First Ascent: All 22 miles of the American Tobacco Trail (and more)

New Hill/Apex Launch point - American Tobacco Trail
(all photos via instagram)

The American Tobacco Trail has been a great place to run (and bike) in the Triangle for 10 years now. For the past year or so, I, and many others, have been very anxious about the opening of the bridge over I-40. This was the final piece of the puzzle, which would connect the 22 mile marked stretch from Apex/New Hill to downtown Durham. Once they announced the bridge was complete (on February 21, 2014), I began to plan my journey.

There really wasn't a whole lot to it. The week before, I ran the Black Mountain Marathon with my dad, and despite some knee pain, knew I was fit for the task. So come around 10am on Saturday, March 1, 2014, I was ready. I would run from mile 0 in Apex to mile 22 in downtown Durham, then keep on going another mile to Fullsteam, for a celebratory beer or two.

I drove from my home in Five Points out to the 1309 New Hill-Olive Chapel Road entrance of the ATT and parked on the gravel lot, loaded up my gear (with electronics/toiletries/etc in ziplocks), and began my journey.

The first 5.4 miles were pretty straightforward, with double track crushed gravel trail and some minor undulations. As planned, some friends of mine had left me two 12 ounce Gatorades at the 1205 White Oak Church Road entrance. That would be my first short stop. I chugged one, packed the other, and continued on.

$11 million worth of bridge

I would take my first gel at around 10 miles. Luckily, I had my handheld bottle to take it with, since the water fountain at around mile 9 wasn't working (due to winter). This was the point that I began to cover some ground that I had not been on before.

I passed the USA Baseball complex at around 11-12 miles and then continued on towards Southpoint Mall. This is where it got a little bit tricky. I curled around behind the movie theater and at around mile 14/15, finally passed over the bridge on I-40. I'm not gonna lie, it was shaking a little. I'm not great with heights, so I was happy to get to the other side.

Once I got off said bridge, there were some odd turns. I was happy others were on the trail, because the zig zag by the apartment complex at the shopping center where Bull City Running was would have thrown me for a loop. Luckily, fellow runners led the way, and it was somewhat chalked out with directions as to where to go.

The biggest difference in the Cary/Apex part of the ATT and the Durham section is that the Durham section is paved, whereas the Cary/Apex section is crushed gravel. I've been battling runner's knee for a month, so this took some getting used to.

The ATT is very well marked in the Durham portion, with painted markers every quarter mile. I began to use these as a countdown as my hamstrings began to bark and I could taste that beer at the finish. I popped in a gas station right along the trail to refill my water, and then I hit the homestretch.

The last few miles took me through some of the dicier areas of the trail, but at 6', 185, I don't worry too much about that, especially in broad daylight. Everyone I ran into this day was very nice.

I passed the last small bridge with a quarter mile left and hit the mile 0 in Durham marker. Sweet relief. 22 miles in the can and one more to go.

Mile 0 of the Durham section of the trail is on Blackwell Street, so at this point, I just went straight. I went about 3/4 of a mile before turning right on Hunt Street, and then had just a quick left on Rigsbee Avenue. I had made it to Fullsteam. 23.03 miles from the parking lot in Apex to the front door of one of my favorite breweries.

It was an absolutely beautiful day in Durham and I was able to enjoy a Carver and a Workingman's Lunch, as well as a delicious Reuben from Sympathy for the Deli (and a Coke. Real Coke, not diet).

My fiance was nice enough to pick me up and drive me home as well. A great day on the trails, and quite possibly, the first documented full ascent of the American Tobacco Trail :)

A beer to finish the run!

My Gear:
1. Ultimate Direction AK Race Vest
There is a "2.0" model, but I have the original. Great for carrying everything you need. Very light and fits nice and snug. I do not use the Ultimate Direction bottles supplied. I find the 12 ounce Gatorade bottles fit better in the pouches.

2. Nathan QuickShot Handheld
My favorite handheld, because you don't really notice it. Only holds 10 ounces, but easy to carry and refill.

3. PowerBar Gels
I took two. Probably could have carried one more. I like the Kona Punch, Vanilla and Strawberry flavors. If you're tired, the caffeinated flavors are great too.

