When frustration about the overcrowded Stephens Fitness Center peaks or when the wintry weather conditions abate, many students lace up their sneakers and hit the sidewalks and trails around campus for a great workout. Without maps or guides, though, many students are left to guess at mileage and to discover new routes on their own. With this in mind, The Daily Princetonian presents the runner's guide to jogging around Princeton.
Whether you're just out to lose that holiday weight or you're training to give world-class athletes something to worry about, the following runs are great ways to exercise and explore a new part of town.
For additional routes and maps, check out the Princeton Running Club at www.princeton.edu/~rimmer/runner_routes.html.
Institute Woods
Approximately 4.5 miles:
-Start from Dillon Gym
-Head toward McCarter Theater and onto College Road until you reach the Old Grad College
A great route for beginner runners, Institute Woods is fairly flat and follows sidewalks and pedestrian trails. For those looking to add some sightseeing to their day, Einstein's house (112 Mercer Street) is conveniently located on this route. This run is not recommended during the winter or after heavy rains.
Approximately 5 miles:
-Starting from Dillon, head for Witherspoon Street
-Keep running on Terhune Rd. for a while. It will eventually become Van Dyke Road
Winter Loop is probably not for the occasional jogger. The route has its fair share of rolling hills, and wintry conditions often prevent running on sidewalks. However, this route winds through the quiet, residential section of Princeton, and on the last leg of the run you'll have the thought of a frosty brew at your favorite eating club to give you that extra motivation to hurry down Prospect.
Approximately 6 miles:
-Starting from Dillon, head to Nassau St.
-Turn left on Nassau St. and turn right on Bayard Lane (a.k.a. Hwy. 206)
-At the end of Hodge, turn right onto Elm Road, which soon becomes Great Road
-At the end of Stuart, turn right on Cherry Hill Road
Approximately 8 miles:
-Instead of turning on Stuart Road, continue until you reach Ridgeview Road
Great in winter provided you don't mind running on roads or hopping over the occasional snow bank if you decide to use the sidewalks. Expect both loops to cover flat and hilly surfaces.
Approximately 7 miles:
-Starting from Dillon, cut across campus to Washington Road
-Take first left onto Prospect Ave.
The tow path is generally pretty flat, quiet and especially scenic in late fall. The Princeton Kingston Highway can get fairly busy and there is no sidewalk. There is a wide shoulder, however, and you only stay on it for about a mile. Tow path enthusiasts must find alternate routes during the winter season and after heavy rains because black ice and mud never constitute ideal running conditions.
Approximately 1/8 mile:
Those who would rather put in their mileage without regards for directions or weather should trek over to Jadwin Gym. Since Jadwin is generally pretty quiet, it is perfect for the dedicated to do speedwork, as well as for the bashful who would just as soon not be seen in spandex. Occasionally, though, you might run into some varsity athletes putting in a few laps before class. The track usually closes between 2:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. for the varsity track and field team. Calling 258-5057 beforehand is advisable, since the daily schedule is subject to change.
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