Lace up your sneakers, June 1st is Global Running Day. The event is held the first Wednesday in June to celebrate running and encourage people of all ages and abilities to get moving. I’m a big fan of walking, as you know, but sure, running works too! Global Running Day evolved from National Running day which started in the U.S. back in 2009.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, so many people turned to running for a great, socially-distanced work-out. It’s a good way to decompress, release anxiety, relieve cabin fever! Of course, it’s also a great way to explore the area you live in a different way.
Sign up to join one of the virtual races and head out to one of the many popular running routes in Charlotte.
THE BOOTY LOOP – MYERS PARK
This three-mile route through the oak tree lined streets of the Myers Park neighborhood is one of the most popular places to run in Charlotte. The booty loop earned its cheeky nickname from the many toned backsides you’ll see on this route.
You’ll also see stunning tudors, craftsmans, bungalows and exquisitely manicured lawns in this historic district. The 24 Hours of Booty charity bike ride happens here every summer. The route runs along Queens Road, Queens Road West, Hopedale Avenue and Selwyn Avenue.
RAIL TRAIL – UPTOWN/SOUTH END/SOUTH CHARLOTTE
The path along the Lynx Blue Line light rail tracks is popular with runners, bikers and dog walkers. It runs 11-miles from the Sugar Creek Station in NODA to the Arrowood Station in southwest Charlotte, with just a few gaps. The sections closer to uptown are a great place to discover restaurants, bars and art galleries.
UPTOWN PARKS AND STADIUM LOOP
This 3.7 mile route takes you from the Convention Center, through The Green, to Bank of America Stadium, Romare Bearden Park, the historic Fourth Ward neighborhood, the Spectrum Center, Marshall Park and the NASCAR Hall of Fame. It covers all the good stuff that make Uptown such a vibrant place to live.
LITTLE SUGAR CREEK GREENWAY – ELIZABETH/MIDTOWN/MYERS PARK/MONTFORD
This trail runs nearly four miles from 7th Street just outside of uptown Charlotte to near the Park Road Shopping Center in the Montford neighborhood. Along this greenway you’ll find Central Piedmont Community College, the midtown Metropolitan shopping area, Freedom Park and the Charlotte Nature Museum. It’s also near some of my most favorite neighborhoods.
COLONEL FRANCIS BEATTY PARK LOOP
This scenic 4.3 mile loop around a lake at this Matthews park is popular for running, biking, hiking and fishing.
U.S. NATIONAL WHITEWATER CENTER
The Whitewater Center has more than 50 miles of trails for running, hiking and mountain biking, and it’s free! You just have to pay for parking ($6/day or $60/year). The weather can affect which trails are open so be sure to check out the Whitewater Center website before going.