Are there any nice flatter areas to run around the University of Pittsburgh?
Like … not just one route but places to vary up runs and not always be doing hills?
I went to Pitt and was on the swim team. We did a lot of running around campus during pre-season and “off seasonâ€. Pretty much every run involved lots of hills but that was mainly because we started from the pool (trees hall) which I’m sure you know is on top of a hill (hello shin splits). My recommendation would be to check out schenley park if you haven’t done so already. That’s about the only place I know near campus that doesn’t involve significant climbing. IIRC, there are decent trails there but it’s been at least a 12 years since I ran through there. A little bit further is Frick park. Even further is the Montour trail but that’s a bit of drive from campus (it’s near where I grew up).
Unfamiliar with the area so this is very helpful.
Thanks!
There’s an excellent river trail system that’s all paved and pancake flat. From Oakland you need to take a hill down and back up (Bates is probable the shortest) but the Jail Trail is only ~2 miles from campus. That also connects to Southside and Northside trails. There’s a bunch of running groups that meet at Schenley Park during the week, but other than the track it’s pretty hilly up there.
In general the only flat-ish areas are next to or near the rivers. Everything else will be rolling to various degrees.
I went to college right down the street from Pitt, and have run thousands of miles in and around the city. Your best options are the Schenely Park oval, the Jail Trail, or even heading across the river to the Southside. One interesting note that most aren’t aware of…you can get to the Jail Trail via Schenley Park. Take the Hollow Run trail down to Panther Hollow Lake, cross the train tracks to Junction Hollow Trail, and then head down past the soccer fields. From the Southside Trail you can also head towards Sandcastle water park. Options are limited though, your best best is to just learn to love running hills.
Also, if you find yourself downtown or want to really venture out from Oakland, there is a trail that runs alongside the Allegheny River. It starts at PNC Park and you can take it all the way past the old Heinz factory to the 31st St. Bridge and Herr’s Island/Washington’s Landing. That’s a really nice run, but to even get to the trail you’re looking at nearly four miles from Oakland via downtown. Another route would be to head straight to the 31st St. Bridge from Oakland via Bloomfield or Lawrenceville.
Are there flat areas in Pittsburgh? All I know about it is the Dirty Dozen bike race with all those nasty climbs
Of course, I’ve never been there, as Pittsburgh is practically Ohio, and I’m not allowed in Ohio
Of course, I’ve never been there, as Pittsburgh is practically Ohio
No its not.
How about Canton Avenue?
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Not pink … seriously- 'cause I don’t know the area.
This says “bike” but it’s a run. Would this work (and not have me get killed)?
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/83738678
Not pink … seriously- 'cause I don’t know the area.
This says “bike” but it’s a run. Would this work (and not have me get killed)?
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/83738678
I have done that exact loop many times, just starting a bit further down on Fifth Ave. You won’t get killed, just be mindful when you’re leaving Oakland and running between UPMC Magee and the Birmingham Bridge. You can also cross over to Forbes if you feel more comfortable running against traffic.
Not pink … seriously- 'cause I don’t know the area.
This says “bike” but it’s a run. Would this work (and not have me get killed)?
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/83738678
I have done that exact loop many times, just starting a bit further down on Fifth Ave. You won’t get killed, just be mindful when you’re leaving Oakland and running between UPMC Magee and the Birmingham Bridge. You can also cross over to Forbes if you feel more comfortable running against traffic.
Thanks very much!
-M