Local roads, trails offer diverse choice of running options
Published on Page 4 of the September 4, 2013 issue of Morgan Hill Life:
By Paul Rakitin
Paul Rakitin
If training for your next big race has become monotonous and you’re tired of running the same route every morning, don’t despair. In Morgan Hill, we’re lucky to live in one of the most beautiful places in the Bay Area. Just a short distance from our homes lie miles of amazing places to run both on and off road.
With very little traffic, running on the roads in Morgan Hill can be a very pleasurable experience. Many runners know the experience of battling traffic or breathing in vehicle exhaust while training in some places. Fortunately, the best roads and trails to run on in our South Valley region have few cars — and most drivers are happy to share the roads with runners and bicyclists.
During the week, time constraints can often force us to run right out the door and we have to keep close to home to get to work or the kids to school on time. The weekend is a perfect time to explore the many other options we have for our running experience.
Many runners head to the Coyote Creek trail to enjoy the flat terrain, mile markers, scenic landscape and quiet atmosphere the trail has to offer. The one-mile loop at the San Pedro Ponds (on the corner of Hill Road and San Pedro Avenue) also offers a comfortable environment for both running and walking.
If you prefer a paved rural trail with no traffic, Harvey Bear Ranch County Park in San Martin is a great place to run a two-mile loop with very little elevation gain. If you’re looking for more challenging trails to run on at this county park, then head to the main trail head, grab a map and discover miles of endless fire road and single track trails. Each trail point has a distance marker with the name and distance to the next trail split. There is always plenty of parking and the trails are wide enough to share with mountain bike riders and people on horseback. Bring water and a hat because there is very little shade in the park.
Many Morgan Hill runners looking for a true challenge drive over to Mt. Madonna County Park just west of Gilroy on Highway 152. The Hecker Pass park is lush with redwood trees and scenic views of the Santa Cruz Mountain range.
Let’s not forget about the largest state park in northern California. Henry W. Coe State Park is diverse with shorter distance loops to much longer trails with thousands of feet of elevation gains and losses. Wildlife is abundant and the terrain can be extreme in some areas. In this rugged environment, it’s best to have a running partner if you venture out far. And make sure you carry plenty of water and food.
There are so many wonderful places that have not been mentioned here, so consider joining a local club such as The South Valley Running Club, Moms Run This Town or The Wolfpak triathlon club to meet up with and enjoy the running experience with others. Stop by The Running Shop and we’ll be happy to share more cool places in the region to enjoy a run.
As a final reminder, always remember to give a friendly greeting when passing a fellow runner. Who knows? You may just find a new training partner to help those miles not seem so long.
Paul Rakitin is the owner of the Running Shop, located at 16999 Monterey Road.