4. Hoka One One Stinson Tarmac
With all the injuries I've had in the past 4 years, Hokas are great. Lots of cushioning. Still responsive.

5. Various Electronics/Toiletries
Garmin Forerunner 110, iPhone, iPhone charger, Sony MP3 Player, Body Glide, Ibuprofen, Salon Pas, Paper towel.

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Running in Winston-Salem, NC - A Primer

Winston's got more than just tobacco

When I got the call that I'd be working in Winston-Salem from March 2011 to March 2012, I couldn't be more excited. As a native of Charlotte, a 10 year resident of Raleigh, and a frequent visitor to the Wilmington and Asheville areas, the Triad was one locale I had yet to explore. As I get older and travel more and more, I feel like a seasoned ambassador of North Carolina, and this stop in "The Dash" was a memorable one.

Similar to what I wrote about after my stint in Greenville, NC and my many miles at Umstead Park, here's a small look into what I've picked up on in the past year and what is worth checking out if you ever venture to what was once known as the "Tobacco Capital of the World."

Tracks
Hanes Park - 775 West End Blvd
This is a place that every town needs. A nice, public rubberized track. You don't have to worry about getting kicked off. You may have to dodge the Reynold High Track team practicing, but they usually stay out of lane one. There's also a nice ~1.25 mile loop around the park that is great for a warm up and cool down. It's right across the street from the YMCA and many group runs start and end here as well. Another plus is that there are tennis courts in the middle of the track that are lit until 8pm or so, which makes night time workouts a possibility (sans head lamp).

Wake Forest University - 499 Deacon Blvd (Kentner Stadium)
A beautiful track that is a little softer and nicer than Hanes Park and is easily accessible. The gate is always open, but try to be respectful if the Wake Forest teams are practicing. The track is adjacent to the cross country trails, which makes for a perfect 2 mile warm up and cool down to sandwich a workout.

Trails
Salem Lake - 1001 Salem Lake Rd
One of the treasures of the Winston running scene is Salem Lake. It's a few miles off exit 195 of Highway 40 and is a nice 7 mile crushed gravel loop that plays host to the Salem Lake Trail Runs (30k and 7 mile). One piece of advice I can give is if you come after work, park in the top lot before the gate, as they tend to lock said gate before the announced times, and I've seen multiple cars get locked in. Otherwise, enjoy the trails and watch out for the mountain bikers!

Reynolda Gardens - 2201 Reynolda Rd
Very close to the Wake Forest campus are the beautiful Reynolda Gardens. There's a nice ~1.5 mile loop that can be configured multiple ways and it's perfect for an easy day. You can park at Reynolda Village and sit outside and grab a bite at the Village Tavern afterwards.

Wake Forest Cross Country course - 499 Deacon Blvd
I first ran the trails at Wake in high school, competing at the Wake Forest Invitational, and they are exactly as I remembered. The full loop only takes about 10 minutes or so, but you can weave through the multiple options and add it on to the Reynolda Gardens run, which is located about a mile away. They have recently filled in the many eroded areas of the course for better footing.

Thinking of buying near Winston? I can help!

Running Club
Twin City Track Club
The thirty five year old club puts on many races in town and has multiple groups that get together for runs as well. They have a nice link for local runs (with distances), that you can often find members of the club running during the week. They put on the excellent Beat the Heat 5k, Ultimate Runner and Frosty 50, that are listed below, as well as many, many other events.

Running Stores
Fleet Feet Sports - 50 Miller St
Since the closing of 4 Runners Only, Fleet Feet is the only show in town. Conveniently located right across the street from Whole Foods and Yoforia, Fleet Feet has all of your running specialty store needs and a nice staff that will put you in the right shoe.

Omega Sports - 414 S. Stratford Rd
A favorite of mine since my early days in Charlotte, Omega is a great place to catch a deal, as they always have coupons (join their email list). A nice staff and a nice selection make it a great place to pick up a pair of shoes or some gear.

