for walking, running, and fishing (it used to be a popular swimming place, though that's unfortunately no longer allowed). It’s a great starting place for a run with routes into the Oakland neighbourhoods of Rockridge and Montclair close by. It’s also a lovely spot to meet friends at for a picnic. If you’re there in the late afternoon, the eagle that has made Lake Temescal its home is usually hovering above the lake looking for fish. 

This is a bakery with pastries that incorporate Asian flavours. It’s such a good example of combining culinary traditions, something that Oakland is exceptional at. They change out their flavours (both sweet and savoury!) often, so each visit is a brand new experience.


Bombera in the Dimond District is like visiting our ancestors; it feels like coming home. A restaurant by chef Dominica Rice Cisneros and historian Carlos Manuel Salomon in the 2024 Michelin Guide, Bombera should be top of the list of what to eat in the Bay Area. What an honour it is to have this place in Oakland. 

This specific route is one the Renegade community’s favourite trails in the park. Redwood Regional in and of itself is a gem. It reminds you how Oakland truly has it all. As you climb up Park Avenue and dip back down into the Redwood canyon to the park, all the sounds of traffic fall away to footsteps on dirt, birds chirping, and the wind in the trees. It's a refuge atop the city.   

Oakland’s home movie theatre. With a retro marquee and an iconic light display, Grand Lake Theatre is what you think of when you think of Oakland. Personal tip: go on weekend nights before the movie begins, and you can listen to an organ player! 

Renegade’s Favourite Spots to Run and Relax in Oakland

Berlin

Running on Museum Island offers a truly unique experience through the cultural heart of Berlin. The route passes world-famous museums, the impressive Berlin Cathedral, and along historic bridges with views of the Spree. The atmosphere is lively, with many tourists cheering for large groups as you run by, adding extra energy to the route. This course combines stunning architecture, cultural landmarks, and vibrant city life all in one stretch.

Running through the Tiergarten feels like stepping into Berlin’s green lungs. Surrounded by trees and open paths, you can truly breathe deeper and enjoy cleaner air. The park offers countless route options, making it easy to adapt your run. Along the way, you’ll meet many other runners sharing the same passion. Passing the iconic Brandenburg Gate adds a powerful highlight, blending nature with one of Berlin’s most famous landmarks.

Running along the Spree River offers a calm and scenic route through Berlin. The water glistens beside you as you pass striking city landmarks, including the Central Station. The atmosphere is peaceful, making it a perfect stretch for a relaxed pace while still enjoying the sights and the rhythm of the city.

Running near Jannowitzbrücke gives you a quieter, less crowded experience. This hidden corner of Berlin is not on every runner’s radar, offering a sense of discovery. The route connects the districts of Mitte and Kreuzberg, letting you experience a blend of city vibes away from the busiest tourist paths.

LOAD Show Us Berlin's Best Run Routes 

Chicago Run Collective

Chicago

Stretching nearly 19 miles along Lake Michigan, the Lakefront Trail is the heart of running in Chicago. Paved and well-marked, it connects many of the city’s neighbourhoods, weaving past beaches, harbours, and skyline viewpoints. At any time of day, the views of the city and lake never disappoint. With water stations, restrooms, and plenty of scenic rest spots along the way, it’s a must for runners, bikers, and walkers alike, you simply can’t go wrong here, enter and exit as you please.

This area blends park paths, light gravel, and the Lakeshore Trail with stunning views of Lake Michigan. Heading north, you’ll pass the Sydney R. Marovitz Golf Course and a serene garden section before looping back along the paved lakefront path. The return takes you past tennis courts and back through the park and on the gravel path. Post-run, you can chill at the concrete steps overlooking the lake, and there are a few entry points for a refreshing dip. A balanced mix of scenery and terrain makes it a favourite starting and ending route.

Chicago’s largest park stretches for seven miles, with many paved pathways winding through it's green spaces. A run here can take you past Lincoln Park Zoo, past the Conservatory and gardens, and along spots where the city skyline peeks out in the distance. Gentle rolling hills keep things interesting without being overwhelming, giving each run a nice rhythm. With so many routes to choose from, Lincoln Park always feels alive and different. Added bonus, Farmer's markets operate on Wednesday and Saturdays mornings for a post run snack!

A few popular tracks for speed work and run workouts are scattered across the city. Montrose Beach Track sits just steps from the lakefront, surrounded by greenery and with skyline views in the distance. It’s always buzzing with energy and draws plenty of runners. Further south, Dunbar Park Track offers a great vibe as well, making it an ideal spot for intervals or adding strength work into your session. Both tracks are reliable places to push the pace and mix up your training. Downtown, surrounded by the city, Lakeshore Park Track is a hidden gem right off Michigan Avenue. Perfect if you want a quick session in the heart of it all. Together, these three tracks give runners reliable spots to push the pace and break up their usual routes.

