I've got British citizenship and am looking to move to Europe after college (anywhere, not just Britain) to work and run in a bit of a different environment. What are the best places in Europe for a post-collegiate athlete to run and work, ie. easy to get a job, good running trails and tracks, possibly a running club etc.?
would love to hear more if people have info!?!?
I've been thinking of living in Europe after I graduate college as well. Anybody have any info, suggestions? Thanks!
If you are a good runner...(3:44/1500, or 14:00/29:00 - 5000/10.000) there are a number of countries where you can run for a semi professional club and have other advantages...which would help you make ends meet.
Some of those countries include France, Spain, Italy and Portugal. Sometimes accommodation is offered, sometimes not. You have to negotiate.
Often the good runners in France, for example, are offered a part time job with the club, such as coaching the young athletes.
In England, the best club is Belgrave, based in Wimbledon, London....they also help athletes....
But being fully funded is another matter, and you should have a skill on the side, that would allow you to work at least part time.
If you're planning on living and working in Europe, not making at living through running then the UK isn't too bad... The cost of living is higher than most of Europe, but then so are the salaries.
There's an extensive club system, and a pretty comprehensive domestic season. BMC races and national/area championships cater for your top end athletes, and the bigger clubs. There are loads of local leagues, ranging in standard - depending on your club. Pretty much there's something for everyone. Check out
and
http://www.britishmilersclub.com
for some further details.
what do you call someone who only speaks one language? american
Come to Sweden, nice running trails and nice environment!
Yes - Sweden is nice for running, with loads of trails and forests....but there is no professional running ciruit, and the best runners like Erik Sjooquist still have to work full time....and if Erik can run 13:22 for 5000 while working and studying full time, then others can as well.
Swedish people are reserved with foreigners. Sweden would be a very hard place to find work, unless you had a very highly specialized skill.