A lot of people love a good run. It clears the mind, tones the body, and can just be a lot of fun….or so I’m told by my runner friends! You can always choose a direction and go running anywhere you like, but that often brings about hassles like dodging cars or fleeing dogs.
Luckily, there are a few good places that are especially runner friendly here in Victoria, Texas, ranging from the formal to the rustic. To find each of these places, just click on the title for a map.
The Running Track
If you want to run on a classic athletic track, you can visit the track at the former Memorial High School, next to Memorial Stadium. When not in use by students, the track is open to the public. It’s well lit and usually has lots of community members. It also has a great low shock return surface that may be a little easier on the joints than running on regular pavement. It offers a safe place to run in the mornings and evenings. And it’s easy to know exactly how far you’ve run. Each time around the track is a quarter mile.
Here’s a quick look at the terrain from a runner’s perspective.
Victoria Hike & Bike Trail
If running in an oval sounds a bit restrained, and you want something a bit more linear, try the city Hike & Bike Trail. The trail offers just over 2 miles of distance each direction. You can park your vehicle at most places where the path crosses city streets. The wide concrete path offers plenty of space and welcomes runners, bikers, skateboarders and even stroller-ers, just in case you want to bring the little ones along.
Here’s a look at the trail:
Riverside Park
If you prefer something a bit more rustic with more natural scenery, Riverside Park is your answer. The park offers several places to run, including sidewalks and an across-the-park running path that follows the Guadalupe River. It offers a long distance running experience with lots of changing terrain for the dedicated trail runner.
If you’re not the Forrest Gump type, but enjoy a brisk walk instead (more my style), my recommendation is Riverside Park and its trails with great views of nature.
Here’s a view of the park: