It’s time to follow a new route on an adventure running holiday in 2016.

What is it about January mornings which come rain or shine brings the joggers out in force?

An effort to shift those December mince pies from hips and thighs? A desire to be fitter without bankrupting yourself with a gym membership? Or is it just for the hell of it because you could start your day without a coffee but could not fathom starting it without the sound of the ground pounding under your shoes, or gulping in fresh air before a day in the office?

A poll in 2014 revealed what anyone with half a brain could work out about our love affair with running in the UK – Over 10.5 million people make up Britain’s “running population”.

That’s a lot of people hitting the streets, parks, forests and trails up and down the land, but we started to ponder how many of them are just as into places as they are into races?

Like many of the extraordinary trips you’ll find on the Another World Adventures website we’re all about helping people achieve something great outside their comfort zone. Or to do something different, somewhere different.

With the cycle adventures we see lots of cycle-commuters wanting to take their hobby to a new level and explore new routes. The same can be said for trekkers and walkers amongst you all. Now we have an option for you runners too by way of an adventure running holiday and the land we’ve picked for the first three trips couldn’t be wilder for an adventure running holiday: Iceland.

If you’re new to running or a regular distance covering pro no doubt one of these trips will tickle your fancy and give you an a goal to work towards this month.

Love the idea of an adventure running holiday in 2016? Read on!

Iceland Trail Running – Adventure Running Holiday

This is a unique trail running adventure through Iceland’s most spectacular sites and guided by some of country’s premier runners. You’ll tour the magical highlands in the western and southern parts of Vatnajökull National Park and run the best trails in the country over seven days on this small group running adventure.

This running adventure holiday is filled with glaciers, lagoons, mud pools, mountains and volcanoes. Get ready to run between 7-16 miles a day with an experienced Icelandic running guide while exploring the local sights either side of your run.

Highlights include running alongside the largest glacier in Europe, exploring the Hekla volcano, running through the magestic Rhyolit mountains in Landmannalaugar, and across Fimmvörðuháls, arguably the single best track in Iceland. You’ll stay in mountain huts as you run from trail to trail and end the adventure relaxing in a geothermal swimming pool – the perfect end to soothe your aching muscles.

Reykjavik Marathon Trails – Adventure Running Holiday

Want to combine an epic place with a challenging race? A perfect running adventure is combining the Reykjavik marathon – the biggest marathon in Iceland, with time to explore some of the most beautiful parts of this wonderful island.

You’ll spend the first half of the week long trip exploring some of Iceland’s spectacular natural sights. Visit Reykjavik’s most stunning waterfalls including the 60 meter Seljalandsfoss, which you can walk behind, and the 82 feet wide Skogara.

Explore other-worldly glaciers Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull which rise up out of an otherwise barren landscape. Hike to the dark basalt columns of Svartifoss, run in the mountains near Skaftafell, and visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Þingvellir in the heart of the Golden Circle.

On the day of the marathon, you’ll have the option to run a full or half marathon, or 10k race. Afterwards (achy limbs pending) you’ll have a great time exploring the city, listening to outdoor concerts, and enjoying all the excitement that a marathon brings to a city.

Weary bones don’t fear. The adventure ends with a trip to the Blue Lagoon an award winning outdoor geothermal baths outside of Reykjavik. Known for the unique composition of silica, algae, and minerals, it’s the perfect way to relax and treat your body after all the running you’ve done.

Iceland West Fjords Running Adventure – Adventure Running Holiday

Calling trail runners for a true running adventure to Iceland’s Hornstrandir Nature Reserve.

The region of the West Fjords is so remote that a 60ft sailboat will be your base for the week long trip allowing you to run trails otherwise inaccessible as there are no roads to or from the reserve. Pristine and unspoiled landscapes await you and your running shoes on this six day adventure as you hit the trails for up to 30km per day while feeling immersed in the wilderness that’s equipped with all the amenities you need each night.

For wildlife and nature lovers you’ll explore some of Iceland’s largest bird cliffs including the world’s largest colony of Guillemots, and dozens of other beautiful bird species. You’ll also have a chance to see Orcas, Minke and Humpback whales as well as porpoises, dolphins and the protected Arctic Fox.

The Hornstrandir Nature Reserve has been uninhabited for over 60 years. Sailing around the reserve allows you wider access to experience new and inspiring trails as you anchor in a different spot each night.

Fulfil your loftiest trail dreams with runs in places like the enchanting Aoalvik Bay and enjoy both the profound silence and the abundant wildlife of this stunning part of the world.

See all the adventure running holidays on Another World Adventures here.