Popular Races
Beat the Heat 5k
This is the NC USATF 5k Championship and is an overall awesome race. I ran this in 2010, before knowing I'd spend a year here, and raved about it then. Any race that has free beer, free pizza and free subs post race is good in my book. A challenging course and great competition makes it worth the trip. They also do an interesting "age-graded" award system, which is becoming more generous to me as I get older. It's also held at night, which is a nice change of pace, especially in the Summer!

Ultimate Runner
One of my favorite running events, period. And I've only done it once. It's a decathlon of sorts where you run the mile, the 400, the 800, the 100 and then close it out with a 5k tour of Hanes Park. It's limited to 108 runners, which are divided into 8 heats. You're given points for your place in each event and like golf, low score wins. The event is followed by an awesome after-party, put on by Twin City TC, that includes free beer and pizza. A must do!

Mistletoe Run
A staple in Winston is the Mistletoe Run, which is a Half Marathon. The race starts by Hanes Park and offers some challenging hills and a very scenic course. It's generally held after Thanksgiving, during the first weekend of December and there is a 5k and Fun Run option if you're not looking to go the 13.1.

Frosty 50
I've yet to run this one, but my sources unanimously recommended it (and they're natives). The Frosty 50 is a 50k that's held around the first Saturday of the year at Salem Lake. Don't want to run a 50k? There's a 25k option and a 4-man relay as well.

Post Run Fueling
Foothills Brewing - 638 West 4th St
Like beer? Me too. Not only does Foothills make award winning beer, they have an excellent brewpub where you can get cheese grits as a side item. They also have trivia, music and plenty of TV's to watch sporting events. And if you're anywhere in NC, order a Hoppyum or a Sexual Chocolate (if you can find it). You won't be dissapointed.

Mozelle's - 878 West 4th St
My favorite restaurant in Winston. If you can only go to one place to eat, this is the spot. Great apps and entrees and a nice setting near downtown Winston makes this a hot spot. Try the gourmet bacon-wrapped meatloaf with cheese grits (yes, I love grits) and spicy collards. Delicious!

Krankies Coffee - 211 East 3rd St
A very cool coffee spot that I was only introduced to recently. They've got a great vibe here with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Food, coffee, beer. You know, the works.

Other Places Worth Checking Out - Old Staley's, Single Brothers, Skippy's Hot Dogs, Tate's

Other Things of Note
"Running Shorts" blog
Eddie Wooten writes an excellent blog for the Greensboro News & Record that covers the running scene throughout the Triad. A definite bookmark for keeping up to date with local races and news about local athletes performing on the national level.

JDL Fast Track - 2505 Empire Dr
Winston's first indoor track opened this year. Local builder and excellent runner, Craig Longhurst, has mixed business with pleasure and developed a spot to host high school. college and even masters meets. This has filled a big void in the state, as last year there wasn't a place to host the high school state meet. Thanks Craig!

Aperture Cinema - 311 West 4th St
An excellent movie theater that shows the films that will be nominated for Oscars. Also, the host of the River Run Film Festival. A great place to see a film before a night on the town, as it's located right on the heart of 4th Street. Also, they serve beer and wine.

Pilot Mountain Pay Back
If you're into Ultras and mountain running, Pilot Mountain is just a short drive from Winston and hosts this excellent event. They also have the Pilot Mountain 5k Challenge if you don't want to go long.

Krispy Kreme and Texas Pete
Two of Winston-Salem's finest exports!

Future Additions
This was orginally posted in March 2012. My hope is that when people google "Running in Winston-Salem, NC," that they will find this post, so if there are any additions I am missing, or things change in the future, please email me and I will revise accordingly!

Thanks to Brian Amrich, Nick Iauco and Molly Nunn for help compiling the information! And thanks to the good people at Wake Forest Baptist Health for providing an excellent place to work!

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Running at Umstead Park - A Primer

If you are from the Raleigh area, you probably already know about Umstead Park. If you're from North Carolina, you've probably heard of it. If you've never heard of Umstead Park, hopefully this piece will make you want to check it out. Based on the continued viewership of my piece on Running in Greenville, NC, and Running in Winston-Salem, NC, I wanted to do something on what I feel is the best place to run in North Carolina. The goal here is to give anyone some basic information about Umstead and what to expect with the trails, where to launch, where to park, etc. It's also a great place to train for the Raleigh Half Marathon.

