Running in Rio?
 

Fitness minded FlyerTalkers,
Is it enjoyable / safe to go for a run along the Copacabana beach or in the vicinity?

Sure, you see locals running along with beach highway all the time. On Sundays, one portion of the highway along the beach in Ipanema is closed down.

When I am in Rio, I run regularly along Ipanema and Leblon. Sometimes late at night (10-11pm). No problem. The same for Copacabana.

Lagoa
 

If you get a chance, try running at Lagoa. Probably one of the most scenic runs will you ever seen. Afterwards try a cold coconut water to cool off and good luck!

If you get a chance try watching the runners on Copacabana.Probably one of the most scenic runs you will ever see.While watching try a cold coconut water to cool off and with any luck you might have some good luck ;) Try not to strain your neck looking behind you at the beach volleyball players.

:) Yes there are some pretty women out running. ;)

Indeed- its just a pity that for every goodlooking babe that passes by you have to endure watching a dozen lean muscular sweaty Cariocas in their sungas :p

You say that you "Sometimes late at night (10-11PM)" take a run along the beach. I think you have been lucky and I recommend that you read about the crime statistics in Rio.

There are robberies along the beaches even during the day. At night, your odds of getting mugged or worse go up considerably.
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I would not recommending running on the actual beach. But you do see lots of people (including young pretty chicas) running on the jogger/bike path next to the beach. Again, as with everything in Rio always be aware of your surroundings and who is around you.

Still, I'd say no later than 9PM or so.

Really? I never noticed the men, only the women... :D

Back to the OP: Never carry anything that you can't afford to part with, and in case of robbery, don't resist, as in Rio robbery may easily become an assault, or much worse...

Running in Copacabana, Leblon, Ipanema and the Lagoa area in the morning and evening is normally safe and there´ll be a lot of cariocas doing the same. Keep it simple ( shorts, t-shirt and sneakers and 10 reales for a couple of aguas de coco ) and you´ll be ok.

Running or jogging has been a long-time sport in Rio.

Known as " Cooper " there. Sundays, as describe above is best, and a good way to meet like-minded people.

My nephew runs on Copacabana every night at midnight. From Gloria to Barra de Tijuca people run on the paths next to the beaches and nobody I know has ever had a problem. Nobody carries any money or wears jewelry other that a few reais for drinks.

Lagoa is normally croded with runners, especially on weekends, and a few people run in Jardim Botanico too. Lagoa is reportedly less safe in the area around Fontes de Saudades, but I very often go around there and I have never had a problem. People who drive expensive cars or wear jewelry in the streets next to that hill are in a riskier position, no doubt about it.

There is a well defined, hard-surfaced and well used running path pretty much along the entire beachfront area. Very conducive to running and you will be in good company. Gets pretty crowded on the weekends and you may have to duck between the folks who stop in the middle to take pictures, etc ...

Safety wise ... well, nowhere is perfectly safe. But in my experience, I have ran both in daylight and into the evenings when it is cooler. Gym shorts, t-shirt, some $$ tucked in my shoes. (No fancy ipod, etc). No issues so far.

One thing to note is traffic. Not sure how sensitive you are but the road right by Copacabana/Ipanema can be pretty crowded with cars/trucks/etc. I hate the exhaust. My best running experience was when I was staying further west outside of Rio city proper, in Barra. There is a nice LONG beach and running path right beside it. Not as much eye candy though ... :D

Locales run with Ipods all the time but personally I would not recommend after 8 or 9PM so. Again, keep an eye out for who is around you just not the eye candy (and there is a lot of that for both sexes.) I walk from my hotel along the beach path in Ipanema with my Iphone playing music but I always tuck it in my bag and jam it way down in my short pocket.

Robberies and other crimes can happen in any major city. Often its the clueless tourist that becomes the victim because most criminals will go for the vulnerable looking.

You are probably at more danger with traffic. Unlike many US cities with heavy foot traffic, in Rio the car rules the road. Don't expect drivers to yield or slow down for you.