I’m staying in Hartford for a conference in mid-October. Can someone suggest running routes in and around downtown and in east Hartford, where I’m currently booked to stay (Comfort Inn)?
On a related note, I would like to stay somewhere closer to downtown near the convention center but all the Google-able hotels are booked. Can anyone suggest a lesser known hotel or alternative accommodation?
Finally, any suggestions for things to do/see, places to eat, etc. would be greatly appreciated.
Will you be in Hartford on the 15th? If so, that is the date of the Hartford Marathon and would explain why you are having a hard time finding a place to stay. If you are coming that weekend and have time, check out the race! They have a 5K, half, and full.
There are a number of great places to eat in West Hartford. Max’s Oyster Bar is really good. Blue Back Square (within walking distance of Max’s) is a nice place to walk around. If you like deli food, check out Reins deli in Vernon. There is also a good Mexican place by your hotel - Margaritas.
Welcome to town. Running is great in the area. Check out mapmyrun and you can get some good loops. Also, there is a running group that generally leaves Statehouse Square at around 11:30-11:45 every day. Various levels, but a good group of people.
x2 on the Hartford Marathon. Great race. In fact, check out their website for the courses…those will give you some routes. If you need any other suggestions or help send me a pm and I will get back to you.
if you dont mind a little drive, the west hartford reservoir on farmington ave has awesome trails, and a 3.4 mile paved loop! it is my favorite place to run around here. Also the farmington rails to trails is nice.
i recently stayed just south of the airport - but don’t recommend it, too loud - freeway and airport.
But…i ran at this great park, Northwest park - just west of 75. there were trails in the back of the park that wound through the woods - it was great running.
Thanks everyone for the suggestions so far. I am looking into doing the 5K on Saturday if it doesn’t interfere with my conference. Does the race typically sell out?
Haven’t lived in the area since 1999, but from what I remember, that is NOT a great area. Goes by the Pratt & Whitney aircraft engine plant though I think you will find W Hartford or Simsbury or up near Granby/Windsor a better area to run from what I remember.
I would not recommend the running route that you posted. Heading West on Silver Lane will take you into an industrial area. There are much more enjoyable places to run. From your hotel I would head East towards Wickham Park. You can run around the park and then pick up the rail trail in Manchester. Google the Hop River Trail. Another alternative would be to head North to South Windsor.
Ok thanks for the info. The Wickham Park idea sounds great. If I follow the marathon route up towards Windsor, that would be relatively safe and enjoyable too? Is there a riverfront trail on either side heading north?
Ahhh Wickham Park!!! I grew up a little north of there and went to high school just down the street from the park (grandparents actually lived across the street from the park). There’s a nice Hampton Inn just on the other side of the mall near the park that I stay at when visiting that area now.
For running Wickham Park is great!!! That’s where my HS cross country team trained/raced and that’s where they used to (might still) hold New England HS cross country championships… I know they now have a paved trail headed to/from the park now along the highway but have no idea on where it goes…
I’m not too sure about running routes and/or events that are going on around Hartford I’m afraid but I can suggest you try looking at www.wimdu.co.uk as an alternative to hotels/hostels. It’s served me well in the last year or so and it’s got a really wide network so you might just get lucky…Good luck!
I think you will find W Hartford or Simsbury or up near Granby/Windsor a better area to run from what I remember.