Hill Metropolis is a runner’s paradise
The final word runner-friendly metropolis, Lynchburg holds miles of trails that change in elevation and snake previous jaw-dropping vistas. These trails not solely enchantment to residents out for a breath of recent air; additionally they make Lynchburg the right host metropolis for aggressive races. The Highway Runners Membership of America bestowed the town a “Runner-Pleasant Group Designation®,” and Lynchburg has been named among the many “Prime Path Cities” by Path Runner journal. Whether or not you’re an aspiring runner or are prepared for a brand new problem, the town of Lynchburg’s Parks and Recreation division maintains a community of city trails totaling some 40 miles of paved and pure pathways. Learn on for a few of our favourite locations to kick up our ft.
Thought of the crown jewel of Lynchburg by native runners, Blackwater Creek Pure Space consists of 3 miles of paved trails constructed alongside an previous railway mattress. Alongside the best way, runners can veer off the primary drag to discover miles of pure footpaths via pristine surroundings.
The Riverwalk Path takes runners all through the Percival’s Island Pure Space and alongside the James River.[/caption]
RiverWalk path connects the Blackwater Creek Path to the James River via historic downtown. Runners may even cross the boardwalk over the river to hit the paved trails round Percival Island, Lynchburg’s personal city sanctuary.
Owned by Liberty College, Liberty Mountain Path System encompasses 60 sq. miles of trails. Open to the general public, the paths are the brainchild of Dr. David Horton, an avid runner and professor of well being sciences.
“We provide a bit little bit of all the pieces, from climbing to working to biking,” says Katy Ward, Liberty College’s assistant director of Out of doors Journey. “We now have some gravel trails and largely pure trails, which runners actually like.”
Whereas a number of entry factors to the paths can be found, Snowflex trailhead is the preferred. “One other nice entry level is the Hydaway Out of doors Heart, which is open throughout the faculty 12 months,” says Ward. “Our superior employees are prepared and obtainable onsite to help with any questions concerning the heart”.
Liberty College can be house to one of many nicest indoor tracks within the nation, luring prime NCAA Division I athletes. As well as, the College of Lynchburg presently boasts a number of the quickest runners in NCAA Division III.
Lynchburg Highway Runners Membership and Blue Ridge Path Runners each characteristic an lively native membership devoted to bringing runners collectively via coaching and particular occasions. Each present a superb useful resource for guests trying to practice whereas visiting Lynchburg or wishing to take part in an upcoming race.
Now in its fiftieth 12 months, the Virginia 10 Miler is the oldest 10-mile race within the nation. Held in September with loads of fanfare, the rolling hill race is each difficult and enjoyable. Elite Runner Coordinator Bret Boman recruits skilled runners from everywhere in the world to take part.
Boman, who additionally serves as president of the Lynchburg Highway Runners Membership, loves bringing in runners and giving them the complete Lynchburg expertise. “Our locals take pleasure in internet hosting the runners, offering them with home-cooked meals, and exhibiting them a very good time. As an alternative of flying out and in for the race, individuals can actually get immersed in Lynchburg.”
Regionally owned and operated, Riverside Runners was based in 2000 by former College of Lynchburg athlete and coach Jeff Fedorko. Right this moment, the enterprise is a one-stop store for runners, with specialty footwear, trendy attire, coaching recommendation and data on upcoming races.
“As an organization we’re concerned in over 40 races every year, which is actually distinctive for a metropolis our dimension,” says Fedorko. “Every of our races advantages a non-profit. Races are open to locals in addition to guests and we encourage everybody to take a look at Lynchburg’s trails, too. The roads are all the time open.”
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