Eight fitness getaway ideas
Sakis Papadopoulos/ Getty Images
Classic cliffs
Santorini, Greece: You’re bound to see your Stairmaster routine in a new light when you know you’ll be walking up more than 250 winding, cliffside steps alongside the turquoise Aegean Sea.
For more information: Visitgreece.gr.
A world wonder
The Great Wall Marathon, May 21, Beijing: It’s hard to imagine a greater feat than conquering all 5,164 steps of the Great Wall of China. The course takes you on the staircases, then through the magnificent countryside.
For more information: 1-800-444-4097, Great-wall marathon.com, from $1,190.
Monumental rise
CN Tower Climb, October 22, Toronto: Each year thousands scale this Canadian landmark to raise funds for the United Way. (Novices, don’t panic: It takes only about 30 minutes to climb all 1,776 steps.)
For more information: Unitedwaytoronto.com
Mountain passage
The Plain of Six Glaciers, Banff, Alberta: This 12-km Rocky Mountain trail off Lake Louise inspires wonder. “The scenery, formed by a 1,000-year-old glacier, leaves you in awe,” says student Aubrey Mosher, 22, who hiked it in 2006. Catch your breath and take in the sights midway at the turn-of-the-century mountain tea house.
For more information: Greatdivide.ca, $89 for a one-day guided hike.
Walkathon
Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk, September 18, Boston, Massachusetts: Can’t imagine finishing the Boston Marathon? Think again: This walk to support cancer research follows the famous route.
For more information: Jimmyfundwalk.org.
Alpine adventure
The Haute Route, Chamonix, France, to Zermatt, Switzerland: On skis or on foot, this once-in-a lifetime 180-km journey takes about 13 days (you bed in huts and hotels along the way). “It’s empowering for people to find out they can cross over a 10,000-foot pass,” says guidebook author Greg Witt. “They end up feeling stronger and wiser.”
For more information: 1-800-368-2794, Wildernesstravel.com, from $4,936.
Butt blaster
Santa Monica Stairs, Los Angeles, California: These unassuming steps have become a workout hot spot for avid athletes — including a few sweaty celebs. At the top of the long staircases, you’ll find your reward: a stunning view of the California coastline.
The scenic route
The Way of St. James, Spain: This 16-day trek tracks a popular medieval pilgrimage route across northern Spain. You’ll pass by baroque architecture, walk through the picturesque villages that inspired Hemingway, bunk in B&Bs and end your journey at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, where the Apostle James lies.
For more information: Santiagoturismo.com, $3,286.
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