Why Umstead?

Be prepared to share the trails!

Anyone that has trained at Umstead Park will tell you, it's tough. Training at Umstead makes you a better runner, period. On any given Sunday, you'll see collegiate teams from NC State, North Carolina and Duke floating up and down the hills. You see the state's best high school runners, professionals, Galloway groups and local clubs all churning away the miles up and down the hills. Why? Because Umstead works. It's the health plan that doesn't charge you monthly. It's excellent trails and water fountains every few miles make a great place to get that long run in, a recovery run or just a fun run on the single tracks of Company Mill or Loblolly. Run Umstead once and you may be huffing and puffing, but you'll be a fan for life.

Where to Start?

Parking at Reedy Creek Rd

1. Reedy Creek Road Entrance (You now have to turn left on Manorbrook and park about 100 yards down the road - Also, you can park at Schenck Forest)
Not to be confused with the Reedy Creek (pictured up top) entrance, the Reedy Creek Road entrance is my personal favorite. From Wade Avenue, take the Edwards Mill Road exit, in the opposite direction from the RBC Center, and then take a left on Reedy Creek Road. You'll see the greenway on your right and Schenck Forest on your left. Drive almost until you hit the dogleg left turn and park on the right, just before the "no parking signs." From this gate, you can go straight out the Reedy Creek Trail, or to the right on the more challenging Turkey Creek Trail. You can do the loop of the both for a good 7 miler or cut it shorter with the Cedar Ridge shortcut for 5 miles. More on the routes below.

2. Highway 70 (aka Glenwood Avenue) Entrance
A close drive from the Brier Creek area, but a longer drive from downtown Raleigh. The Highway 70 entrance is close to Carmax out Highway 70. You'll see the sign from the road and it's a lesser traveled entrance to the park for runners, as the main start is the Sal's Branch Trail, and the Sycamore Trail. If you're coming from Durham, this is a good launching point.

Bathrooms at Reedy Creek Entrance

3. The Reedy Creek Entrance (off Hwy 40 exit 287)

The Reedy Creek Entrance is the most traveled entrance, as it has a big parking lot, and bathrooms! Located just off of Highway 40, exit 287, the Reedy Creek Entrance is the only sign of life, opposite SAS and all traffic off Harrison Avenue. From the Reedy Creek entrance, you can start on the Loblolly Trail, Company Mill or Reedy Creek Lake (past Camp Whispering Pines), which takes you back to the Reedy Creek Trail.

Entrance to Lake Crabtree

4. Lake Crabtree
A more tucked away entrance that is popular with mountain bikers, the Lake Crabtree entrance is located off exit 287 as well. You go the opposite direction off the exit onto Harrison Avenue and take a right on Weston Parkway and then another right onto Old Reedy Creek Road. Once you see Lake Crabtree on the left and cars parked just after you cross Highway 40, you'll know where to start. This can launch you to the backend of the Reedy Creek Trail, or towards the Black Creek greenway (around the lake), which is an excellent place to tack on a few miles.

What Trails do I Run?

"Cemetary" Hill

1. Reedy Creek Trail
Reedy Creek is the smoothest of the trails at Umstead. It's a bridle trail that you can run 3-4 abreast, if you wish. If you start at the Reedy Creek Road entrance, you can run just over 5 miles straight out to the Lake Crabtree entrance. There's a water fountain about 5 kilometers in that comes in handy, and plenty of rolling hills to keep your heart moving.

2. Turkey Creek Trail
You can start Turkey Creek by veering to the right at the Reedy Creek Road entrance. There is a water fountain right at the start, which comes in handy when you are doing loops. The first few miles of Turkey Creek are downhill (when you go this way), but around 2 miles, it gets tough. You'll see Ebenezer Church Road on your right and the Cedar Ridge Trail on your left, before heading into the woods for some of the toughest hills in Raleigh. The first one is the hardest at Umstead, but it will prepare you for the rest. The Turkey Creek portion of the trail is about 5 miles before you hit Graylyn Trail, where you can go left up to the Reedy Creek Trail, or right and go onto Ebenezer Church Road and the surrounding neighborhood.

