Running in Bermuda

There is a strong running community in Bermuda, and with many international and local events to participate in throughout the year, it is a great place to compete and meet new running friends. 

Where to Run

Bermuda is small enough that you could literally run from one end of the island to the other, but one of its greatest benefits is that you can feel safe exploring the many trails and parks to avoid running on the narrow roads. There are many great places to run across the island, but here are some of our top picks. 

Beaches
Shoes are optional if you are running along the soft pink sand, but if you are looking for more than a few laps, our favourite spot is to run the trails in South Shore Park between Horseshoe Bay and Warwick Long Bay. From Horseshoe Bay, you will find sandy trails that will lead you along the shore, through the trees, up the dunes and all the way to the end of Warwick Long Bay. Shoes are recommended for this run, which is around 5 km round trip.

The Railway Trail
Bermuda’s Railway Trail is an abandoned rail bed that once house a train that travelled from Somerset in the west to St. George’s in the east. The trail offers the best longer, off-road running opportunities and a variety of terrain and views including fields, farms, parks, historic sections, lush foliage, and some very picturesque coastal sections. The trail is not 100% continuous so there are some areas where you will hit the main road before you are connected to the trail again.

Spittal Pond Nature Reserve
Spittal Pond is Bermuda's largest wildlife sanctuary, offering a charming setting for both running and walking enthusiasts. Nestled in Smith's Parish, this sanctuary features an 8-acre pond, surrounded by a 1.2-mile perimeter trail. The trail reaches its pinnacle, treating runners to breathtaking ocean views. Traverse the wooded area to encounter diverse flora, including Bermuda Cedar, prickly pear cactus, olivewoods, casuarinas, palmettos, and pittosporum. Spice trees and Mexican pepper trees line the trail, adding a pleasant aroma to the run.
For those seeking an extended run, we recommend continuing east along South Road for approximately 1.2 miles towards John Smith's Bay and Pink Beach. This stretch of coastal road provides splendid water views and ocean breezes.

What to Wear

The winter months offers a comfortable running temperature of between 65-75 degrees F, allowing runners to enjoy running at any time of the day in lightweight and breathable running gear. In the summer months it advisable to keep running to the early morning or late evening to avoid the midday humidity and heat. 

For all runners it is important to pack a good pair of running shoes as you will encounter a variety of surfaces in the trails. Here is a complete checklist of running items to bring to Bermuda on your next trip:

• Lightweight and Breathable Fabrics
• Shorts and Tank Tops
• Moisture-Wicking Sock
• Running Hat or Visor
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Running Shoes
• Hydration Belt or Water Bottle
• Reflective Gear

2024 Running Series You Shouldn’t Miss

Chubb Bermuda Triangle Challenge
January 12-14

Start the New Year with a fun and challenging runcation! Enjoy three days of events, perfect for the active traveller, each with a spectacular backdrop. In Bermuda, going for a run is never a chore.

Participants can choose one, or all three events over three days. The Triangle challenge is to complete them all while having fun along the way. Start with a mile along the crowd-lined Front Street in Hamilton on Friday evening. Next, a 10K will warm your muscles up on Saturday so that you are ready for the marathon or half-marathon course to complete the weekend on Sunday. Participants will enjoy many breathtaking vistas of Bermuda's South and North shores, combining views of the changing shades of the blue ocean with the bright hues of pastel-coloured houses and buildings. Mixed into this are areas of lush greenery and fascinating architecture.

Zooma
February 15-18

The Zooma Women's Only Race Series comes to Bermuda in February. Race options include a lighthouse run, a Front Street run in the historic downtown and a Half Marathon or 10K that ends with an epic after party. Run both days and earn the bonus Bermuda Challenge medal. This race weekend will be like no other that you've experienced.

Triple Challenge
March 15-17

The Bermuda Triple Challenge is three days, three locations, more than 75 obstacles and one weekend of fun. The three-day obstacle course series showcases three of Bermuda's beautiful, historical and cultural venues. Each day's challenge offers a 3-10K challenge with varying obstacles suitable for all levels of fitness, challenging both strength and stamina for ages 13 and up. Celebrate the end of each day with a post-event party. The event is now certified as an OCR World Championship qualifying event. Register as an individual or with your team.