Best Places to Run in Turin: Parks and the Po River
A guide to the best places to run in Turin: Parco del Valentino, along the Po river, Parco della Pellerina and the Turin hills.
Written by the editorial team at Velunite
Turin is a surprisingly convenient city for runners: the Po river runs through it for several kilometers with mostly flat paths, and the nearby hills offer an alternative for anyone looking for elevation without leaving the city.
Parco del Valentino: the classic starting point
Along the Po, Parco del Valentino is probably the most popular spot among Turin runners: shaded paths, a loop that's easy to extend or shorten, and its closeness to the city center make it practical for a run before or after work.
Along the Po, north and south
Following the riverbanks you can build routes several kilometers long, almost entirely flat, ideal for easy long runs or Sunday long distances. Heading south the route gets greener and less crowded, useful if you want a quieter run.
Parco della Pellerina: room for interval sessions
Parco della Pellerina, north of the city, is larger and less central, with wide grassy areas and paths well suited to repeats or fartlek sessions, away from the foot traffic of the more touristy routes.
Turin hills: for those seeking elevation
Runners training for a hilly race, or simply wanting some variety, can head to the Turin hills across the Po: the roads climbing toward Superga offer a solid test, though they do require a bit of preparation for elevation gain packed into just a few kilometers.
A few practical tips
In the hotter months, routes along the Po offer more shade than the hilly ones: it's best to avoid the midday hours in summer. During rush hours, especially the stretch of Valentino closest to the center, foot traffic increases quite a bit: early morning or late evening remain the smoothest times to run without too many interruptions.