Savor the Single Track

3. Loblolly Trail
The Loblolly Trail is for the trailheads. Lots of great single track that stretches all over the park. You can start on Loblolly at the Reedy Creek entrance or you can hop on it off the Reedy Creek Trail and many other places. It cuts through most every trail and can get a little rooty, but is a lot of fun.

4. Company Mill Trail
Another excellent single track option. You can start on Company Mill at the Reedy Creek entrance as well, or hop on it just after "Cemetary Hill" off the Reedy Creek Trail. This trail is the most like something you would find in the Pacific Northwest, with plenty of pine needle and mulch packed trails that are easy on the legs.

5. Sal's Branch Trail
A great beginner's trail off the Highway 70 entrance, Sal's branch is a nice 2.5 mile loop that can get you started in trail running and can lead you into other area's of the park. This is an especially fun run when it snows.  You'll see many deer on this run, as it's not as frequented as other areas of the park.

6. Sycamore Trail
Also off the Highway 70 entrance, the Sycamore Trail is an excellent lollipop loop that is approximately 7 miles in length and is a mix of rolling pine needle covered trails and more technical root and stream jumps. To get here, just drive straight (all the way to the back) off Highway 70 and you'll dead end into the launch point (not the first, or second parking lot).

Popular Routes at Umstead

The Cedar Ridge shortcut

1. Reedy Creek/Turkey Creek 7 miler (with 5 mile Cedar Ridge option)
This is a popular route that takes you down the Reedy Creek Trail from the Reedy Creek Road Gate until you take a right on Graylyn (about 2 miles up). Once on Graylyn, you'll take another right onto Turkey Creek and hit the hills in reverse. You'll take Turkey Creek all the way back to the Reedy Creek Road gate for a strong 7 mile run. You can do this in reverse as well to hit the harder section on Turkey Creek early. Finally, you can cut this route to 5 miles by taking the right off of Reedy Creek Trail onto Cedar Ridge Trail at about 1.75 miles. Beware though, as right before you get to Ebenezer Church Road and back onto Turkey Creek (where you'll go right), there's a creek to cross that almost always requires getting your feet wet!

Gazebo at Lake Crabtree

2. Gate to Gate (to Gazebo, and beyond)
The gate to gate run keeps you on the Reedy Creek Trail. You'll start at the Reedy Creek Road Gate and run almost to Lake Crabtree (and back). It's about 4.6 miles and can easily be tacked on. If you go into Lake Crabtree and run to the Gazebo, you'll be closer to 12 miles for the full back and forth. And if you want to go even further, you can follow the Black Creek Greenway another 1.9 miles to Harrison Avenue for a run that's almost 16 miles.

Gateway to Reedy Creek Lake

3. Reedy Creek Lake Hills
From the bridge at the bottom of Reedy Creek Lake to the road at the top of Reedy Creek Lake Trail is just over a half a mile. This is an excellent place to do uphill or downhill repeats. Training here will get you ready for the Newton Hills at Boston or any hills for that matter!

Races at Umstead
1. The Umstead 100 Mile Endurance Run
The Umstead 100 is something that I've witnessed a few times on training runs. It's usually held in late March and sells out six months in advance every year. It is sold out for 2012 already. They offer a 50 mile option as well.

Lots of water fountains at Umstead

2. The Umstead Marathon
The Umstead Marathon is a more recent event that is also very popular. This event is held in early March and is put on by the Carolina Godiva Track Club out of Durham.

3. Run for Umstead
The Run for Umstead is a four mile event that is put on by the Umstead Coalition, a non-profit organization that helps preserve the park. Join the group here

"Fat Ass" Finish

4. The Umstead Downhill Mile
Ok, so this is a pipe dream "fat ass" (aka unofficial race) that I plan to put together one day. You start at the Reedy Creek Road Gate and run (almost) to the Reedy Creek Lake sign as fast as possible! Want to try it? It's a live Strava segment (with an uphill counterpart).

