Seeing the major sights on foot at a runner's pace is best done in the early morning, before the city swelters and the tourist and shopping attractions draw their minions. Within a square mile area, you can hit the major landmarks and the celebrated shopping avenues. Start at the Piazza del Duomo, taking in the flying buttresses and 135 spires of the Duomo, the third largest cathedral in the world. On your left is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, the first enclosed arcade (circa 1867). Not many shopping plazas can be called majestic, but with marble floors and a glass ceiling, this place rules. Try the Biffi Scala & Toula restaurant just outside the arcade in Piazza della Scala later for some risotto and ossobuco (rice and braised veal). Head east on the pedestrian thoroughfare Corso Vittorio Emanuele until it ends at Piazza San Babila, then run to the end of the square and make a quick left and right onto Via Monte Napoleone. In the next six blocks you will see such designer-label stores as Versace, Gucci and Valentino. Turn right onto Via Manzoni, then right again two blocks later onto Via della Spiga and another batch of designer stores, including Fendi and Krizia. After five blocks, head left at the intersection and take Corso Venezia for three blocks to the public gardens. Turn left at Via Palestro and run clockwise around the rim of the grassy park, picking up Via Manzoni again just past the statue of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (and you thought marathoners were skinny). Head down Via Manzoni, through the historic arches for six blocks and end the run on a high note at the world famous La Scala Opera House. Just to the left is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele arcade and the start of your run. The total loop distance is about 4 kilometers.

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