This West Side gem is full of character, with a small pond and lagoon throughout the center and weaving pathways that keep every run interesting. On the west end, a mid-size hill rewards you with a sweeping skyline view, especially magical at sunrise as the sun peeks above the buildings. The park’s rolling paths make for a dynamic route, and if you head east down North Avenue, you can return to Wicker Park for a post-run treat at one of the many local cafés. It’s a spot that blends neighborhood charm with some of the city’s best views.

A great option if you want to head west of the lake. The 606 is an elevated, paved pathway which was a former railway, now lined with greenery and views of Chicago’s low-rise neighbourhoods. It’s especially peaceful in the mornings before more folks, bikers and strollers arrive, and golden hour brings a soft glow over the treetops and brick buildings. End your run nearby in Wicker Park or Bucktown, where you’ll have amazing choices of local coffee shops and cafés for a well-earned post-run snack.

This path is perfect if you want to be fully immersed in the city. The wide walkway hugs the south bank of the Chicago River, offering incredible views of downtown’s architecture as you run. Sunrise or golden hour are amazing times to run here, the light bouncing off the buildings is stunning, and the path is quieter before the daytime crowds arrive. Heading east, you’ll find a water station at the end of the path, where it connects seamlessly to the Lakeshore Trail if you’re in the mood to extend your miles. It’s a vibrant, urban route that makes you feel at the centre of it all.

Chicago Run Collective Pick The City's Best Running Routes 

Koreatown Running Club 

Los Angeles 

6th st in Koreatown gets so busy with the nightlife and endless restaurants. I love running down 6th and seeing all the chaos that comes with everyone having a good night out on the town.

For a mellow neighbourhood run, I enjoy running through Hancock Park which neighbours Koreatown. I love looking at the architecture of the houses there.

Stop by for some cold brew at the local coffee shop, Document coffee.

My favourite route is definitely running down Wilshire Blvd heading west. It’s a straight shot that leads to Santa Monica. I enjoy all the stop lights for the quick breaks to catch your breath during your long run :) 


We meet here a lot during marathon training. Starting from the most northern spot of the parking lot, we run south through Santa Monica, Venice and Playa del Rey and back up with the Pacific Ocean right by our side. It’s about 16 miles but there’s ways to extend it to 22. No lights and we end up with a good time at the beach.

Downtown Los Angeles is always fun to run through. We don’t go there often. Maybe to a restaurant or bar but we’re in and out. You often don’t get to wander and look around so it’s always refreshing run our route runs through it.

In the mornings when we do our big group runs, we’ll sometimes run down Vermont leaving Koreatown and pass a whole block of street vendors that take up the whole sidewalk. There’s probably like 20 tents packed with people. It’s the only place that can match our energy that early in the morning. We always run alongside them and exchange good mornings and buenos dias back and forth.

Easy loops around the reservoir ending with some coffee and food in Silverlake is always a good time. It’s also a good ten miler from Koreatown with a loop around the reservoir.

Nike has always been a great partner with us early on. 3107 Pico is home to the original Nike store. Eventually, it became a printing/copy shop but with some work, it fell back into the hands of Nike. A place with a lot of history. Always good to run out of here and make some more.

Koreatown Run Club's Guide to LA

Last Pick Athletic Club

London

Shoreditch to Barbican and back. Quite a scenic route, but can get busy at times. Barbican can also cater to bodyweight workouts such as dips and elevated push-ups.

Granary Square to Primrose Hill and back. Our favourite route, you get to jog across the canal then go up into Camden High Street. Once you get to Primrose Hill, it's great for hill sprints and elevation gain. Once you reach the top of the hill, you'll be greeted with a lovely skyline view of London.

2.0
Granary Square to Angel and back. This route follows mostly backroads so it's a quiet run with loads of elevation, strengthening the runner's muscles.

Shoreditch to Waterloo to Tower Bridge and back. Another scenic run with amazing views of London's skyline from both bridges.

Old Street to London Bridge to Blackfriars Bridge. Nice flat route as you run along the Embankment and loop back around towards Old Street/Shoreditch.

Shoreditch to Olympic Park and back. This is the longest and most challenging route, mostly flat surface. You run past Victoria Park, where you can stop and do some bodyweight exercises alongside. Once you make your way back from the Olympic Park, it's one straight road from Bow to get back to your starting point.

Pall Mall to Waterloo and back. If people are trying to see London landmarks as they run, this is probably the best route. Along this route, you get to pass Waterloo Bridge, Big Ben, Embankment, and the Florence Nightingale Museum.

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