I hope this has been helpful. Feel free to leave any comments on things that could be useful to the out of towner and email me with any basics I've left off!

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Running in Greenville, NC - A Primer

When I moved to Greenville in September 2009 to enter graduate school at East Carolina University, I found it difficult to find information about places to run. So as I exit the town a year and a half later (for a new job in my second hometown of Raleigh, NC), I hope that this will be of future help to those that move to Greenville or to those that live here and are looking for new places to run. If you have any specific questions or think I am leaving something out, feel free to email me.

Tracks
JH Rose High School - 600 W. Arlington Blvd
A nice rubberized track that is (generally) open to the public (ie. they leave the gates open on nights and weekends). Like anywhere in Greenville, it can get a little windy, but this is a nice track. The ECU team has been practicing here while theirs is being built, so that should tell you something about the quality of it. Also, it is about 2 miles from campus, which provides a nice warmup.

DH Conley High School - 2006 Worthington Rd
Conley is a bit out of town (down Charles Blvd towards Winterville), but generally has a little less traffic than Rose. It is a newer (also rubberized) surface than Rose and has an adjacent park that is great for warmups on the trail and grass. This can get a little windy as well, but not as bad as Rose.

ECU – Corner of Charles Blvd and Greenville Blvd
In progress as of this post, the new ECU track is going to be awesome. The old one was on par with the high school tracks, but the new one promises to be a nice all-weather surface with a steeple pit and everything you could want in a local track. Hopefully they'll let the public use it (they are building a wall around it). Just be smart and respect the team if they are out there and you should be ok. From talking to some of the runners on the ECU team, they have said expect it to be finished around March 2011 (but don't hold your breath).

Trails
EC Velo Bicycle Post Trails - 3132 Short Bridge Rd
The best trails in the Greenville area (Grimesland). These were built by the EC Velo Club for the mountain bikers, but are just as good for a run. $10 a year gets you entrance to these 10+ miles of single track trails that are great for a change of pace as there are plenty of hills and the whole thing is soft trails; a nice break from the constant concrete of Greenville. You may want to carry some pepper spray on the back of your shorts though as wild animals and unleashed dogs will run with you every now and again. If it is your first time, you may want to go with a friend or someone that has been there before. It's hard to get lost, but just a suggestion.

ECU North Recreational Complex - Highway 264 East (10 minutes from campus)
These soccer fields and attached trails are a great place for easy days and for longer intervals. There is a field house with a bathroom, water fountain, drink and snack machine which is nice as well. A loop around the soccer fields is just under a mile and if you add the trails in, you can make a 2.25 or so mile loop that is easy on the legs. Beware the windy days, but this place is one of my favorites for the day after a workout or hard run. Also, they close the gates at dark, so get out there early.

River Park North - 1000 Mumford Rd
This is a fairly short trail (about 2 miles out with a few side trails), but can be added to a run from downtown to make a good 7-8 mile loop. Nice crushed rock trails, but beware the side trails can get a little slick and muddy as I have taken a few dives.

Boyd Lee Park - 5184 Cory Rd
Many local high school cross country races take place here, but it is not a whole lot of trails. It is essentials running around a flat field with a few ducks into the woods. Can get pretty windy. I don't really like Boyd Lee, but some people do, so take it for a spin and see what you think.

Race Directors

East Carolina Road Racing - Kip Sloan
The staple in Greenville road racing, ECRR puts on most of the races around here. Kip's a very nice guy and will get you a course map and/or any info you need about a race by email quick.

Run the East - James Orr
This is a new venture that split off of East Carolina Road Racing this year. I have not met Mr. Orr, but by all accounts he's a good guy and seems to be very tech savvy. Expect good things.

GRG featured in Runner's World

Running Groups
Greenville Running Group - a great email list to get on if you are in Greenville where people bounce around ideas for runs and other local info. They also have a Facebook group where runs are organized during the week as well. If you are moving here, the first thing you should do is sign up for GRG's email list.

ECU Club Running - If you are in college and are not running varsity, ECU Club Running is a great place to keep the competitive juices flowing. The team meets daily and has a wide range of commitment and ability. Lots of nice people and they compete in NIRCA races, as well as local road and trail races. One of their favorites is the Medoc Trail Marathon (and 10 Miler).

