What Are Philly’s Best Secretly Awesome Running Spots?
Yesterday, we relayed the news to you guys that Strava and Runner’s World had teamed up to name the most popular running spots in 20 big U.S. cities. The news of where we Philadelphians log the most miles — the Schuylkill River Trail and the Ben Franklin Bridge — was not particularly surprising. After all, the Schuylkill River Trail boasts 60 miles of completed trail, some of it snaking through a slew of Philadelphia neighborhoods, making it accessible to tons of runners. And the Ben Franklin Bridge is simply an iconic Philly running spot — who can beat that view? (Nobody.)
But what we want to know, more than what the most popular running trails are, is where the secret hidden gems of Philly’s running world are. We asked this question to Philadelphia Runner’s Liz Pagonis for our 2016 Be Well Philly print issue, and she pointed out sweet destinations like the John Heinz Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum (who knew you could find so much wildlife in Southwest Philly?) and the trails of the spooky Woodlands Cemetery.
Now, with Broad Street Run training right around the corner (look out for our training guide — it’ll be coming your way soon!), we’re sure the SRT and the Ben Franklin Bridge will be even more crowded than usual. So tell us: Where are you favorite secretly awesome — and inevitably less jam-packed — running spots in and around the city? Think: The running spots you turn to when you want a little solitude and a great run. And why? Are there great (read: killer) hills? Is the scenery so beautiful you forget your legs feel like 150-pound weights? Let us — and your fellow runner friends! — know in the comments section below.
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