Hello! I am trying to get back into running but having trouble finding a somewhat entertaining running route for a 5-10k… Do any local runners have any suggestions? I live in downtown. I’m just tired of doing loops around HP… also safety is important as I’m too nervous to run in deserted/wooded areas. Thank you in advance!

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Athrynne t1_isv3xmi wrote on October 18, 2022 at 10:35 PM

#137,183

If you don't mind getting in your car to go somewhere, Waveny park in New Canaan is nice.

Lavenderfieldsforeve t1_isvh46r wrote on October 19, 2022 at 12:13 AM

#138,023

Check out cranbury park by Gallagher mansion in Norwalk - love that spot

Double-Jab1219 t1_isvr6f1 wrote on October 19, 2022 at 1:27 AM

#138,581

Depending where you are downtown these might be too far to incorporate into a 10k or less from your place but most have parking! -scalzi park, inner loop is 1/4 mile but there are also some meandering paths you can take that make it more interesting (plenty of parking, no sticker/fee) -woodland park on Stamford/Darien border (entrances off maple tree Ave or west Ave, west Ave has ~8 parking spots no sticker/fee) has very wide/nice main paths that you can use as a quick cut thru if you’re not into trail running -cove island park has paved and sanded/dirt paths and nice water views, plenty of parking off season -Cummings park has paved and dirt trails, some nice rolling hills and plenty of parking as well -also I found that Google earth (or satellite view on Apple Maps) has been a great tool when mapping out running routes in and around parks that im not familiar with as I’m a Stamford transplant !

lurktastic_ t1_isxfldf wrote on October 19, 2022 at 12:29 PM

#141,575

2nd recommendation for Cove island park. The paved loop is just under 1 mile and very scenic. You do need a permit during the summer but it is pretty cheap for residents ($25/year) or you can just look for street parking outside of the park and run in/out.

pastor666 t1_isxgdgk wrote on October 19, 2022 at 12:36 PM

#141,626

Snarky answer: The best running route is one that takes place during and amidst street fairs like Arts & Crafts on Bedford. Dodging people, their dogs, stands and outdoor restaurant seating seems to be the ideal conditions for some runners :-)

Will never understand why people do this.

bluejams t1_isxj1xa wrote on October 19, 2022 at 12:59 PM

#141,845

Replying to Lavenderfieldsforeve (#138,023)

Cranberry park! but look out for the disc golf discs and off leash dogs.

bluejams t1_isxj2f0 wrote on October 19, 2022 at 12:59 PM

#141,848

In Stamford, Mianus River park is the way to go. The main trails are fine year round. This time of year some of the less travelled ones can be slippery with leaves.

okjae t1_it0l2ni wrote on October 20, 2022 at 1:35 AM

#149,307

Running a loop around the revonah woods neighborhood is nice. If you connect it to scalzi you can get a few miles in. Also around shippan on ocean drive is nice too. Tods point in Greenwich will also be open to non-residents starting in November.

Veryexpensiveggs t1_itwwxr6 wrote on October 26, 2022 at 10:09 PM

#246,652

Map yourself a route down Shippan! That’s where I used to run when I lived in Stamford.

Warning: I’m about to gush about my favorite running place in the whole world, so this is gonna be a long post :)

It’s an incredibly safe area, and with all of its roads you could loop yourself in and out of tons of scenic routes. Shippan has some beautiful homes and even more beautiful landscaping. Also some slightly challenging roads in terms of incline - Shippan Ave itself is mostly flat with a slight decline towards the end, but a lot of its intersecting roads have steep hills and are just great for short bursts.

IMO much better than running in the woods (due to safety). Just be wary that some cell users have patchy service towards the peninsula - but it doesn’t mean you won’t be able to call 911, obviously. I’m also 95% sure you’d be able to find a group of runners who live in or frequent Shippan, if you’re into a group workout.

My route started by the West Beach entrance. I’d run down towards the beach, past both soccer fields on left and baseball on right, following the path behind the pumping station brick building, leading towards Rippowam. I’d either head up Iroquois or follow along the path by the wave breaker towards Lanell. I’d run down Shippan Ave and would just go wherever my heart desired.

-Ralsey and Sagamore are both steep hills, so I liked to do those on my way back out.

-Ocean Drive West is beautiful to run southwest along on during sunset. Views across the water through backyards all the way down, with an AMAZING sunset spot at the end of Fairview Drive at the beach. You can also view the ‘castle’ of Shippan along this route.

-If you’re doing a sunrise run, stick to the eastern side. At the end of Hobson there is a small area adjacent to the rocks of the beach club where you can walk out towards the water. It’s directly to the right of the house at the end of the road; 10/10 spot. Also an incredibly beautiful view from the very top of Ocean View Drive, just around the corner, but this one gets a 9/10 only because there isn’t a spot to sit down.