Many aspiring student runners have faced the significant hurdle that is finding an enjoyable and safe running spot close by. This article aims to equip them with the information to overcome this hurdle.
Villanova, while boasting a beautiful campus, unfortunately does not have the best running infrastructure surrounding the campus. When one laces up and gets running around ‘Nova, they will quickly realize that logging a full mile without needing to have their head on a swivel is a rare feat. Busy roads and the lack of accessibility to major running destinations like the Perkiomen Trail and Valley Green Trail for non-drivers can make going out for a run somewhat intimidating.
I am an avid runner, and I did not want people to miss out on the joy of running entirely because of the unfavorable conditions, so I asked some runners around campus to see if they could offer any routes to the Villanova community. Whether one is training for an annual turkey trot, a marathon or just wants to see if the “runner’s high” is all that it’s cracked up to be, this article will offer some mapped out routes created by Villanova student runners.
Sophomore and club running member Emma Spagnola shared a two-mile route through neighborhoods behind South Campus.
“[It is a] simple, relaxing loop that is always a go-to for me and my friends,” Spagnola said.
The loop starts at the intersection, goes down past South, turns into the neighborhood, detours up and down a hill and makes its way back to Lancaster.
This is a great recommendation because it’s relatively calm, easy to remember and versatile. If one doesn’t want to run for two miles or doesn’t like hills, they can simply cut out the Browning Lane portion. Also, the nice aspect about Spagnola’s loop is that it avoids the mundane nature of out-and-back runs, as many people find loops more appealing.
That being said, if one does want a nice out-and-back run, freshman and another club runner Nate Goldsborough shared a solid route that journeys to one of the only trails within range of campus, the Radnor Trail.
“This route is really great because it’s close by and you can go out as far as you want and then just turn back,” Goldsborough said.
The diamond in the rough, Radnor trail is 2.4-miles long, well paved and winds its way through a scenic wooded area. While one has to navigate past a few highway on and off ramps to get to the trail, the bonuses of not worrying about getting flattened and having a bathroom available on the trail cannot be overlooked.
Having shared some staple routes, I’d like to shout out one of my favorite spots that may be considered a last resort to most runners.
If one is a night runner like me and would rather not have to worry about cars and traffic in the dark, they may enjoy laps around the Higgins Soccer Complex. One lap around both fields is about a third of a mile, so it is great to just shut your brain off and run for as long as one would like.
Graduate student, Villanova track athlete and 4-minute miler Evan Addison agrees.
“I run an unhinged amount of turf laps,” Addison said. “When you need to cover the mileage I need to, having a soft surface to run on regularly is important. It’s good for the joints and whatnot.”
Like the turf laps, the Villanova Stadium track is often open and offers a similar experience. There is also the nearby Ashbridge park that offers a hilly loop of crushed stone that totals about one kilometer. Finally, there is the beautiful Stoneleigh, natural garden, right next to West and perfect for a jog.
Remember, although many runners may be critical of it, there is nothing wrong with running on the treadmill.
If you have been wanting to get into running but don’t know where to go, try these out and don’t be afraid to explore and discover your own routes.
If you want to put a race on your calendar, look out for signups for the Back On My Feet 5K, set to take place on Nov. 11.