GoRun - an all ages (8+) and abilities local group that does weekly track workouts at DH Conley, hill workouts at Town Common, Sunday long runs from Elm Street Park and competes as a team at local and out of town races (this spring they are all running the Shamrock Marathon in Virginia Beach).


Running Stores

Omega Sports - 3160 Evans St (252) 317-8956
Not really a true running store, but as close as you get to one in Greenville. Omega has a great selection, a knowledgable staff and always has information on all the races coming up as well as the current issue of Endurance Magazine, which is a nice free pickup if you haven't read it before.

Popular Races
Reindeer Dash for Cash - in my mind, the best race in Greenville. Held every December and directed by Dawn Cash-Salau. The event features a 5k and a 10 mile race. The 10 miler has prize money and both events have a team component. Pretty typical Greenville 5k course, but great post-race food and nice awards and door prizes. The only true "must" race here.

Fiesta Biathlon - not just for runners, Fiesta is a 5k run followed by a 15 mile bike, but Fiesta is likely the longest running race in Greenville (25 years) that starts and ends at Chico's with a big post race party.

Thinking of buying near Greenville? I can help!

Other Places to Run
Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium - 100 Ficklen St
One of the best places to get your hill repeats in. The ramps at Dowdy are a nice gradual incline and the gates are generally open to knock these "stadiums" out mid run without catching any flack from university security.

Town Common - 100 E. 1st St

This is where 90% of the local races start. It is also a good place to do some hill repeats or meet a friend for a workout or run.

Greenville Greenways - All over Greenville
The greenways are currently expanding and the new section will run from around the dog park down the New River to behind the cemetery at the end of 5th Street near Green Springs Park. This will be a nice new option.

Post-run Fueling
B's Barbecue - 751 B’s Barbecue Rd (No Phone)
One of the oldest and most famous barbecue joints in North Carolina, B's is always busy. Get there early as I believe they only cook 4 hogs a day and when they are gone, B's closes up. They are closed Sunday and Monday and are cash only. They won't break the bank though as a barbecue plate with a side and a sweet tea is around $5. A great place to hit when coming home from the EC Velo Bike Post Trails.

Chico's - 521 Cotanche St (252) 757-1666
Possibly the best reference point in Greenville. Chico's is always busy and has a happening bar area with happy hour appetizer specials daily. Decent mexican food and nasty bathrooms, but a good place to meet up for a run (as you can stash water bottles, gels, etc behind the wall right across the street on the campus side for long runs).

Sup Dogs - 213 E. 5th St (252) 752-7682
A great post race stop and the only outdoor deck in downtown Greenville you can sweat on! Great hot dogs and burgers and cheap daily deals. On Saturday they have $1 hot dogs and $1 PBR draft in a mason jar. Always a good celebratory lunch after a good 5k on a spring day.

Other things of Note
ECU Student Recreation Center (on Campus)
This is the best gym I have ever been in. If you have access to this, use it! It has tons of nice treadmills, a rubberized 235 meter flat track, plenty of weights, basketball courts, a smoothie bar, a pool (with hot tub) and stationary bikes, ellipticals, etc. I haven't checked out the local health clubs like Golds and Snap, but can fully endorse the SRC. Just make sure if you come as a guest that your sponsor doesn't leave as I was recently jerked off a treadmill mid-run and asked to leave because my friend went to class. Lame!

Massage Works of Greenville - 104 East Victoria Ct (252) 355-1000
I am getting older and need work! Spencer at Massage Works does a great job and will keep you loose and limber. Only $50 for an hour massage and well worth it!

Running Assessment Clinic At East Carolina University (RACE)
Dr. Blaise Williams is doing some cool things and has monthly lectures on different topics (which I hear are great). They also do studies from time to time that they will post on the Greenville Running Group email list.

Future Additions
This was orginally posted in February 2011. My hope is that when people google "running in greenville, nc," that they will find this post, so if there are any additions I am missing, or things change in the future, please email me and I will revise accordingly!

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