It's so hard to choose just 5 locations, when there are SO many beautiful ones to choose from. I'm going to stick with US locales, but if I were to go international, my wish list includes these places: Florence, Rome, London, Paris, and Greece. In general, I think running through cities is a great way to get in some sight-seeing along with some exercise :)
Five places in the US that I'd love to run (in no particular order):
1. Boston. Even though I've been to Boston (back in my Irish Dancing days), I haven't returned in my adult years, and would love to enjoy the city during a run. I'm pretty sure I'll never be fast enough to quality for the Boston Marathon, and have doubts that I could raise enough money to fundraise and run for charity. However, I'd be cool with just going for a run and exploring the city.
2. New York. I've never been to the Big Apple, but it's on my wish list. And if I ever get a chance to go, you just know I have to go for a run in Central Park!
3. Napa Valley. That Zooma Napa Valley half marathon looks like a great girls weekend (and heck - my husband would love it, too!). Running a half marathon past vineyards with mountain scenery, and then hitting up some of the best winery tasting rooms in the country? Yes, please. I pretty much love any running event that includes wine in the description.
4. San Diego. This is another place I have been to already, but again, pre-running days. I just adored this city, and would love to run along the ocean in the nearly perfect temperatures they have year-round. Also, California has a lot of breweries I would enjoy visiting. I also loved the zoo... is running allowed in there, or do they have any races through it? — that would be a lot of fun.
5. Washington, D.C. I was there when I was pretty young and didn't get in any sight seeing (how disappointing, I know). Planning a racecation that includes either the Cherry Blossom 10-miler or the Nike Women's Half Marathon would be a ton of fun. Not to mention getting a Tiffany's necklace for the Nike race would be pretty sweet. And then, of course, spending a few extra days to get in all of the sight-seeing.
Whew! That was hard to choose only five! I secretly have a desire to travel to all 50 states, and would just love it if I could also check off a race in each one as well. Two birds, one stone... right? ;)