Unleashing Your Inner Runner: Top Routes and UMass Club Running
By Nina Prenosil
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Running has increased in popularity over the last few years, so you may have noticed students running through campus and around the Amherst area. The area has plenty of good running routes, from bike trails to downtown sidewalks. UMass also has its own running group, UMass Club Running, which offers both long and short-distance training. Read on to discover the running routes in the area and uncover the unique perks of joining UMass Club Running—your next run starts right here!
Running on Campus
If you're looking for an on-campus run, try this route:
Start at the campus visitor entrance/parking lot and head to the Fine Arts Center.
Run around to the right side (if you're facing the building) and cross the narrow bridge over the campus pond. You'll soon reach the Minuteman Statue.
Continue running toward the Old Chapel and then to the Du Bois Library.
From here, you can explore the campus in any direction.
For a longer run, go past the Honors College and Mullins Center, then loop around campus by heading down Massachusetts Ave.
Running Off Campus
For a quieter run, start downtown near Kendrick Park:
Head onto East Pleasant Street, then turn right onto Strong Street.
Follow Strong Street until you reach North East Street, then turn left. This will take you past fields and farms.
Continue on North East Street until you reach Henry Street; follow the curve, and then turn left onto Pine Street.
Pass by Cushman Market, and you'll eventually reach East Pleasant Street. From there, you can return to downtown.
This route is about 6 miles long.
The Norwottuck Rail Trail offers an 11-mile path connecting Northampton, Hadley, Amherst, and Belchertown. You can join the trail at any point, but a particularly scenic stretch runs behind Amherst College and overlooks a wildlife sanctuary. This area is especially beautiful in the fall when the leaves are changing. It’s a great place to run if you prefer flat terrain, although you may encounter some slight inclines along the way.
UMass Club Running trains throughout Amherst and often uses the track facility for workouts. Sprints and Jumps Captain Derek Lacy says,
“By joining club running, you can be part of a community of students choosing to socialize and maintain their physical and mental health by running. Club running provides opportunities to run, sprint, and jump for fun and competition.”
If you are interested in joining be sure to check out UMass Club Running on Instagram or running [at] umass [dot] edu (email them to find out about their next run).
Running is a great way to help manage stress and I hope that you take advantage of the great routes the area has to offer! Looking for running inspiration? Read about my half-marathon adventure in Florence, Italy.