3 Must-Do Runs in Burlington, VT
9/24/2019 9:00:00 AM | The Well
Are you a seasoned runner or training for your first 5k? Burlington has many beautiful, trails, bike paths, and sidewalks for you to explore. Over my two-and-a-half years at UVM, I have spent a lot of time running around the local area – here are my three favorite routes.
Burlington Bike Path (Island Line Trail)
If you haven't visited the Burlington Bike path, also called the Island Line Trail, I highly recommend lacing up your running sneakers and doing so now. This route is 13.4 miles of stunning views and flat terrain. It extends from Oakledge Park to South Hero, Vermont – crossing over the causeway and providing epic views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks. If the trail mileage intimidates you, don't worry! You can pick it up at the end of College Street, near the ECHO, Leahy Center and ditch whenever you get tired, there are plenty of side streets that loop back towards campus and downtown. Since this is a relatively flat route, those interested in gaining a little elevation would be satisfied by ending on the famous Burlington hill.
UVM 5k Loop
This 5k route begins right on campus at the PFG Complex, wraps around the track and then sends you out towards South Burlington – passing the UVM Dairy Farm and taking you through the Burlington Country Club Golf Course. The route is a great mix of pavement and dirt trail. To extend this route and connect to the Island Line Trail, follow the 5k route starting at PFG, but rather than turning toward the country club, continue running down Farrell Street until it becomes Home Avenue and connects to Oakledge Park.
The South End
This urban route is a must-do! Traditionally Church Street gets all the love, but Burlington's South End is up-and-coming and perfect for exploring. Head South on South Willard Street (a midpoint between campus and Downtown) and you'll run by Champlain College and eventually connect to Route 7. At your leisure take a side street that connects to Saint Paul or Pine Street and loop back toward town. There is a lot of interesting architecture in this direction to keep your mind off the mileage – just make sure to keep your wits about you, because this is a more urban route.
These locations are just a few of my favorites in the Burlington area. I personally look for areas where I don't have to start/stop for walk signals and I am especially fond of routes that take me into nature. Burlington is an urban area with ample green space and amazing views and I definitely would recommend getting off the treadmill and explore outside! Running is a great form of exercise and a wonderful way to explore Burlington, but make sure to let a friend know when you go out for long runs, run during daylight hours, and be alert and aware of your surroundings! Consider recovering from your run with a Campus Rec Yoga Restore class – come #SweatWithUs!
Written by: Franni Hoag, UVM '20
Date: September 24, 2019
Burlington Bike Path (Island Line Trail)
If you haven't visited the Burlington Bike path, also called the Island Line Trail, I highly recommend lacing up your running sneakers and doing so now. This route is 13.4 miles of stunning views and flat terrain. It extends from Oakledge Park to South Hero, Vermont – crossing over the causeway and providing epic views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks. If the trail mileage intimidates you, don't worry! You can pick it up at the end of College Street, near the ECHO, Leahy Center and ditch whenever you get tired, there are plenty of side streets that loop back towards campus and downtown. Since this is a relatively flat route, those interested in gaining a little elevation would be satisfied by ending on the famous Burlington hill.
UVM 5k Loop
This 5k route begins right on campus at the PFG Complex, wraps around the track and then sends you out towards South Burlington – passing the UVM Dairy Farm and taking you through the Burlington Country Club Golf Course. The route is a great mix of pavement and dirt trail. To extend this route and connect to the Island Line Trail, follow the 5k route starting at PFG, but rather than turning toward the country club, continue running down Farrell Street until it becomes Home Avenue and connects to Oakledge Park.
The South End
This urban route is a must-do! Traditionally Church Street gets all the love, but Burlington's South End is up-and-coming and perfect for exploring. Head South on South Willard Street (a midpoint between campus and Downtown) and you'll run by Champlain College and eventually connect to Route 7. At your leisure take a side street that connects to Saint Paul or Pine Street and loop back toward town. There is a lot of interesting architecture in this direction to keep your mind off the mileage – just make sure to keep your wits about you, because this is a more urban route.
These locations are just a few of my favorites in the Burlington area. I personally look for areas where I don't have to start/stop for walk signals and I am especially fond of routes that take me into nature. Burlington is an urban area with ample green space and amazing views and I definitely would recommend getting off the treadmill and explore outside! Running is a great form of exercise and a wonderful way to explore Burlington, but make sure to let a friend know when you go out for long runs, run during daylight hours, and be alert and aware of your surroundings! Consider recovering from your run with a Campus Rec Yoga Restore class – come #SweatWithUs!
Written by: Franni Hoag, UVM '20
Date: September 24, 2019
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